Los Angeles – October 05, 2026 -- Zoom Room Dog Training franchisees delivered 15.1% year-over-year same-store sales growth across the combined second and third quarters, with quarterly performance accelerating from 12.0% in Q2 to 18.2% in Q3 across the company's 45-plus unit system.
Strategic pause on new-unit development preceded the sales surge
The gains follow a deliberate decision in late 2025 to halt new-unit development and focus on operational fundamentals. Zoom Room added new leadership, including former Petco CEO Ron Coughlin as Chairman, training executive Darris Cooper, and franchise development executive Jackie Mendes. The company also deployed custom operations and marketing technology platforms and overhauled franchise management and support processes.
Socialization-as-a-Service model drives recurring revenue over one-time transactions
Rather than operating as a transactional, appointment-based service, Zoom Room structures its business around ongoing small-group classes delivered in indoor gym environments, where owners train alongside their dogs. Mark Van Wye, founder and CEO, said 2025 required "smart, sometimes difficult choices" to invest in people, technology, operating efficiency, real estate strategy and customer experience before resuming growth.
COO attributes gains to execution, not discounting
Don Allen, COO of Zoom Room Dog Training, said the system-wide momentum stems from stronger execution, better client experiences and greater consistency rather than deep discounts or promotions. He described the approach as continuous improvement applied across the entire franchise network.
Company resumes expansion into Florida and Virginia markets
Zoom Room has restarted franchise development following the sales rebound, with new franchise sales expanding its footprint into Florida and Virginia. The company's site-selection approach prioritizes sustainable unit economics and markets where its training model fills a gap in local pet services.
Chairman frames recurring engagement as franchise investment case
Ron Coughlin, Chairman of Zoom Room and former Petco CEO, said the company has converted dog training from a one-time transaction into a recurring experience that brings pet parents and dogs back repeatedly. He called the combination of recurring engagement and a scalable operating model a compelling proposition for franchise investors and operators.
Zoom Room's positive reinforcement-based training philosophy aligns with guidance from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), which emphasizes reward-based training and socialization for behavioral well-being. The company was ranked the number one dog training franchise in Entrepreneur magazine's 2026 Franchise 500.