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Salty Paws Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Salty Paws is a pet grooming and spa franchise that offers professional grooming services, promoting pet well-being and a clean, refreshed appearance.

Salty Paws is a unique franchise specializing in ice cream treats designed specifically for dogs. Founded in 2018 in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, by Suzanne Goin, the company has its headquarters in the same city. Salty Paws began franchising in 2019, rapidly expanding its presence across the United States.

The franchise offers a variety of pet-friendly ice cream flavors, along with an assortment of dog biscuits and other canine treats. What sets Salty Paws apart is its commitment to providing safe, lactose-free ice cream options for dogs, ensuring that pets can enjoy a delightful and healthy indulgence alongside their owners.

By focusing exclusively on dog-friendly desserts and creating a welcoming environment for pet owners and their furry companions, Salty Paws differentiates itself from traditional ice cream parlors and pet stores. This niche market approach has allowed the franchise to carve out a distinctive identity within the competitive pet industry.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $25,000 - $25,000
Technology $4,000 - $9,000
Kitchen Equipment, Furniture and Fixtures $12,000 - $22,500
Real Estate $4,770 - $15,400
Leasehold Improvements $7,000 - $16,500
Utilities $300 - $500
Signage $900 - $4,500
Start Up Inventory $16,000 - $25,500
Grand Opening Marketing $3,000 - $5,000
Staffing $2,700 - $8,050
Uniforms $150 - $300
Insurance $800 - $1,900
Travel, Lodging and Meals for Initial Training Program $2,000 - $4,500
Licenses, Permits, Certifications and Other Professional Fees $650 - $2,000
Operating Expenses and Additional Funds (For 3 months of operation) $20,000 - $35,000
Total $99,270 - $175,650
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $25,000 - $25,000
Technology $4,000 - $9,000
Kitchen Equipment, Furniture and Fixtures $12,000 - $22,500
Real Estate $4,770 - $15,400
Leasehold Improvements $7,000 - $16,500
Utilities $300 - $500
Signage $900 - $4,500
Start Up Inventory $16,000 - $25,500
Grand Opening Marketing $3,000 - $5,000
Staffing $2,700 - $8,050
Uniforms $150 - $300
Insurance $800 - $1,900
Travel, Lodging and Meals for Initial Training Program $2,000 - $4,500
Licenses, Permits, Certifications and Other Professional Fees $650 - $2,000
Operating Expenses and Additional Funds (For 3 months of operation) $20,000 - $35,000
Total $99,270 - $175,650

Salty Paws

2022

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

Salty Paws provides comprehensive training programs to franchisees to ensure proper operation and compliance with brand standards. The training programs include the following:

  1. Initial Training Program: A ten-day training program is provided at the corporate headquarters or another designated location. It is designed for the franchisee, owners, or managers to complete before opening the business.
  2. Self-Study Program: Immediately after signing the Franchise Agreement, franchisees receive self-study materials to prepare for the initial training.
  3. Operations Manual Training: Franchisees are trained on using the Operations Manual, which covers day-to-day operations, advertising, and promotional strategies.
  4. Refresher Training: Additional or advanced training programs are available for franchise owners and managers throughout the franchise agreement term.
  5. Continuing Education: Salty Paws provides ongoing learning opportunities, including seminars, workshops, and annual conferences, either in-person or via online platforms like webinars.

Territory Protection

Salty Paws provides its franchisees with a protected territory, ensuring they have exclusive rights within a specified geographic area. The protected territory is typically defined as a specific distance, such as up to three miles in any direction from the business location.

This area is determined by topographical features and population density, providing flexibility for more densely or sparsely populated regions. While Salty Paws grants territory protection, it is not exclusive, meaning the franchisor retains the right to operate company-owned stores or authorize other franchises outside the designated protected area.

Franchisees are also expected to adhere to restrictions, such as refraining from targeted marketing in another franchisee’s territory. The territory protection ensures that each franchisee operates within a fair and competitive framework.

Competitors

Below are some of

Salty Paws

key competitors in the

Pet Retail

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Sign up
Gross Profit
Sign up
EBITDA
Sign up

New
+
n.a.
n.a.

$25,000

$99,000

$176,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Ben's Barketplace

Ben's Barketplace is a pet-supply retail franchise offering holistic dog and cat foods, treats, and wellness products, serving devoted pet parents, and known for nutrition-focused guidance, curated premium brands, and educating customers on species-appropriate diets for long-term pet health.

Franchisees

?

4
+
33%
33%
Investment

?

$242,000 - $415,000
Pets
Pet Retail

petNmind

petNmind is a pet-retail and wellness-services franchise offering natural pet food, self-service grooming and holistic-care supplies, serving mindful pet-owners and companion animals, and known for eco-friendly products, personalized guidance and community-oriented service.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$200,000 - $359,000
Pets
Pet Retail

Natural Hounds

Natural Hounds is a pet-care retail-and-services franchise offering all-natural pet food, wellness products and grooming services, serving health-conscious pet-owners, and known for clean-label offerings, educational support and boutique experience.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$130,000 - $463,000
Pets
Pet Retail

Pet Depot

Pet Depot is a pet retail franchise offering pet supplies, food, and grooming services, catering to the needs of pets and their owners.

Franchisees

?

27
+
-7%
-7%
Investment

?

$178,000 - $913,000
Pets
Pet Retail

Waggles Puppy Boutique

Waggles Puppy Boutique provides premium pet products and grooming services, catering to the comfort and style needs of dogs.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$341,000 - $678,000
Pets
Pet Retail

Three Dog Bakery

Three Dog Bakery offers premium dog treats and products, providing wholesome and delicious options to enhance pets' nutrition and enjoyment.

Franchisees

?

41
+
17%
17%
Investment

?

$181,000 - $314,000
Pets
Pet Retail

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