Pets Are Inn is an alternative for boarding family pets while their owners are away for either vacation or business. Pets vacation in "private homes" thereby providing a loving home environment. These "Host Families", i.e. caregivers, are carefully selected. Pets Are Inn coordinates travel schedules and provides round-trip pickup and delivery. Both pet and owner prefer the worry free service provided.

1. Why should I buy a franchise when I might be able to start an alternative boarding service of my own?

A good question. Let's take a look at the success rate of franchise businesses versus independent businesses. The following data was made available through the Source Book of Franchise Opportunities:

The U.S. Department of Commerce statistics also supports these findings. The question is "not will you be in business today" but "will you be in business tomorrow."

2. Why should I buy a Pets Are Inn Franchise?

Pets Are Inn is a professional alternative for pet boarding (lodging). We fill a void in the pet boarding services field that has been sorely needed by consumers for many years. Franchise owners can save time and money by affiliating with an established company that has taken the guesswork out of marketing, promoting, and operating systems for this specialized service. The computer has enhanced our ability to provide efficient and highly developed procedures to ensure that our services will be dependable as well as personable. Our master insurance plan makes it possible for all Franchise Owners to obtain Liability Insurance. Our communication through e-mail and our toll free number assures you accessibility. We are commitment to your success. You are "on your own" but "not alone" when you join the Pets Are Inn team.

3. How do I know that Pets Are Inn is a reputable franchise offering?

Pets Are Inn, Inc. is registered to market franchises in most states. To obtain such approval in each state, we had to meet the requirements of very rigid disclosure laws and regulations that includes a financial audit by an independent CPA firm. Among other things, these laws and regulations require us to present a Public Offering Circular to each prospective franchise owner within 10 working days before the franchise can be purchased. This circular completely discloses all information about Pets Are Inn and the Pets Are Inn Franchise.

4. Is this a fad or something that won't be around within the next couple of years?

Pet Lovers are here to stay. More than half of all U.S households, 54 million, own a pet according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association in Scarsdale, N.Y. The "Yuppie Puppy" is taking the place of children in many of today's families. We also feel that there is a trend to keep both people and pets out of institutions. The long-term trend is toward individualized care. Our success in the Hawaii, Seattle, Dallas, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia markets and in other areas around the country confirms this theory. This is a trend that will only become more pronounced over time and with competition in this field at a minimum, the opportunity and potential is immense.

5. As a Pets Are Inn franchise owner, what can I offer my customers and their pets that "kennels" or other boarding services cannot?

To the customer, you can offer "Peace of Mind", a guilt free vacation, and a genuine alternative to kennel type boarding. Remember that there always have existed a large group of consumers who have been thoroughly uncomfortable using kennel facilities and imposing on friends, relatives, or neighbors. They believe their pet(s) will be ignored, isolated, and frightened ... not to mention traumatized ... being locked in a cage for days and weeks at a time ... coming home tired and horse from barking! As to what you can offer the pet? How does comfort... love... and affection sound in a "home environment". Not to mention a "real" bed to sleep on at night.

6. What about Insurance?

You will be covered under the Pets Are Inn Master Insurance Program. This is comprehensive coverage that would not be available from private carriers. The cost of the program is priced reasonably for you and your "host families.

7. Is there National & Coop Advertising?

YES! With our "web page" and internet exposure, we automatically have national and international exposure. We have solicited a national agency that is expert in the Yellow Pages industry. They are assigned the task of promoting our national image and brand awareness by developing a customized annual advertising plan for each franchise. Specific recommendations are made for publishers, directories, headings and ad size. They review the geographic, demographic, and pshychographics for existing, new and potential markets. There also have been numerous articles written about Pets Are Inn. These articles have appeared in magazines and newspapers throughout the country ... i.e. Family Circle, USA Today, Dallas Morning News, Travel Insider, The Mature Traveler, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Washington, Post, Etc.

With the ability to receive on-line inquiries and reservations from our "web page" and "800" number, you are assured to receive referrals in your area!

8. The Travel Industry is our best friend!

Pets Are Inn is approved by AAA and a member of the "Show Your Card and Save" program! Plus, we are fortunate to have a Billion Dollar Industries (i.e. Hospitality, Golf, Tennis, Airline, Cruise Ships, etc.) spending their advertising dollars to encourage more Americans to Travel. As a result, we reap the benefits of their efforts!

9. What benefits are realized from owning a service business?

The main advantage is that there is NO inventory ... NO receivables ... and NO payables. Not only does this mean that you do not need to rent storage space, but you also do not have potentially thousands of dollars tied up in costly inventory.

10. What will my initial investment be for a Pets Are Inn franchise?

Your initial investment, which includes franchise fee, will be between $20,000 and $75,000.

11. What do I receive for my initial investment?

You will receive a complete and total training package that will enable you to start an alternative boarding service in your locality using all of the expertise and know-how that has been developed since 1982. Your market will be geographically, demographically and psychographically defined to identify target market areas for both Pet Customers and Host Families. Boarding (Lodging) and Transportation rates will be defined. An IBM compatible computer, monitor, and printer are required. You will also need a copier, facsimile machine, and access to the internet. You will receive stationary and business cards, forms and contracts, comprehensive insurance coverage, and other materials necessary for your initial start up operation. You will be licensed to use our nationally registered trademark and receive an exclusive territory. You will be assisted in the opening of your business and you will receive training and consultation over the life of the franchise.

12. Who pays for the Pets Are Inn training program at National Headquarters? How long is the initial training program?

Lodging during training is included in the franchise fee. You are responsible for your travel and meals. Materials, supplies, and the Pets Are Inn Operations Manual are furnished at no charge. After signing the franchise agreement, you will be scheduled for a one-day Franklin Quest Time Management Seminar in your area. You will also receive a count down to training manual. These tasks are designed to be completed within 3 to 4 weeks prior to attending training in Minneapolis. Your next step is attending our comprehensive training program in Minneapolis for and additional five days.

There is ongoing follow up after you return to your local market. Additional meetings are held through our monthly teleconference calls and at our annual conference that you will be attending

13. Can a Pets Are Inn business support my family and me?

Most families' today need more than one source of income to make ends meet. Fortunately, many existing franchise owners look to their Pets Are Inn business as their primary source of income. The degree of income and success will vary with each franchise owner.

14. Is a computer, facsimile machine, copier, and internet access required to operate a Pets Are Inn business?

YES! You will be required to have onsite a facsimile machine, copier, and IBM compatible computer, monitor, and printer together with approved accounting, word processing, and data base software to operate and manage your Pets Are Inn business. Also, you will need to choose a local internet provider so that you have e-mail capability and access to our web site (petsareinn.com). This will allow you to have access to online reservations and referrals.

15. Will I have any competition in this field?

Yes, boarding kennels and pet sitting services will be your main competition.

16. What do I need to do to qualify for a Pets Are Inn franchise and how can I get started?

To qualify, you must genuinely love and care about pets! Also, in starting a new business, you cannot under estimate the need for financial and moral support from friends and family. All this plus, you must have a strong desire to succeed in your own business. If this sounds like you, complete the questionnaire. We will be in touch with you.