Cost to Start a Camp Run-A-Mutt Franchise in 2026

Per the current FDD filed under the FTC Franchise Rule (16 CFR Part 436), total estimated initial investment for a Camp Run-A-Mutt franchise runs $367,000–$711,000. The outdoor-focused model has a lower average buildout cost than fully indoor dog daycare concepts — outdoor play yard surfacing and fencing replace expensive specialty indoor flooring systems:

• Franchise fee: $42,500
• Real estate and leasehold improvements: $150,000–$350,000 (interior buildout plus outdoor yard surfacing, fencing, drainage, and weather covers — typically 2,500–5,000 sq ft interior plus outdoor area)
• Furniture, fixtures, and equipment: $40,000–$100,000 (check-in area, kennels, grooming station, play yard equipment)
• Webcam and technology systems: $15,000–$35,000
• Signage and marketing materials: $10,000–$30,000
• Training (initial Camp Run-A-Mutt training program): $10,000–$20,000
• Grand opening marketing: $15,000–$40,000
• Working capital (3 months): $50,000–$80,000
• Permits, licenses, and insurance: $15,000–$35,000
• Miscellaneous pre-opening costs: $20,000–$45,000

Camp Run-A-Mutt is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan processing. At $367K–$711K, most openings fit within SBA 7(a) standard or SBA Express:

• SBA 7(a) / SBA Express loan: The lower end of the range fits within SBA Express (up to $500K) per the SBA 7(a) program. 10-year terms for working capital; up to 25 years for real estate improvements.
• SBA 504 loan: For franchisees acquiring their location, an SBA 504 loan provides fixed-rate financing for real estate and major improvements.
• Equipment financing: Grooming stations, kennel systems, webcam networks, and outdoor yard equipment can be financed separately.
• Working capital line of credit: Covers payroll and operating costs while customer volume ramps up.

Camp Run-A-Mutt suits owner-operators who are passionate about dogs and comfortable managing a staff-dependent service operation. Trained dog handlers, groomers, and front-desk staff are hired employees. Financial benchmarks typically require net worth of $350K+ and liquid capital of $100K+. Operators in suburban markets with access to rear outdoor commercial space and strong local dog ownership rates have the best site opportunities. The outdoor model is best suited for markets with mild year-round climates.

Camp Run-A-Mutt is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, enabling SBA-approved lenders to process applications without an independent franchisor review step. At $367K–$711K, the lower end fits SBA Express and the upper end fits SBA 7(a) standard. Here is what lenders evaluate:

• DSCR 1.25×+: SBA SOP 50 10 8 sets a minimum global DSCR of 1.15×; pet daycare lenders typically require 1.25×+ on projected enrollment. Camp Run-A-Mutt's ramp period — typically 12–18 months to stabilize daily dog counts — is the primary DSCR risk. Lenders assess the pro forma at below-capacity enrollment to verify the 1.25× floor holds during the ramp.
• Equity injection 10–20%: At $367K–$711K total project cost, equity injection runs $37,000–$142,000 from non-borrowed funds per SBA SOP 50 10 8. SBA Express threshold ($500K) covers the lower range with faster processing. Equity verification through 90-day bank statements is mandatory at closing.
• Animal care licensing as disbursement condition: Most states and municipalities require a business license and kennel/pet care facility permit before operating. Lenders may hold back disbursement of leasehold improvement funds until the operating permit is issued — confirm local permitting timelines before signing the lease.
• Outdoor venue site control: The outdoor play yard model requires ground-floor commercial space with rear outdoor access. Lenders evaluate lease quality — minimum 5–7 year term with renewal options is standard — as the primary collateral anchor. Sites in the Sun Belt and Pacific Coast with year-round outdoor weather represent a stronger pro forma than northern markets with seasonal outdoor constraints.
• Staff-dependent service DSCR: Camp Run-A-Mutt runs on trained handlers and front-desk staff, not automated throughput. Lenders assess payroll as a percentage of revenue — canine daycare typically runs 35–45% labor — and stress the pro forma at below-target dog-count enrollment to verify DSCR holds. Owner-operator direct involvement in operations reduces the labor ceiling slightly.