America’s Best Franchises (ABF) Brand Insight —
Bark & Mane is a rebrand of a category pioneer, not a startup. Twenty-five years as Aussie Pet Mobile built the van fleet, the certification standard, and the name recognition; the new identity and Home Franchise Concepts backing add scale and marketing muscle. For a buyer, that means an established mobile-grooming system with recurring client demand, carrying both the equity of a known brand and the momentum of a fresh one.
At a Glance
- Liquid Capital Required: $87,325 (readily available cash or cash-equivalent assets — not from borrowing, selling a primary residence, or relying on future income)
- Ownership Model: Semi-absentee
- Location Type: Home-based (mobile service)
- Time Commitment: Part-time management acceptable
- Experience Required: No grooming experience; owners hire certified groomers
About Bark & Mane
Founded in 1996 as Aussie Pet Mobile and franchising since 1999, the brand rebranded to Bark & Mane after decades as a mobile pet grooming pioneer. It grew to more than 450 units nationwide, building the largest AKC S.A.F.E. certified groomer network along the way.
Today Bark & Mane operates under Home Franchise Concepts, a subsidiary of JM Family Enterprises. Franchisees run a home-based, van-delivered model supported by purpose-built vehicles, CRM and scheduling software, and a cage-free, one-on-one grooming standard that anchors the premium position.
Why Own a Bark & Mane Franchise?
- Established brand equity from 25 years as Aussie Pet Mobile, now under a fresh Bark & Mane identity.
- Recurring revenue is built in, since most pets need professional grooming every four to six weeks.
- Home-based, van-delivered model keeps overhead lower than fixed retail while reaching clients directly at their own homes.
- Largest AKC S.A.F.E. certified groomer network, a safety and quality standard that differentiates the brand to discerning owners.
- Backed by Home Franchise Concepts and JM Family Enterprises, giving franchisees the stability of a large, well-capitalized parent.
Why This Opportunity, Why Now
ABF Market Analysis —
Pet spending has held up through recent downturns as owners treat their animals as family, and grooming sits in the recurring, service-based part of that budget that customers rarely cut. Mobile grooming meets a clear convenience demand, removing the salon trip and the stress of a shared facility, and a national, certified network stands out in an otherwise fragmented field of local independents.
ABF Timing Insight —
The rebrand from Aussie Pet Mobile to Bark & Mane marks a deliberate reinvestment moment: a new identity, updated technology, and the resources of a major home-services franchisor behind it. For a prospective owner, arriving early in that transition means building alongside a brand that is actively modernizing rather than standing still, while still drawing on more than two decades of operating history and established national name recognition. Entering now also positions an owner to secure territory before the rebranded system fills in its remaining open markets.
Training & Support
- Initial franchisee training takes place at the Home Franchise Concepts Experience Center in Dallas, covering the business model, financial planning, scheduling and CRM software, marketing, and staffing.
- Groomer training runs approximately two weeks through regional programs, covering the full range of dog and cat grooming services to certification standards.
- Site and launch guidance helps new owners establish their territory, with ongoing mentorship that continues well beyond the initial training period.
- Purpose-built, low-emission grooming vans arrive equipped for the mobile model, so owners launch with the core operating asset ready to run.
- Marketing and lead-generation programs, plus automated review generation and client-retention tools, support customer acquisition and repeat business from the very first day.
Who Are We Looking For
- Self-starters motivated and committed to succeed
- Comfortable leading a team and following proven systems
- Genuine people skills and empathy for pet owners
- Business-minded and eager to grow and scale
- Passionate about animals and quality service
Who Is Not a Good Fit
- Buyers who cannot comfortably cover the required liquid capital plus operating reserves and groomer wages — a staffing-dependent model punishes undercapitalization.
- Anyone seeking fully passive income; even semi-absentee ownership requires active oversight, hiring, and ongoing team leadership.
- Those expecting instant profitability or hands-off automation — building a van fleet and recurring client base takes time to ramp.
- People uncomfortable managing employees, or without the people skills to lead groomers and reassure the pet owners they serve.
- Owners unwilling to follow the proven system, training, and certification standards the brand requires to protect quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need prior pet grooming or industry experience?
A: No. The model is built for operators, not groomers. Owners run the business — routing, hiring, staff oversight, and local marketing — while trained groomers handle the animals. Management or sales experience tends to matter more here than any pet-industry background.
Q: Do I have to buy my own grooming van?
A: No. The grooming van is supplied as a turnkey, self-contained unit that carries its own power, water, heating, and cooling, so a full appointment runs in a client’s driveway without tapping the home’s utilities. The owner’s central revenue asset arrives ready to work rather than something to source or build.
Q: Are exclusive franchise territories available?
A: Yes. Each franchise includes a protected area where no other franchisee or corporate unit competes, giving an owner room to grow demand and add vans without splitting a market they have already built.
Q: What marketing support does the franchisor provide?
A: The franchisor drives lead generation so owners are not cold-calling for work. Support spans digital channels — email, social, and paid advertising — alongside creative assets and physical pieces such as signage, mailers, and door hangers for neighborhood visibility.
Q: How do my clients book appointments?
A: Through the brand’s scheduling platform. Clients book from a phone or computer, receive automated reminders, see prompts for add-on services, and are invited to leave reviews — a setup that cuts phone time for the owner while keeping the calendar full.
Q: Can I own a franchise if I’m not a professional groomer?
A: Yes, and most owners are not. The franchisee’s job is to build and lead the business, not to groom; hired groomers do that work and are put through AKC S.A.F.E. certification at no cost, so quality standards hold across every appointment.
Next Steps
If you are drawn to an established mobile grooming brand with recurring revenue, a home-based model, and the backing of a major home-services franchisor, Bark & Mane is worth a direct conversation. Complete the form below to request a qualification review and discuss territory availability for Bark & Mane.
This profile represents general franchise information. Individual results may vary. Refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.