Pet lovers want the best for their pets, but let’s face it, taking a dog or cat to the groomer can be a time-consuming inconvenience. Dropping off Fido, waiting around for a call announcing the pup is ready, and then rushing to pick him up before the shop closes, can tie you up for an entire day. By Rochelle Miller
Pet lovers want the best for their pets, but let’s face it, taking a dog or cat to the groomer can be a time-consuming inconvenience. Dropping off Fido, waiting around for a call announcing the pup is ready, and then rushing to pick him up before the shop closes, can tie you up for an entire day.
That’s why it’s no surprise that mobile pet-grooming services are becoming more popular. The leading provider of such services – where the groomer comes to the pet, rather than the other way around – is Aussie Pet Mobile Inc., which has increased throughout the U.S. through franchising.
As its name indicates, the company started in Australia in 1996 and came to this hemisphere three years later. Since then, Aussie Pet Mobile has grown to become the top mobile pet-grooming provider, with more than 300 units nationwide.
What set Aussie Pet Mobile apart are the state-of-the-art technologies that each mobile unit contains, making them high-end pet salons on wheels. The groomer has everything needed to provide a feline or canine spa day in the comfort of the pet owner’s driveway. Services include a full range of grooming options, such as bathing, nail clipping, brushing, grooming, undercoat removal, and flea and tick control.
Each van is equipped with air conditioning, heat, electricity and water. The interior is strategically designed to allow ample space for the groomer and pet alike. There are no cages inside Aussie Pet Mobile vans, and they do not use harsh chemicals or kennel dryers. Even the products used on the furry clients are considered “green.”
The vans also are considered environmentally friendly, as they run entirely on a lithium-battery system, without using fuel or a gas-powered generator. The company touts the brand as the “greenest and most planet-friendly mobile grooming service.”
While some franchise owners have a pet-grooming background, most owners of an Aussie Pet Mobile franchise never groom a single pet. Instead, they focus on hiring certified groomers, scheduling appointments, dispatching their units and, of course, managing their mobile units.
“In today’s rapidly moving business environment, it is a good feeling to have Aussie’s people behind me to run all types of scenarios with and get great advice, help, encouragement and support,” stated franchise owner Tony Carilo.
Based on feedback provided by franchise owners to Aussie Pet Mobile, the company has excelled in offering operational support to its franchisees.
“Of course, my business is my responsibility,” franchise owner Mark Shaffer stated. “However, when there have been questions, feedback, urgent matters and even differences of opinion, Aussie’s leadership always listens and when they are needed, they don’t hesitate to help. It is very much a ‘partnership relationship,’ and that makes my first venture into entrepreneurialism a lot more reassuring.”
Franchise owner Alexis Heydt echoed these sentiments. “As an Aussie franchise owner, I always know that help, if needed, is never more than a phone call away,” she said. “No matter what the issue is, they always work with me until a solution is found.”
For more information regarding franchise opportunities with Aussie Pet Mobile, visit aussiepetmobile.com/franchise-opportunities.
– Rochelle Miller