The Camp Bow Wow franchise operates in one of the fastest-growing service sectors in the U.S. pet care industry. Driven by rising dog ownership and a cultural shift toward treating pets as family, Camp Bow Wow has become a trusted name for professional dog daycare and boarding. Entrepreneurs are increasingly turning to franchise systems like this to meet the strong demand for reliable, high-quality pet care.
Founded in 2000 and acquired by Propelled Brands in 2024, Camp Bow Wow is now one of North America’s most recognized pet care brands. Its full-service model goes beyond daycare and boarding to include grooming, training, and enrichment, giving franchisees multiple ways to serve pet owners while building customer loyalty.
The Camp Bow Wow franchise is a pet care business offering dog daycare, boarding, grooming, training, and enrichment services. Startup costs range from $1,216,577 to $2,037,471 according to the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
For those comparing different opportunities in the franchise sector, the Franchise Brokers Association offers expert resources and guidance to help you evaluate your options.
This article is sponsored by Camp Bow Wow. The content has been created in partnership with the brand to provide insights into its business model and franchise opportunities.
What Is Camp Bow Wow and How Does the Franchise Work?
Camp Bow Wow provides facility-based pet care services that go beyond traditional boarding. Franchisees operate dog daycare centers designed to prioritize safety, enrichment, and transparency for pet parents.
Service offerings include:
- Dog daycare with structured play and socialization.
- Overnight boarding in cabins with interior fencing.
- Grooming services such as baths, brushing, and nail trimming.
- Training and enrichment programs to reinforce positive behavior.
The Camp Bow Wow franchise model is designed around a variety of services, giving owners the opportunity to meet multiple needs of local pet owners. Franchisees also gain access to the resources and support of Propelled Brands’ multi-concept franchise platform, which provides training, operational tools, and marketing guidance.
How Much Does It Cost to Open a Camp Bow Wow Franchise?
Camp Bow Wow requires a higher startup investment than many home-based or mobile franchises because it operates in purpose-built facilities with specialized equipment.
According to the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), the total estimated investment ranges from $1,216,577 to $2,037,471*.
Initial Investment (from FDD 2025)
| Type of Expenditure | Low Estimate* | High Estimate* |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Travel for Initial Training | $1,000 | $2,965 |
| Real Estate Improvements | $824,536 | $1,112,870 |
| Equipment, Supplies & Opening Inventory | $71,306 | $113,924 |
| Dog Cabins & Interior Fencing | $99,734 | $227,010 |
| Signage | $4,846 | $21,729 |
| Webcam System | $23,639 | $29,000 |
| Camp Payroll | $5,592 | $34,281 |
| Rent & Utilities | $16,579 | $33,231 |
| Plans & Permits | $20,000 | $35,000 |
| Professional Services | $910 | $11,864 |
| Camp Launch Advertising | $10,435 | $25,000 |
| Financing Fees | $10,000 | $160,097 |
| Additional Funds (12 months) | $140,000 | $175,000 |
| Project Management Fee | $5,000 | $5,500 |
| Total Estimated Investment | $1,216,577 | $2,037,471 |
What Sets Camp Bow Wow Apart?
In today’s crowded pet care industry, differentiation is critical. Camp Bow Wow has established itself as a premium, full-service provider by combining high standards of safety, transparency for pet parents, and a memorable customer experience. This unique positioning makes it more than a boarding facility—it’s a trusted brand that families return to again and again.
Key Differentiators.
- Webcam system – One of Camp Bow Wow’s signature features is its live webcam access. Pet parents can log in anytime to see their dogs at play, which builds trust and peace of mind. This level of transparency is rare in the industry and strengthens customer loyalty.
- Structured play areas – Each facility is designed with separate play yards for dogs of different sizes, energy levels, and temperaments. Staff are trained in dog behavior and safety protocols, ensuring group play is enriching but controlled.
- Multi-service offering – Camp Bow Wow isn’t just a daycare or boarding facility. Franchisees generate revenue from daycare, overnight boarding, grooming, training, and enrichment programs, creating multiple touchpoints with customers and repeat visits throughout the year.
- High customer loyalty – Once pet parents experience the convenience, safety, and fun environment, they tend to return frequently. Many even enroll their dogs in recurring daycare programs, which helps drive consistent revenue and long-term relationships.
- Propelled Brands backing – Since its 2024 acquisition, Camp Bow Wow has benefited from the scale and expertise of Propelled Brands, the parent company of FASTSIGNS®, NerdsToGo®, and MY SALON Suite®. Franchisees gain access to stronger operational systems, vendor relationships, and buying power.
Why This Matters for Franchisees.
These differentiators combine to create a proven, competitive business model. By offering a trusted experience for pet parents and a fun, safe environment for dogs, Camp Bow Wow sets itself apart from independent kennels and smaller competitors. For franchisees, this means entering the market with brand recognition, operational systems, and customer loyalty already in place.
How Big Is the Pet Care Industry?
The U.S. pet care industry reached $147 billion in 2023 (APPA) and continues to expand as more households welcome dogs into their families. Even during economic slowdowns, pet owners tend to prioritize spending on their pets, which makes this sector widely regarded as resilient.
Camp Bow Wow participates in this growing demand with a multi-service franchise model that allows franchisees to meet a variety of pet care needs under one brand. Services such as daycare, overnight boarding, grooming, training, and enrichment are designed for recurring use, helping owners build strong local customer relationships.
As part of Propelled Brands’ multi-concept platform, Camp Bow Wow franchisees gain access to national marketing, operational support, and training resources, along with the recognition of one of North America’s most established names in pet care franchising.
With pet ownership at record highs and spending on pet services continuing to grow, the Camp Bow Wow franchise offers entrepreneurs a chance to join a brand operating in one of the most resilient and fast-expanding service categories.
What Training and Support Does Camp Bow Wow Provide?
Launching a facility-based franchise like Camp Bow Wow requires strong preparation. The brand recognizes that most new franchisees may not come from the pet care industry, so its training is designed to equip owners with both operational and animal-care expertise. The goal is to ensure franchisees feel confident from day one and supported throughout their ownership journey.
Initial Training.
New owners begin with a comprehensive onboarding program that blends classroom sessions, hands-on practice, and in-camp learning. Key elements include:
- Hands-on instruction at an operating Camp Bow Wow location – Franchisees see how daily operations run in real time, including playgroup management, customer interactions, and back-office systems.
- Business management training – Covers hiring, payroll, bookkeeping, and leadership strategies needed to oversee a multi-employee facility.
- Marketing and customer service guidance – Instruction on brand standards, lead generation, customer retention, and creating positive client experiences.
- Safety and dog-handling protocols – Training in canine behavior, group play monitoring, and health & safety best practices ensures staff can provide a safe environment for all dogs.
Ongoing Support.
Support continues well beyond the grand opening. Franchisees have access to:
- Site selection and real estate assistance – Guidance on choosing high-visibility locations and facility layouts designed for safety and efficiency.
- Marketing campaigns and brand resources – From national advertising to localized digital marketing, franchisees benefit from tools that attract new customers and build loyalty.
- Operations software suite – Proprietary tools for scheduling, payroll, reporting, and client communications streamline day-to-day management.
- Field visits and franchise business coaching – Regular check-ins from corporate advisors provide accountability and strategies for growth.
- Peer network access – Franchisees can share best practices with other owners, creating a supportive community across the system.
Why This Matters.
Running a large-scale pet care facility can feel complex, but with this multi-layered support structure, franchisees are never alone. From selecting the right site to managing staff and delivering excellent customer service, Camp Bow Wow provides the systems, tools, and mentorship needed for sustainable success.
Who Is the Ideal Owner for a Camp Bow Wow Franchise?
Camp Bow Wow is designed for entrepreneurs who want to combine passion with purpose. The ideal owner is not just looking for a business opportunity—they are driven to create a safe, fun environment where dogs thrive and customers feel confident leaving their pets.
Traits of Successful Franchisees.
The most successful Camp Bow Wow franchise owners share several qualities:
- Love for dogs and passion for pet care – Owners don’t need to be veterinarians, but they must genuinely value animal welfare and enjoy being part of the pet community.
- Comfort managing teams – With multiple employees and a busy facility, franchisees should be strong leaders who can hire, train, and motivate staff.
- Financial readiness – Operating a large-scale facility requires significant investment. Owners should be well-capitalized and able to sustain the business during the ramp-up period.
- Community-oriented mindset – Many franchisees engage in local events, shelters, and rescue partnerships, positioning Camp Bow Wow as more than just a business—it’s a community hub.
- Commitment to proven systems – Success comes from following the brand’s established playbook while tailoring services to local market needs.
Why This Matters.
No prior experience in pet care is required. Instead, Camp Bow Wow looks for individuals with leadership ability, financial stability, and a genuine love for animals. With comprehensive training and ongoing support, the franchise equips motivated owners to succeed—even if they are new to the pet care industry.
FAQs About Camp Bow Wow.
How much does it cost to open a Camp Bow Wow franchise?
The estimated investment ranges from $1,216,577 to $2,037,471*, according to the 2025 FDD.
What services does Camp Bow Wow provide?
Franchisees offer dog daycare, overnight boarding, grooming, training, and enrichment.
Do I need prior pet care experience?
No. The franchisor provides comprehensive training in pet care, operations, and business management.
What kind of support is provided after launch?
Franchisees receive help with site selection, marketing, operational software, and ongoing business coaching.
Who owns Camp Bow Wow?
In 2024, Camp Bow Wow was acquired by Propelled Brands, which also operates FASTSIGNS®, NerdsToGo®, and MY SALON Suite®.
Is Camp Bow Wow the Right Fit for You?
The Camp Bow Wow franchise combines a passion for dogs with a comprehensive business model backed by strong corporate support. With high customer loyalty, a growing industry, and the resources of Propelled Brands, it offers entrepreneurs a chance to build both community impact and long-term business value.
Want to learn more about franchise ownership? Take the next step in your business journey today.
