How to Finance a DoodyCalls Franchise: Costs, Fees and Loans
By Marc Cornella
A DoodyCalls franchise loan is one of the smaller financing requests in franchising. DoodyCalls provides pet waste removal for homeowners, apartment and homeowner association communities and commercial properties, and its 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) estimates a total initial investment of $76,450 to $93,850, with a large share of that set aside as working capital for the first six months.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by DoodyCalls; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures from the franchisor’s disclosure document can change, loan programs and terms vary by lender and borrower, and every loan is subject to review and approval. Nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice; review the current FDD and franchise agreement with a qualified franchise attorney and accountant.
DoodyCalls Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Initial franchise fee: $39,900, according to the investment summary the franchisor publishes from its 2026 FDD.
- Additional territories: $29,900 for a second territory and $27,930 for each territory after that.
- Discounts: 30% off the franchise fee for qualifying honorably discharged veterans, and $5,000 off the total franchise fee for qualifying minority-owned and women-owned businesses, each on the first franchise only.
- Estimated initial investment: $76,450 to $93,850.
- Additional funds: $22,500 to $27,500 for the first 6 months.
- Royalty and brand fund: not published on the franchisor’s investment page; see Item 6 of the FDD.
- System size: the company reports over 100 independently owned and operated territories, in 30+ states.
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed under code S2745, with no additional directory notes.
What Is DoodyCalls?
DoodyCalls was started by Jacob D’Aniello and his future wife, Susan, who launched the business in 2000 in the Washington, DC area. They left their day jobs to focus on the company full-time, and DoodyCalls began franchising nationwide in 2004. The franchisor entity today is DoodyCalls Franchising SPE LLC, and the brand is part of a larger family of home service franchise brands under common ownership.
The company describes four main revenue streams: residential yard cleanup, commercial property services, pet waste station installation and maintenance, and community and event cleanups. It also offers yard deodorizing and sanitizing services. The company describes the service as recurring, which gives the business a route-based, repeat-customer model.
Why lenders view DoodyCalls the way they do. There is no storefront, inventory is minimal and equipment costs are low, so there is little hard collateral. Lenders focus instead on the owner’s credit, cash reserves and plan for building a customer base. Recurring service contracts help once the business is established, and the six months of additional funds in the FDD signal that the franchisor expects a ramp-up period.
DoodyCalls Franchise Costs
Initial franchise fee. The franchise fee is $39,900 for one territory. A second territory costs $29,900, for a total cumulative franchise fee of $69,800, and each additional territory after that costs $27,930. The franchisor offers a 30% franchise fee reduction for qualifying honorably discharged U.S. and Canadian veterans (at least partially veteran-owned businesses) and a $5,000 reduction for at least partially minority- or women-owned businesses, each on the first franchise only. Veterans can read more about veteran franchise financing.
Real estate and build-out. The Item 7 table includes no real estate, lease or build-out line, which keeps the investment low.
Vehicle and equipment. The FDD estimates equipment at $100 to $250, signage at $1,500 to $2,600 and a vehicle line of up to $2,600. Owners should compare those figures with their own plans for a service vehicle.
Opening costs and working capital. The largest single item after the franchise fee is additional funds of $22,500 to $27,500 for the first six months. A $6,000 grand opening marketing fee and a $3,000 business outfitting fee are also part of the start-up budget.
Total investment. The franchisor’s summary of Item 7 of its 2026 FDD lists these items:
- Franchise fee: $39,900
- Business outfitting fee: $3,000
- Grand opening marketing fee: $6,000
- Travel and living expenses while training: $750 to $1,500
- Equipment: $100 to $250
- Business licenses: $100 to $500
- Insurance: $500 to $4,000
- Signage: $1,500 to $2,600
- Vehicle: up to $2,600
- Start-up supplies: $500 to $1,000
- Telephone and internet services: $300 to $1,500
- Computer systems: $800 to $2,000
- Professional fees: $500 to $1,500
- Additional funds (6 months): $22,500 to $27,500
- Total: $76,450 to $93,850
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
Royalty and brand fund. DoodyCalls does not publish its royalty, brand fund or technology fees on its investment page. Read Item 6 of the current FDD carefully, including whether any fee has a minimum amount, because fixed minimums affect cash flow during the early months.
Operating costs. Fuel, vehicle maintenance, insurance, technician wages, disposal costs, supplies and local marketing make up most of the ongoing budget. As routes grow, labor becomes the largest cost.
How lenders factor fees into debt service. Lenders subtract royalties, marketing contributions, labor and vehicle costs from projected recurring revenue and compare the result with the loan payment. Because the loan is small, the payment is modest, but lenders still want to see enough working capital to carry the business until customer counts build.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
DoodyCalls does not publish minimum net worth or liquid capital requirements on its franchising pages. Ask the franchise development team for current figures and review the FDD. The company says many owners join with no prior experience in the industry. New owners complete the brand’s training program, which the franchisor calls Poop School, and receive ongoing coaching from franchise business consultants.
The approval process. Expect an inquiry, conversations with the development team, review of the FDD, territory selection and signing, followed by training. Some states require franchise registration before sales, which can affect timing.
Ways to Own a DoodyCalls
A new single territory. Most new owners start with one territory and build their customer base from scratch. Our franchise start-up financing page explains how lenders approach new units.
Multiple territories. Owners can buy additional territories at reduced fees. More territory means more marketing and possibly more vehicles and staff, so financing should match the growth plan.
Buying an existing DoodyCalls business. Buying an operating franchise brings recurring customers, routes and staff, subject to franchisor approval of the transfer. Lenders can underwrite the existing customer list and revenue history. Our guide to buying a franchise resale covers transfer steps and due diligence.
Financing Options for a DoodyCalls Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. Because DoodyCalls is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, an SBA 7(a) loan can cover the franchise fee, start-up costs and working capital in one package, subject to lender approval.
SBA 504 loans. The SBA 504 program is built for real estate and long-lived fixed assets. With no real estate in the DoodyCalls model, it rarely fits.
Conventional loans. Borrowers with strong credit and personal assets may consider a conventional business loan, especially for adding territories or buying an existing business.
Equipment and vehicle financing. A service truck or van, trailer, tools and route technology can be financed separately. See our franchise equipment financing and leasing options.
Working capital and lines of credit. A line of credit can cover payroll and marketing while routes fill and during seasonal swings. Learn more about franchise working capital.
Seller financing on resales. A seller may carry part of the price on an existing business. Any seller note must be acceptable to the senior lender, is typically subordinate to it and may be limited by program rules.
SBA Loans for DoodyCalls Franchisees
SBA lenders use the SBA Franchise Directory to confirm that a franchise brand’s documents have been reviewed for eligibility. A listing does not approve any borrower.
The directory listing. DoodyCalls appears on the directory under code S2745 with no additional notes. In plain English, a lender can consider an SBA-backed DoodyCalls franchise loan without extra brand-specific conditions. Confirm the listing with your lender when you apply, since status can change.
SBA application tips. The SBA 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million (program rules can change), far above a single DoodyCalls territory’s needs. Prepare a personal financial statement, tax returns, a resume and a month-by-month projection showing how customer counts grow. Our SBA loan calculator can help with planning estimates, which are not an offer or approval.
How Lenders Evaluate a DoodyCalls Deal
Personal credit and financial history. Because there is little collateral, credit history and a personal guarantee carry extra weight.
Net worth and liquidity. Lenders look at your contribution and the reserves left after closing. Our article on how much franchise you can afford walks through the math.
Industry and management experience. Sales, customer service and team management experience help show that you can win accounts and manage technicians.
Business plan and projections. Build projections around residential and commercial customer counts, service frequency, pricing, route density, labor and vehicle costs. Show a gradual ramp-up and seasonal patterns in your market.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Lenders review the fees in Item 6, the investment in Item 7, the term and transfer terms in Item 17 and the territory definition. Item 19 of the 2026 FDD includes financial performance representations; review them with your advisors. Our article on reading the FDD for financing explains what lenders look for.
Historical financials for resales. For an existing business, provide customer lists, recurring service schedules, profit and loss statements and tax returns.
Vehicles, Routes and Equipment
The core assets of a DoodyCalls business are its service vehicles, tools and routing technology. Route density is what drives efficiency: more customers in a tight area mean less drive time and lower cost per visit. As the business grows, owners typically add vehicles and technicians, and each addition can be financed as equipment rather than drawing down reserves.
Multi-Unit Growth and Development
The reduced fees for additional territories make expansion less costly at the franchise fee level. Lenders financing a second or third territory will look at the first territory’s customer base and cash flow. Our article on multi-unit franchise financing explains how lenders size growth loans.
Real-World Scenarios
A veteran starting one territory. A veteran uses the franchise fee discount, finances the remaining start-up costs and working capital with an SBA 7(a) loan and keeps personal reserves for the ramp-up.
An owner adding a territory. An established owner buys a neighboring territory at the reduced fee and finances a second service vehicle separately.
A buyer purchasing an existing business. A buyer acquires an operating DoodyCalls franchise with recurring residential and community accounts, using a term loan and a subordinate seller note.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underestimating the time needed to build a recurring customer base
- Spending the six months of additional funds on growth instead of operations
- Skipping Item 6 and missing minimum fee obligations
- Budgeting too little for a reliable service vehicle
- Expanding territories faster than marketing and staffing can support
For more pitfalls, read the service contractor loan mistakes that cost owners the most.
Next Steps to Finance Your DoodyCalls Franchise
Step 1: Check territory availability. Confirm that your target area is open and decide how many territories you need.
Step 2: Review the FDD with advisors. Study Items 5, 6, 7, 10, 17 and 19 and the franchise agreement with a franchise attorney and accountant.
Step 3: Build your budget. Start with the Item 7 total, add your vehicle plan and keep a reserve beyond the additional funds.
Step 4: Talk with a financing specialist. Compare DoodyCalls franchise loan options before you sign.
Step 5: Prepare your loan package. Gather your personal financial statement, tax returns, resume and projections.
Step 6: Close and launch. Coordinate funding with training and your grand opening marketing.
DoodyCalls Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does a DoodyCalls franchise cost?
The franchisor’s summary of its 2026 FDD estimates a total initial investment of $76,450 to $93,850.
What is the DoodyCalls franchise fee?
The franchise fee is $39,900 for one territory. A second territory costs $29,900 and each additional territory costs $27,930.
Are there franchise fee discounts?
Yes. Qualifying veterans receive 30% off the franchise fee, and qualifying minority-owned and women-owned businesses receive $5,000 off, each on the first franchise only.
What royalty does DoodyCalls charge?
The royalty is not published on the franchisor’s investment page. Review Item 6 of the current FDD for the royalty, brand fund and other ongoing fees.
How much liquid capital do I need?
DoodyCalls does not publish minimum liquid capital or net worth on its franchising pages. Ask the franchisor and plan for the full Item 7 investment plus reserves.
Can I get an SBA loan for a DoodyCalls franchise?
Yes. DoodyCalls is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S2745 with no additional notes.
Do I need a commercial location?
No. The Item 7 table includes no real estate or build-out costs.
Does DoodyCalls offer financing?
The franchisor’s investment page describes fee discounts but no direct financing. Check Item 10 of the current FDD.
Can I buy an existing DoodyCalls business?
Yes, if one is for sale and the franchisor approves the transfer. Lenders can underwrite the existing customer base and financials.
Does the FDD include financial performance information?
Yes. The franchisor states that Item 19 of its 2026 FDD includes financial performance representations. Review them with your advisors.
Final Thoughts
A DoodyCalls franchise loan is modest in size, with no real estate and a start-up budget weighted toward working capital. The keys are a realistic plan for building recurring customers, a dependable vehicle and enough reserves to carry the business through the ramp-up.
US Professional Funding helps franchise owners and buyers finance start-ups, acquisitions, equipment and working capital. Learn more about our franchise financing and service contractor financing solutions.
