DoodyCalls Franchise Loan: The Complete Financing Guide for DoodyCalls Franchise Owners

DoodyCalls has turned pet waste removal into one of the most recession-resistant franchise opportunities in the country, combining low overhead with a service that pet owners need year-round. Whether you are a first-time franchise buyer or an experienced multi-unit operator, securing the right financing is the critical first step to launching a profitable DoodyCalls territory. This complete guide walks you through every aspect of DoodyCalls franchise costs, loan options, qualifications, and the exact steps to get funded quickly.

What Is DoodyCalls Franchise?

DoodyCalls is the nation's leading pet waste management franchise, offering professional dog waste removal services for residential yards, apartment communities, homeowners associations, dog parks, and commercial properties. Founded in 2000 by Jacob and Susan D'Aniello in Charlottesville, Virginia, DoodyCalls built its reputation on a simple but powerful promise: clean, sanitized outdoor spaces for pet-owning households and communities.

In 2019, DoodyCalls was acquired by Authority Brands, one of the largest multi-brand franchising platforms in North America. That acquisition brought substantial operational infrastructure, marketing support, and technology tools to franchisees - dramatically improving the support system for new owners entering the system. Today, DoodyCalls operates across dozens of states and serves hundreds of thousands of clients annually.

The core service model is straightforward: franchise owners build recurring route-based businesses where technicians visit client properties on a scheduled basis - weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly - to remove and dispose of pet waste. The recurring revenue model creates predictable income streams that lenders and investors find particularly attractive.

Why DoodyCalls Stands Out as a Franchise Investment

Pet ownership in the United States has reached record levels. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, American households spend billions annually on pet-related services, and that figure has grown every year for the past decade. Pet waste removal specifically benefits from several compelling market dynamics:

• Essential service: Pet waste removal is not discretionary - it is a hygiene and safety service that residential and commercial clients renew continuously.
• Recurring revenue: Route-based subscription models create predictable monthly income from the first client you sign.
• Low overhead: DoodyCalls does not require a storefront, commercial kitchen, or major equipment investment beyond a reliable vehicle and supplies.
• Scalable model: Owners can expand from a solo operation to managing multiple routes and crew members as revenue grows.
• National brand backing: Authority Brands' marketing, technology, and operational support give franchisees a significant competitive advantage over independent operators.

For aspiring entrepreneurs looking at service-based franchises with strong unit economics and manageable startup costs, DoodyCalls consistently earns high marks in franchise satisfaction surveys and industry rankings.

DoodyCalls Franchise Costs and Investment

Understanding the full picture of DoodyCalls franchise costs helps you determine exactly how much financing you need. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the investment requirements based on publicly available franchise disclosure information.

Initial Franchise Fee

The DoodyCalls franchise fee ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 depending on the territory size and market population. This fee grants you the right to operate under the DoodyCalls brand, access the proprietary software platform, and receive initial training and launch support from the franchisor.

Total Initial Investment Range

The total investment to open a DoodyCalls franchise typically falls between $72,000 and $140,000. This range accounts for franchise fee, vehicle acquisition or modification, initial supplies and equipment, insurance, software setup, and working capital for the first few months of operations.

Ongoing Fees

Like most franchise systems, DoodyCalls charges ongoing fees that franchisees should account for in their financial projections:

• Royalty fee: Approximately 8-10% of gross revenues, paid weekly or monthly
• Marketing fund contribution: Approximately 2% of gross revenues for national and regional brand marketing
• Technology fee: Monthly fee for access to the proprietary scheduling, routing, and client management platform

Liquid Capital and Net Worth Requirements

DoodyCalls franchisees are generally required to demonstrate a minimum of $30,000 to $50,000 in liquid capital and a net worth of at least $75,000 to $100,000. These thresholds help ensure franchisees have the financial cushion to weather early growth stages without cash flow pressure.

Financing Options for DoodyCalls Franchisees

Most DoodyCalls franchise buyers use a combination of personal savings and third-party financing to fund their investment. Here is a breakdown of the most common and accessible financing options available to prospective franchisees.

SBA 7(a) Loans for Franchise Financing

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers the SBA 7(a) loan program - the most popular small business financing tool in the country. SBA 7(a) loans are particularly well-suited for franchise startups because they offer:

• Loan amounts from $50,000 up to $5 million
• Long repayment terms (up to 10 years for working capital, 25 years for real estate)
• Government-backed guaranty that reduces lender risk and makes approval more accessible
• Competitive interest rates (typically Prime + 2.75% or lower)
• Ability to finance franchise fees, equipment, vehicles, and working capital in a single loan

Crestmont Capital works with SBA-preferred lenders and can guide you through the SBA 7(a) process from application to funding. Learn more about our SBA loan options to see if you qualify.

Small Business Loans (Conventional)

Conventional small business loans offer an alternative to SBA financing with faster approval timelines and less documentation. These term loans work well for franchisees who have strong credit profiles and need funding within days or weeks rather than months.

Typical conventional franchise loans feature:

• Loan amounts from $25,000 to $500,000
• Terms of 1 to 5 years
• Fixed or variable interest rates based on credit profile and loan duration
• Approval decisions in as little as 24-72 hours

Equipment Financing for Vehicles and Supplies

Because DoodyCalls operations depend on reliable vehicles, equipment financing is an ideal solution for funding that portion of your investment. Equipment loans are secured by the asset itself, which typically results in lower rates and easier approvals compared to unsecured business loans.

With equipment financing, you can:

• Finance 80-100% of the vehicle purchase price
• Spread payments over 3 to 7 years
• Preserve working capital for operating expenses
• Potentially take advantage of Section 179 deductions (consult your tax advisor)

Business Line of Credit

A business line of credit works like a revolving credit account that you draw from as needed and repay over time. Lines of credit are particularly valuable for managing seasonal fluctuations in revenue, covering payroll during growth phases, and funding marketing pushes to acquire new residential clients.

Lines of credit for franchise businesses typically range from $10,000 to $250,000 and offer the flexibility to borrow only what you need when you need it.

Fast Business Loans

For franchisees who need capital quickly - perhaps to secure a territory before another buyer claims it - fast business loans offer same-day or next-day funding in many cases. These short-term financing solutions bridge gaps while longer-term financing is finalized.

ROBS (Rollover for Business Startups)

If you have funds in a 401(k) or IRA, a ROBS arrangement allows you to use retirement savings to fund a franchise without triggering early withdrawal penalties or taxes. This is not a loan - it is a structure that invests your retirement funds directly into your new franchise business. Always consult a qualified financial advisor and attorney before pursuing a ROBS arrangement.

Franchisor Financing Programs

Some franchisors under the Authority Brands umbrella offer in-house financing or preferred lender programs for qualified candidates. Contact DoodyCalls directly through their official franchise development team to inquire about any current incentives or deferred payment programs available to new franchisees.

How Crestmont Capital Helps DoodyCalls Franchise Owners

Crestmont Capital is a leading alternative business lender with deep expertise in franchise financing. We understand that franchise buyers face unique challenges - startup businesses without years of operating history, complex cost structures that blend franchise fees with equipment and working capital, and tight timelines tied to territory availability. Our team bridges those gaps every day.

What Sets Crestmont Capital Apart

Our process starts with a simple conversation about your goals, credit profile, and investment timeline. From there, we match you with the lenders most likely to approve your specific situation and present you with competing offers so you can choose the best terms.

We have helped franchise owners across dozens of brands - from food service to home services to fitness - secure the capital they needed to launch successfully. Whether you are pursuing your first DoodyCalls territory or expanding to multiple routes, Crestmont Capital has the lenders and expertise to help you move fast.

For inspiration, see how we have helped other service franchise owners through our recent posts on Massage Green Spa franchise financing and EOS Fitness franchise loans.

Who Qualifies for a DoodyCalls Franchise Loan?

Lender requirements vary depending on the loan type and amount. Below are general qualification guidelines for the most common DoodyCalls financing options.

Standard Qualification Criteria

Bad Credit Options

If your credit score is below 620, do not assume financing is out of reach. Crestmont Capital offers bad credit business loans and works with alternative lenders who evaluate your full financial picture - not just your FICO score. Strong collateral, solid cash reserves, and a compelling franchise brand like DoodyCalls can offset credit challenges in many cases.

What Lenders Look For in Franchise Applications

Beyond credit score and time in business, lenders evaluating franchise loan applications typically examine:

• Franchisee experience: Previous business ownership or management experience is viewed favorably
• Franchise brand strength: Established brands with strong FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document) performance data receive more favorable underwriting
• Equity injection: The more of your own capital you contribute, the stronger your loan application
• Debt-to-income ratio: Existing personal and business debt levels relative to income
• Collateral: Personal or business assets that can secure the loan
• Business plan: A well-documented plan with realistic revenue projections for your territory

Application Process Step by Step

The path from initial inquiry to funded franchise is more straightforward than most people expect, especially when you work with a lender who specializes in franchise financing. Here is what the process looks like with Crestmont Capital.

Step 1: Pre-Qualify Online (5 Minutes)

Submit a simple online form at Crestmont Capital with basic information about yourself, the franchise you are pursuing, and the funding amount needed. This pre-qualification does not impact your credit score and gives us the information we need to match you with the right lenders.

Step 2: Speak with a Franchise Financing Specialist

One of our franchise lending experts will review your application and discuss your goals, timeline, and financial profile. We will explain which loan types make sense for your situation and answer any questions about the process.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

For most franchise loans, you will need: government-issued ID, recent personal and business tax returns (2-3 years), bank statements (3-6 months), a copy of the Franchise Disclosure Document, a business plan with financial projections, and a summary of any existing debts and assets.

Step 4: Submit to Lenders

Crestmont Capital submits your complete application to the lenders best suited to your profile. We handle the packaging and presentation so you get the strongest possible case in front of decision-makers.

Step 5: Review and Accept Offers

Lenders respond with term sheets that outline loan amounts, rates, terms, and conditions. Our team helps you compare offers and understand the true cost of each option so you can make an informed decision.

Step 6: Close and Fund

Once you accept an offer and complete closing documentation, funds are disbursed - often within 24 to 72 hours for conventional loans, or 30 to 90 days for SBA loans. You are then ready to pay your franchise fee and launch your DoodyCalls territory.

Real-World Financing Scenarios

To illustrate how franchise financing works in practice, here are three hypothetical examples of DoodyCalls franchise buyers and the funding solutions that made sense for their situations. These are illustrative examples and not guarantees of specific loan outcomes.

Scenario 1: First-Time Franchise Buyer with Strong Credit

Maria, a former corporate professional with a 710 credit score and $40,000 in savings, wants to purchase a single DoodyCalls territory with an estimated total investment of $95,000. She puts $40,000 down as an equity injection and finances the remaining $55,000 through an SBA 7(a) loan. With a 10-year term and a rate around 10.5%, her monthly payment is approximately $740 - well within reach once her route builds to 80+ residential clients.

Scenario 2: Expanding Operator Adding a Second Territory

James has been operating a successful DoodyCalls franchise for two years, generating $180,000 in annual revenue. He wants to expand to a second territory requiring $85,000 in total investment. Because his existing business has demonstrated revenue, he qualifies for a conventional business term loan at a competitive rate with a 36-month term, funding in five business days rather than the months it would take for SBA processing.

Scenario 3: Entrepreneur with Challenged Credit

David has a credit score of 595 due to a past medical debt, but he has $50,000 in savings and strong management experience. Rather than a conventional term loan, Crestmont Capital structures a combination of equipment financing for his vehicle (secured against the asset) and a smaller unsecured loan for working capital. David contributes a higher equity injection to offset the credit risk, securing the territory he wants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Next Steps to Get Funded

Conclusion

DoodyCalls represents one of the most accessible and scalable franchise opportunities in the home services sector - a business built on recurring client relationships, low overhead, and the unstoppable growth of the American pet industry. According to Reuters and AP News, the service franchise sector as a whole has outperformed many other business categories in recent years, driven by demand for convenience, professionalism, and reliability.

The financing landscape for DoodyCalls franchise buyers is more accessible than many people realize. Between SBA loans, conventional business loans, equipment financing, and lines of credit, there are options for buyers across a wide range of credit profiles, savings levels, and experience backgrounds. The key is working with a lender who understands franchise financing - someone who can match your profile to the right lenders and present your application in the best possible light.

That is exactly what Crestmont Capital does every day. Our team of franchise financing specialists has helped owners of all experience levels secure the capital they needed to build successful businesses. Whether you are pursuing your first DoodyCalls territory or expanding an existing operation, we are ready to help you move fast and smart.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Funding terms, qualifications, and product availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Crestmont Capital does not guarantee approval, rates, or specific outcomes. For personalized information about your business funding options, contact our team directly.