Amy Addington is President & Co-Founder of Woofie’s, the pet-care franchise known nationwide for its premier mobile pet grooming spa, dog walking, and pet sitting services.
Amy launched the business with her neighbor in 2004, after she had left the corporate world, to provide reliable, professional pet care services. In 2018, Amy formally founded Woofie’s Pet Ventures and spearheaded the company’s expansion into franchising. In 2019, Woofie’s awarded its first three franchises in Northern Virginia and launched its in-house professional grooming school, Woofie’s Accelerated Grooming School (or WAGS).
In 2022, Woofie’s was ranked by Entrepreneur as a top franchise for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. That same year, it became part of the Authority Brands platform.
Today, Woofie’s continues to grow. It has about 70 franchises across the U.S., and continues to expand through entrepreneurial spirit and genuine connection to pets and people. In addition to serving as President of the Woofie’s brand, Amy also opened her own Woofie’s franchise in Delray Florida, in 2024, as well. The brand has partnerships with the American Kennel Club, The Farmer’s Dog, and Pet Vet Connections, and it recently celebrated its 21st birthday.
Amy was also named a “Woman of Wonder” by Franchise Dictionary Magazine, for her impact on franchising, ability to rise above challenges, and commitment to giving back to the community.
Amy, thank you for joining us today. Congratulations on the success of Woofie’s, and its 21st birthday (and 67 franchise locations nationwide).
Interview questions:
Q1: Would you tell us about the idea behind Woofie’s and how you initially started the business?
Q2: Tell me a little bit about the pet care industry and how Woofie’s is unique as a business.
Q3: How did the decision to franchise the business come about?
Q4: Woofie’s recently celebrated National Women’s Small Business Month, with many of its franchise owners being women. What are some key aspects or tips on how women, and others, can start and grow their businesses?
Q5: Why might people look to purchase a franchise versus starting a business? And what are some things that they should consider in purchasing a franchise?
Q6: How does Woofie’s support its franchise owners? And how can people learn more about purchasing a Woofie’s franchise?
Q7: What are some ways that women can support other women in business? And how do you encourage this at Woofie’s?
Connect with Amy on LinkedIn
Founded in 2004 and franchising since 2018, Woofie’s is the first and only franchise in the professional pet care services industry to offer combined services of pet sitting, dog walking, and mobile pet spa services. Woofie’s is further set apart by its completely customizable services and focus on customer service.
Today, there are 67 locations open and operating in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
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Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, Authority Brands’ companies include 15 leading home service franchisors: America’s Swimming Pool Company, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, The Cleaning Authority, DoodyCalls, DRYmedic, Homewatch CareGivers, The Junkluggers, Lawn Squad, Mister Sparky, Monster Tree Service, Mosquito Squad, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, Screenmobile, STOP Restoration, and Woofie’s. Together, these brands provide home services through more than 1,900 territories operated by more than 1,000 franchise owners.
Authority Brands is dedicated to supporting individual franchise owner growth by providing strong marketing, technology, and operational support. See www.authoritybrands.com for more information.
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