ARE YOU FIERCELY PASSIONATE ABOUT
PETS? WE ARE!
Bark & Fitz is growing and we are looking for dedicated, passionate pet lovers to grow with us
Who We Are
Bark & Fitz is a dedicated retailer of fine pet products, high quality pet foods and the world's best grooming services. Our focus on passionate, caring pet owners and our attention to "what's best for the pet" sets us apart. Click Here to learn more about our company.
LEARN MORE
Bark & Fitz and You
Bark & Fitz is looking for dedicated and passionate pet lovers with an owner/operator mentality. Applicants should be excited about taking an active role in their new venture and should be comfortable working with an organization where you will be listened to and valued. We reject the all too typical large franchisor mentality where you are "just another store." We are looking for applicants that will thrive in an environment where you have direct and continued communication between franchisee and franchisor and you truly are a member of the Bark & Fitz family.
The Franchise Process
We take great pride in our application process. It is designed to provide you with all of the necessary information and confidence you require to make one of the largest decisions in your career. Understanding and respecting the commitment you are considering is why we invest so much time and energy in ensuring you are comfortable in your decision to join the Bark & Fitz family.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re ready to get started in a career that you are passionate about why wait? We want to hear from you today!
Request a Package
* Bark & Ftiz Brands Inc. does not sell, trade, or rent its online customer information or customer emails to any third parties. If you would like to unsubscribe or withdraw your consent for any communications please send us this request stating as such in an email from the email address you wish discontinue receiving communication.
Contact Information
General customer service inquiries can be addressed to or you can reach one of our Customer Service Representatives by phone Mon-Fri 8am-6pm (EST) and Saturdays 9am-5pm (EST).
Is a Bark & Fitz Franchise Right for You?
Bark & Fitz stores are ideal for major and secondary markets across Canada. Convenient-to-shop retail, combines with a strong emphasis on service, friendliness and core product knowledge. Most stores offer grooming services with a complement of between 1 – 4 “breed cut” groomers. We do not sell pets. Store sizes typically range from 600 sq ft to 2,000 sq ft depending on the area.
Bark & Fitz is ideal for the individual with a strong pet background and a desire to seek a career in the pet industry. Stores are stand-alone and require a full time commitment. Stores and setup are almost turnkey with the Franchisee playing a significant role in the process. The ideal candidate will live the experience, interact with their community and be actively involved in the industry. Passion for pets and great customer service are key to this opportunity. Store sizes and costs vary by location. Successful applicants should be prepared to invest between $150,000 to $225,000 to open a Bark & Fitz location. Investment figures are approximate by location and include most costs including franchise fee, inventory, integrated point of sale system, build out, setup, design, fixtures and training.
Bark & Fitz Brands Inc. assists in the process of locating a store site. Stores are professionally designed and the setup process is both exciting and dynamic.
A Bark & Fitz franchise will include:
-
Site selection assistance and lease negotiation.
-
Complete store design.
-
Pre-opening "Coming Soon" store promotion.
-
Assistance with staff hiring.
-
Training and ongoing support.
-
Retailing and store management experience.
-
Local store marketing initiatives and a dynamic promotional program.
-
Computerized central purchasing from our state of the art 60,000 square foot distribution centre and home office.
-
Food bought and shipped directly from and to your store.
-
Accessories and treats bought and shipped directly from our centralized distribution centre in Mississauga.
-
Proprietary P.O.S. system.
-
In-house IT support.
-
Strong private label product programs. Our Shedrow K9 dog coat program with industry leading margins and price points as well as an ongoing and focused marketing campaign is an example of this.
-
Access to a large selection of private label "human lifestyle" products which allow the business base to be expanded past pet to the owner, bringing out the "YOU" in "You and Your Pet", and driving improved sales and margins.
-
Increased margin potential and product positioning.
-
In-house graphics department that provides graphics for use with local store marketing events, social media sites, in-store marketing, and related activities.
-
Ongoing marketing calendar along with support materials as required.
-
A unique chance at a career in the pet industry witha leading, experienced Canadian retailer.
Our Company
Bark & Fitz offers higher end healthy foods and treats and places special emphasis on customer service and intimacy with the local pet owner community. We greet our customers and their pets by name. We believe in the brands we sell and we are constantly learning at the front end of the curve about what's healthy and best for our pets. Our accessories selection focuses on quality and appeal. Our purchasing team travels the world visiting vendors and attends most major international pet trade fairs. We have direct relationships with manufacturers ensuring margin and retail optimization. We place a high focus on our own private label brands, offering excellent price and unique innovation. And, we are the "world's best groomers." We hire "breed cut" groomers understanding that our customers want the best cut and care for their dog. If you want the best available for your pet, at competitive prices, Bark & Fitz is your pet store.
Our sister company, Greenhawk Harness & Equestrian Supplies is well known with 46 corporate and franchised stores across Canada. With an emphasis on customer service, strong core values and industry leading private label development, the Greenhawk team brings expertise and experience to the Bark & Fitz offering and operational platform. Bark & Fitz Brands Inc. shares a large, modern home office and distribution centre with Greenhawk in Mississauga, Ontario.
The Franchise Process
THE FIRST STEPS TO BECOMING A BARK & FITZ FRANCHISEE
Complete and return the attached application by either email, fax or preferably courier.
Once we have reviewed your application we will contact you by telephone for an initial discussion and review. This can take from 20 minutes to an hour or longer. It is an informal discussion designed to answer as many questions as possible that you may have with regards to franchising at Bark & Fitz.
At this time we will also provide you with a more in-depth outline of the process that we follow to open a franchise. We will give you a brief overview of the financial requirements and scenario. This conversation is designed to give you a good overall feel for the opportunity and to answer many of your questions.
HOME OFFICE VISIT
Potential Bark & Fitz franchisees who wish to proceed to the next step will be invited to our Mississauga home office for a 1-2 day visit. We are located approximately 10 minutes west of Pearson Airport (Toronto International Airport). At this time you will have a chance to visit our stores, tour our facilities and meet some of our team. There is no charge for this visit. You will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement where permitted by law.
This visit is designed to give you a feel for the business and lifestyle commitment, as well as to answer further questions about franchising and the business. Additional financial information will also be discussed at this time.
Prior to deciding on whether to proceed with the visit, we will spend as much time on the telephone with you as you feel is necessary to assist you in making this next decision. By the end of your visit you should have a reasonable insight into what a Bark & Fitz Franchise is all about.
THE NEXT STEP
At the end of your visit we will hold a wrap up session to answer further questions and discuss the next step. Should you wish to proceed and should we agree, you will be given the opportunity to take the Franchise Agreement home with you to review with your legal advisors. Depending on the laws in your province, you may be asked to provide a deposit and sign an additional confidentiality agreement before receiving your franchise agreement. Where applicable the deposit is $250.00. If you choose to proceed with the franchise after we have approved you as a suitable candidate, your deposit will apply towards the initial franchise fee.
In some provinces, franchise law may require a disclosure period of up to 14 days before you can sign any agreements with us. We follow the appropriate law depending upon the province. By this point we will have discussed your expected investment and answered as many questions as possible.
STORE SET UP & TRAINING
Once the agreement is signed, we proceed with the location search (in the event that one hasn’t already been found). You will be involved in the process and asked to assist. During this period of time you will also be provided with 1 – 2 weeks of hands-on training at one of our training stores. There is no additional cost for your training.
The process of setting up your store is involved and exciting. There are many necessary steps that Bark & Fitz assists with, trains you in or undertakes. These include: store site selection, store planning and layout, design drawings, store setup with an on-site Merchandising Team alongside you and your staff, inventory modeling and fulfillment, hands-on training at our training centre, custom P.O.S. and inventory management software, in-house IT support, grand opening promotion, advertising, staff selection assistance, marketing and other elements, that all lead to a successful store opening.