Camp Run-A-Mutt

The vendor opportunity at Camp Run-A-Mutt

Camp Run-A-Mutt operates 12 franchised dog daycare and boarding locations, with no company-owned units disclosed in the 2024 FDD. The system reported an average unit volume (AUV) of $1,030,390, and the royalty rate stands at 6.0%. Year-over-year unit growth declined by 7.69%, signaling a contracting footprint. For software vendors, the total addressable market is limited to these 12 units, concentrated primarily in Illinois. The operator base consists of a single mapped operator with no multi-unit owners, meaning any sale will likely require engaging directly with the franchisor rather than leveraging multi-unit influence.

Despite the small unit count, the AUV suggests healthy per-location revenue, which may support investment in operational or customer-experience software. Vendors offering solutions that integrate with or complement the mandated tech stack—particularly around payment processing and remote monitoring—may find receptive conversations if they can demonstrate clear ROI for a small, service-focused franchise.

Who controls software purchasing

The 2024 FDD lists Mikel Ross as the agent for service of process, a role that typically correlates with centralized control over franchise operations. No additional C-suite or IT leadership is named, which is common in systems of this size. In practice, this means software purchasing decisions are likely made or heavily influenced at the HQ level, with franchisees expected to adopt mandated systems. Vendors should direct initial outreach to Mikel Ross, framing their solution around compliance with existing mandates and operational efficiency for a small, single-operator network.

Mandated and current tech stack

Camp Run-A-Mutt’s Item 11 disclosures mandate four specific technologies: Apple Pay by Apple Inc., Google Wallet, Muttcam Website, and Muttcams. The absence of a named traditional POS system suggests the franchise relies on mobile payment platforms and its proprietary camera system for core operations. Muttcams likely serve both operational monitoring and customer engagement, allowing pet owners to view their dogs remotely. For vendors, this creates adjacency opportunities in areas like scheduling, CRM, or back-office management, provided they can integrate with the existing payment and camera ecosystem.

Procurement, renewals, and timing

The FDD does not include an Item 8 extract, leaving the procurement model unspecified. It is unclear whether franchisees must purchase from designated suppliers, select from approved vendors, or operate with open discretion. This ambiguity means vendors should clarify purchasing authority early in discussions. On renewals, Item 17 permits one consecutive successor term of 10 years if the franchisee is in good standing, signs a general release, pays a successor fee, and upgrades their center and vehicle as required. The successor agreement may include materially different terms, including higher royalty and advertising fees. With only 12 units and negative growth, renewal-driven technology evaluations will be rare, but when they occur, they represent a captive moment for vendor engagement.

How to read the Camp Run-A-Mutt FDD

The 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document is the definitive source for understanding Camp Run-A-Mutt’s technology mandates, fee structure, and executive contacts. Key sections for software vendors include Item 11 (franchisor’s assistance, advertising, computer systems, and training), which lists the mandated Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and Muttcam technologies, and Item 1 (the franchisor and any parents, predecessors, and affiliates), which identifies Mikel Ross as the primary contact. Item 17 outlines renewal conditions and timing, while Item 19 provides the financial performance representation showing the $1,030,390 AUV. Review these sections to align your pitch with the system’s actual constraints and opportunities. For a ranked target list of franchise systems matched to your software category, FranCloud can help you prioritize outreach.