National dog wellness franchise signs 20 unit deal, plans multiple Raleigh locations

Scenthound, a national dog wellness franchise, said on November 12 that it has signed a 20 unit franchise agreement covering Raleigh, North Carolina and Richmond, Virginia. The multi unit deal names Dr. Jaime Pickett, a former practicing veterinarian and an existing franchise operator, as the partner who will oversee expansion across the East Coast markets identified in the agreement. Company materials frame the deal as part of broader rapid growth, noting more than 300 planned or corporate locations across 30 states.

Under Scenthound's subscription based model, customers pay monthly for routine grooming and wellness checks that use the company S.C.E.N.T. Check assessments to track pet health. The franchise release emphasized that subscription revenue and recurring visits are central to the business model, a factor the company cited in explaining the timing of its expansion into the Raleigh market. Exact opening schedules and addresses for the new Raleigh locations were not provided, with the release saying rollout timing will be announced later.

For Wake County residents, the announcement matters on several fronts. Increased access to routine grooming and preventive care through multiple dedicated Scenters could make monthly wellness services more convenient for pet owners who live and work in the Raleigh area. At the same time, the subscription approach shifts pet care toward predictable recurring spending, which may appeal to some households and require budgeting adjustments for others.

Local economies are likely to feel direct effects from the roll out. New franchise locations typically generate positions for groomers, customer service staff, and local managers, and they create demand for leased retail space in neighborhood centers and near employment hubs. The arrival of a branded, national chain could also change competitive dynamics for independent groomers, mobile providers, and veterinary clinics that currently serve Wake County pet owners.

From a market perspective, Scenthound framed the expansion in the context of broader pet care industry growth projections. The company also highlighted operational experience as a factor in selection of its lead franchisee, with executive leadership noting Dr. Pickett combines veterinary training and franchise operations experience. The StreetInsider syndicated release and the original PR Newswire notice reported the agreement on November 12.

Longer term, the deal illustrates two trends shaping local consumer services. First, subscription and membership models are increasingly used to stabilize revenue streams and encourage repeat customer engagement. Second, national franchisors continue to target fast growing metropolitan regions for clustered expansions that create brand density and operational efficiencies. Wake County officials, commercial landlords, and local pet care entrepreneurs will likely watch the announced rollout closely as specific locations and opening dates are disclosed.