Fetch! Pet care

This company, Fetch!PetCare, provides a new level of service to pet owners who often require pet sitting or pet walking duties. This is a franchise company, listed in the 2008 Inc. 5000, that is within the financial capability of many home-based entrepreneurs; the opportunity is discussed later. The pet industry is number six among the fastest growing in the US, with sales forecast this year at $43.4 billion. The company uses a network of over 3,800 pet sitters. With these numbers they are able to offer on-demand emergency sitters almost anywhere they are needed to provide in-home services if customers want it. The pet business is thriving because, as the CEO of Fetch!PetCare says, "Pets don't know that we are in an economic downturn.” To be approved for a franchise, you must have a strong credit history and a minimum liquid financial net worth of $15,000. Additional required investment varies by what your business strategy is. A possible example is: Initial franchise fee: $12,000 Training, advertising, and equipment: $8,295 to $24,500 Total Investment: $20,295 to $36,500 This is an attractive and inexpensive franchise for these rough times. It requires a low investment, you have a lot of on-call help so you don’t kill yourself trying to take care of your customers, and there is lots of repeat business. In addition to sitting services, there is a store offering pet and people clothes and many other accessories and supplies—another way for you to make money from the same customer base for whom you provide other services. The company provides no financing, but they will help you find sources of money through a list of microloan lenders in your state; you can see this list here.