PETU K9 Higher Education is a premier dog education and care franchise founded in 2012 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. From its headquarters in Southeastern Wisconsin, PetU has grown with locations in Milwaukee, Mequon, and Racine. The company was founded by Angela Trzcinski and operates as a certified women-owned, community-rooted business.

‍PetU began franchising through PetU Franchising Inc. in the early 2020s. The brand offers a full suite of services under its “Higher Education” model.

These include dog training programs, daycare, boarding, grooming, retail, and veterinary care. Services are organized around structured education, behavior enrichment, and wellness—positioning PetU as a holistic pet-care provider.

What sets PetU apart from other dog-care brands is its educational-first focus. Unlike many daycare and boarding providers, PetU positions itself as a “dog school” with certified trainers, vet-recognized methods, and strong community involvement.

Training

PetU K9 Higher Education provides structured training programs to ensure franchisees are well-prepared to operate their business successfully. Here are the main training components offered by the franchisor:

1. Initial Training Program – Operational Focus
   PetU covers the cost of the initial training program for up to three people. The first segment spans approximately 15 days and focuses on the operational aspects of running a PetU franchise. Attendance by the Operating Owner and Designated Manager is mandatory.
2. Initial Training Program – Dog Training Focus
   The second segment lasts about 10 days and is centered on dog training methodologies. It is mandatory for the Operating Owner, Designated Manager, and Lead Dog Trainer to participate. This training is conducted at affiliate-owned PetU locations in the Milwaukee area or another location chosen by the franchisor.
3. Additional Attendees and Expenses
   While training for the first three participants is free, any additional attendees are subject to a fee of $300 per day per attendee. Franchisees are responsible for travel, lodging, meals, and other expenses incurred during the training period. This structure ensures franchisees are fully immersed in both the business and service delivery aspects of the PetU system.

Territory Protection

PetU K9 Higher Education does not guarantee exclusive territory protection to its franchisees. Although franchisees are required to secure an approved location, the franchisor retains full discretion to approve other locations and does not promise that other franchises or company-owned locations won’t be placed nearby.

This means that a franchisee could potentially face competition from other PetU locations within the same general market.

The franchisor does not assure that it will refrain from establishing additional franchises or company-owned operations within any specified territory. Franchisees are expected to operate under the standards and guidance provided, but without a territorial exclusivity clause, market overlap may occur.