The Deep Dive - January 2026
The Deep Dive is where we take a closer look at one sector, category, or operating model that’s quietly gaining momentum inside franchising, pulled directly from our monthly insider newsletter, Franchise Unfiltered. Each edition goes beyond surface-level trend talk to examine why a particular space is attracting attention, capital, and growth before it becomes obvious to everyone else.
As the year gets underway, the pace hasn’t slowed much. While time away from the office always sounds appealing, the logistics of stepping away, even briefly, tend to follow you home.
When you’re not around to handle things yourself, small responsibilities become outsized. Between kids (which I covered last month), aging parents (which I’ll touch on next), and today’s focus, pets, leaving town for even a short trip creates more friction than most people expect.
That friction is exactly why pet hospitality continues to emerge as one of franchising’s most compelling sectors.
During a recent holiday trip, the most consistent topic of conversation wasn’t work or travel, it was the well-being of my family dog, Bruno, who was being boarded while we were away. Constant updates. Questions about his mental state. A surprising amount of anxiety over whether he even noticed we were gone.
All kidding aside, this is the industry I’d invest in if I were to ever become a franchisee.
In the beginning, the hospitality levels really were just “3-Star,” similar to a Marriott Courtyard. But as the industry has matured, so have the levels of service. Are you a young dog parent on a budget? Are you just looking to go to a quick dinner but don’t want to leave your dog alone? Are you bougie and want your dog to have a 5-Star experience? Nowadays, there’s a franchisor that fills each of those voids.
In short, there’s now a franchisor for nearly every version of demand.
As franchise leaders set priorities for the year ahead, pet hospitality is positioned to make meaningful noise across franchise development, M&A activity, and broader industry conversation. This is a sector worth watching closely in the months ahead.
Brands to Watch
Dogtopia – The category leader in doggy daycare and an early mover in redefining pet hospitality beyond boarding
Skiptown – A well-capitalized upstart bringing energy and ambition to the space
The Dog Stop – A diversified model helping franchisees build multiple revenue streams
Dogdrop – A daycare concept built for Millennial and Gen Z urban pet owners
K9 Resorts – The luxury leader in pet hospitality, known for premium facilities and custom-designed air filtration systems
Want More Insights?
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