How to Start a Pet Supplies Plus Franchise in 7 Steps: Checklist

The brand’s current official ownership process describes introductions, an application, FDD delivery, conversations with franchise owners, a “Meet the Team” day, Executive Team approval and Franchise Agreement preparation. Those are official supplemental steps; the 2026 FDD and signed agreements control the contractual obligations.

The official franchise site states minimum screening levels of $300,000 in liquid assets and $600,000 in total net worth. Meeting those figures does not guarantee approval. The current franchise FAQ says prior pet-industry or franchising experience is not required, while the FDD allows training to expand from at least 80 hours to as much as 160 hours for trainees without retail or pet-industry experience.

The FDD does not publish a minimum credit score, education requirement, citizenship rule or mandatory background-check standard. Buyers should ask the Franchise Development Director which underwriting documents, ownership structure records and consents are required for the current application.

The applicant first completes the brand’s screening and Franchise Application. The official process then places FDD delivery before franchisee validation calls, Meet the Team and Executive Team approval. Under the federal Franchise Rule, the applicant must receive the FDD at least 14 calendar days before signing a binding agreement or paying the franchisor or an affiliate; applicable state rules may add different timing.

The FTC’s franchise buyer guide explains the 14-calendar-day trigger and the buyer’s right to request the FDD after the franchisor receives the application and agrees to consider it. The applicant should use that period to compare Item 9 obligations with the Franchise Agreement, Site Selection Addendum, Collateral Assignment of Lease, Personal Guaranty, equipment sublease and any state addendum.

The franchisee is responsible for obtaining a mutually acceptable site, but must use PSP’s designated real-estate representative. Typical stores are approximately 5,000 to 8,000 square feet in a stand-alone or shopping-center environment. PSP considers size, development, traffic, demographics, roadway visibility and parking, then gives written acceptance or non-acceptance within 15 business days after receiving the complete site submittal.

An accepted site is not yet an executable lease. PSP must review the lease before signing, require a satisfactory use clause and require the landlord and franchisee to sign the Collateral Assignment of Lease. The lease term, including options, must cover at least ten years plus two five-year renewals, and the executed lease and collateral assignment must be delivered to PSP within 15 days after execution.

The franchisee must use a PSP-approved architect, include PSP’s designated general contractor among the bidders, send all construction bids for review and obtain PSP approval of the architect, contractor, plans and later material changes before work begins. The franchisee remains responsible for plans that comply with ordinances, building codes, permits and other applicable laws.

Insurance must be in place before leasehold improvements begin. The FDD currently specifies general liability, automobile liability, business-interruption and property coverage, workers’ compensation and equipment-sublease coverage, with PSP and designated parties named as additional insureds where required. The franchisee must also lease the designated POS equipment through PSP, purchase required network and grooming hardware from approved sources and complete the EFT authorization before opening.

The $15,000 setup fee is tied to PSP’s on-site advisory role and is due before opening, generally on the tenth day of the month in which store setup begins. The first store’s $30,000 grand-opening advertising amount is collected at the same general trigger or paid to the designated event-management company; unspent amounts are refundable within 90 days after opening. These payments do not replace the franchisee’s responsibility to complete the physical and regulatory work.

Two trainees must attend together at a PSP-designated corporate training store, and at least one must be a principal of the franchise entity. If the franchisee appoints a Key Manager, that manager must attend and complete the program. Training lasts no less than 80 hours and may reach 160 hours for franchisees without retail or pet-industry experience; both required trainees must finish to PSP’s satisfaction at least 30 days before opening.

PSP includes tuition for the two required trainees, while the franchisee pays transportation, lodging, meals and wages. A third trainee, replacement attendee or additional management training may carry the then-current daily fee. Failure to complete training satisfactorily within PSP’s prescribed timeframe can result in termination, and each operating store must always have at least one person who completed the initial program.

A Multi-Unit Agreement is signed at the same time as the first Franchise Agreement and covers at least two stores. Its Development Schedule must state the dates by which additional Franchise Agreements will be executed and stores will open. Each later store requires PSP’s then-current Franchise Agreement, successful training, timely payments and no default under any PSP agreement.

A conversion is available only for an existing independent pet store that PSP has inspected and audited and determined meets its current Conversion Criteria. The franchisee signs the Franchise Agreement and Conversion Addendum together, reopens under the Pet Supplies Plus system within 180 days, installs required signs and technology, remodels to current standards, removes prior branding and completes training before the conversion date.

Request the exact Franchise Agreement Data Sheet, Site Selection Addendum, Territory map and—if applicable—the completed Multi-Unit Development Schedule before signing. Confirm that every blank date, store count and development area matches the deal described by the franchise team. The official territory page shows marketing availability, but only the signed documents establish the buyer’s actual site-search area, Approved Location and Territory.

Ask current and former franchisees listed in Item 20 how long site selection, lease review, permits, construction, supplier delivery, hiring and training took in comparable markets. Item 20 reported 81 signed-but-not-open outlets as of December 31, 2025, making delay questions especially relevant. Also reconcile the official FAQ’s marketing timeline with the 2026 FDD’s start event and deadlines, and verify current state registration status before any offer or sale in a registration state.

Finally, obtain written answers on any requested deadline accommodation, lease contingency, landlord contribution, contractor substitution, supplier lead time or conversion waiver. PSP does not offer or guarantee financing, and its site, design and setup assistance does not guarantee a lease, permit, construction completion, employee hiring or opening date.

Official supplemental sources: franchise inquiry form, qualification and ownership steps, franchise FAQ, support overview, and the FTC FDD review guidance.