As the new year approaches, entrepreneurs around the world are planning and setting goals. You’ve always dreamed of being a trendsetter in your community, opening new businesses and providing high-quality products or services. Still, you’ve never been sure if it’s the right time to start. Consider this your sign that becoming a franchisee is in the cards for you in 2026. Not convinced? Read on to discover the signs you shouldn’t ignore that 2026 is your year to open an All Dogs Unleashed franchise.

You’ve Built Up an Impressive Resume

Maybe you’ve decided to go back to school and get a degree in business management. Maybe you’ve spent the last several years gaining experience, tackling both customer-facing and middle management roles. Whether you’ve had a streamlined career or you’ve dabbled in different industries, you have the kind of resume that would impress any hiring manager. At this point, you don’t want to be an asset in someone else’s company. You want to take that experience and apply it to your own business.

You’ve Hit a Plateau in Your Career

You can certainly scratch the entrepreneurial itch working for someone else, especially when you’re starting out. Chasing that next raise or promotion can be plenty fulfilling, but only when you know there’s more on the horizon. What happens when the company you’ve worked for can’t offer further upward mobility? Some people might feel comfortable staying where they are, but not you. You’re ready for the next challenge, and that challenge is business ownership.

You Want to Experience Business Ownership with Fewer Risks

It’s no secret that starting a business will expose you to risks. According to frequently cited statistics, 20% of businesses don’t continue past the first year, with only 50% making it past the first five years. Making it past these benchmarks also doesn’t guarantee that your business is thriving. Opening a franchise can reduce the risk of business ownership by giving you access to established branding and a time-tested business model. Plus, you’ll have access to resources from your parent company to help with things like structuring your staff or merchandising your storefront.

Your Investments or Savings Account Look Strong

Even with reduced risk, a franchise can still take several months to become profitable. After all, you’ll need to cover your startup costs, pay your staff, and meet your monthly business bills. You may not see a paycheck of your own for quite some time. Fortunately, you’ve saved or invested money and can afford to live without a paycheck while you get your franchise off the ground.

You’re Ready to Be the Boss

Ultimately, you’re ready to be the one who’s running the ship. You’re ready to work hard, lead a team, and connect with your community so that eventually, you can have more freedom. Now, it’s time to decide which franchise will win your bid in 2026. With locations across the country, All Dogs Unleashed is a growing franchise making strides in the dog training, boarding, and grooming industry. Learn more about the franchising opportunities at All Dogs Unleashed to see if we’re the right fit for your entrepreneurial goals.

Becoming a franchisee offers the perfect balance of corporate support and independence. You’ll instantly gain access to a time-tested business model, but the success of your individual branch will come down to your ability to find customers and foster loyalty. Read on to learn how to boost customer satisfaction as a franchisee.

Provide Friendly Service

Your customer service team does a lot more than just answer the phone or run a cash register. They’re some of your most important representatives and serve as an entry point for customers looking for information, products, and services.

A positive attitude can go a long way toward creating strong customer relations. When training your customer service team, stress the importance of patience, friendliness, and a commitment to solving the customer’s problem every time. It may sound simple, but a good experience with a customer representative can create a lasting impression on new customers.

Keep Customers in the Loop

As you start to build trust and loyalty in your community, make sure you’re actively communicating with your customers. You can keep customers looped in through a weekly or monthly newsletter, social media posts, and your Google business profile.

For example, make sure to announce any changes to your business (such as a closure for remodels or a new product launch) through your newsletter and social media. Advertise sales and specials in advance so customers can easily take advantage of your discounted prices. Taking the time to craft your outreach and marketing materials can bolster your professionalism, boost your search engine performance, and ensure that your business is fresh in your customers’ minds.

Take Feedback into Consideration

Some franchisees see less-than-glowing reviews as a worst-case outcome. While you should always aim to create a five-star experience, you can’t expect that customers will never have anything negative to say.

When you receive poor reviews or customer complaints, turn them into an opportunity for growth. If a customer points out a problem or shortcoming, look for reasonable solutions. If they leave a bad review on Google or Yelp, respond by thanking them for bringing problems to your attention and explain what you plan to do to remedy those problems. This is a great way to repair individual relationships while showing other customers that you’re always seeking innovative ways to improve your business practices.

Practice Active Community Building

As a franchisee, your business may be part of a chain, but your branch is part of your unique community. Become an active member of your neighborhood by participating in community events, contributing to local charities, and partnering with small businesses.

What does that look like for an ADU franchisee? As a business serving dogs and dog owners, show your commitment to animal welfare by fundraising for your local animal shelter or participating in adoption drives. Sponsor dog park clean-ups and offer discounts to customers who shop at nearby pet supply stores.

All Dogs Unleashed is proud to provide a business model that gives franchisees the freedom to be creative and connect with customers. Learn more about our franchising opportunities today.

As a future franchisee, you have hundreds of options to choose from. Once you’ve decided that All Dogs Unleashed suits your skills, interests, and budget, there’s only one thing left to do: research your market. Read on for five signs that an All Dogs Unleashed franchise is right for your community.

  1. Dog Ownership Rates are Booming

One of the most important things that will determine the success of a franchise is demand. In this case, you’re only going to see high demand if you have high rates of dog ownership in your community.

Across the nation, dog ownership rates increased in 2020 and 2021, when the pandemic limited what we could do and where we could go. While new adoption numbers may be stabilizing in your community, the chances are high that you’re still working with historically high demand.

  1. Your Dog Owner Demographics Skew Young

When you’re evaluating the size of your target market, demographic data comes in handy. Who is most committed to their canine companion’s well-being? More importantly, who is willing to invest in things like training, one of ADU’s top services?

Older generations may have the most spending power, but Gen Z and Millennials are the biggest spenders when it comes to pet care. If you have a large population of dog owners under the age of 45, you’re on track to develop a loyal customer base.

  1. You’ve Found Available Real Estate in a Dog-Friendly Neighborhood

Location is another major factor in the potential for franchise success. Accessibility is key, whether by foot or by car. For example, commercial real estate with dedicated parking spots cuts down on the stress of getting to appointments on time or dropping by for walk-in services.

Finding a location in a dog-friendly neighborhood is the optimal choice for visibility and brand awareness. When you have a dog park around the corner or a dog-friendly restaurant across the street, your ADU franchise is guaranteed to draw attention.

  1. At Least One ADU Service Would Fill a Void

ADU offers a unique business model that dog owners love. We’re a one-stop-shop for grooming, training, and boarding. Even if local businesses offer one or two of these services, you’ll retain your competitive edge by offering all three.

When sizing up your competition, it’s also useful to look at things like customer reviews and pricing. This can give you a clear sense of what your community likes and dislikes about existing businesses and determine of ADU would better meet their needs.

  1. You Can Easily Create a Buzz About All Dogs Unleashed

Once you’ve conducted your own market research, there’s only one thing left to do: crowd source. Use social media platforms or word of mouth to start asking your local dog owners if they’d be interested in a business like ADU.

If all signs point to All Dogs Unleashed succeeding in your community, it’s time to make moves! Learn more about our franchising opportunities today.