2014
8
$398,000
$50,000
$878,000
No
Step into a world where feline well-being, luxury service, and operational excellence converge. The Happy Cat Hotel & Spa franchise offers a truly unique opportunity in the booming pet services sector. Built exclusively for cats—not as an after-thought in a dog-centric kennel model—this boutique hotel, spa, grooming, and retail concept is designed to meet the growing, underserved demand of cat-loving households across the United States. With its premium positioning, emotionally engaging customer experience, and multiple revenue streams (boarding, grooming, spa, and retail), Happy Cat stands out as a compelling investment choice.
As more households treat their cats as members of the family, the market for premium cat-only services is expanding rapidly—and Happy Cat is perfectly positioned to capture that growth. As a franchisee, you’ll be joining a brand that combines hospitality, animal care, and retail excellence under one roof. If you’re passionate about cats, dedicated to customer service, and eager to build a lifestyle-enhancing business, the Happy Cat Hotel & Spa is the perfect opportunity.
Why Invest in this Franchise
Untapped Niche Market: While most pet service franchises focus on dogs, the cat-only niche remains largely underserved. Happy Cat caters exclusively to felines, giving franchisees a powerful and defensible market position.
Multiple Revenue Streams: The model includes luxury boarding, grooming and spa services, retail products, enrichment programs, and day-care memberships, ensuring steady cash flow throughout the year.
Premium Brand Experience: Happy Cat provides an elevated experience through individually themed suites, enrichment activities, spa treatments, and an upscale environment. The result—premium pricing and strong word-of-mouth among affluent cat owners.
Comprehensive Franchise Support: From site selection and facility design to marketing, software systems, and staff training, the franchisor provides complete support to ensure success and consistency across all locations.
High-Growth Industry: The U.S. pet industry continues to expand, with cat ownership at record levels. Consumers are spending more than ever on premium, specialized pet care.
Brand Momentum: Though still young, Happy Cat is rapidly expanding through franchising, with a clear mission: to revolutionize the cat-care experience and redefine feline hospitality.
Happy Cat Hotel & Spa was founded in 2014 by Chris Raimo and his wife, Meg Raimo, who saw a major gap in the marketplace for premium, cat-only services. The first location was established in Windsor, Connecticut (later expanded to East Granby), offering themed suites, cage-free environments, spa treatments, and high-end retail.
After several years of strong local success and national attention, Happy Cat began franchising in 2020. The company headquarters is based in East Granby, Connecticut, and as of 2025, there are approximately eight operating franchise units across the United States, with more territories under development.
The franchise operates under Happy Cat Hotel Franchising, led by founder and CEO Chris Raimo. The brand is privately held and continues to grow within the Pet Care & Luxury Boarding industry, an expanding segment valued at billions of dollars annually. Happy Cat’s business model sits at the intersection of pet hospitality, grooming, and retail—offering multiple income streams and a luxury-focused customer experience.
Happy Cat Hotel & Spa provides franchisees with a comprehensive, end-to-end support system designed to help them succeed from day one.
Pre-Launch Support
Site Selection: Assistance in identifying high-visibility locations with strong cat-ownership demographics and favorable zoning.
Design & Construction: Detailed architectural blueprints and vendor guidance for building out the hotel’s unique, themed suites, enrichment areas, and spa facilities.
Licensing & Compliance: Step-by-step support for meeting local animal care regulations, health permits, and business licensing requirements.
Initial Training: Over 100 hours of combined classroom and hands-on operational training covering feline behavior, guest relations, grooming, cleaning protocols, staffing, and software systems.
Grand Opening Marketing: Comprehensive launch strategy including social media, press outreach, grand-opening events, and local partnerships to drive immediate visibility and bookings.
Operational & Ongoing Support
Proprietary Software: A back-office system for reservations, customer management, cat profiles, inventory, and staff scheduling.
Continuous Training: Regular webinars, regional meetings, and system updates to ensure franchisees stay aligned with best practices and evolving brand standards.
Marketing Programs: Centralized marketing campaigns, social media templates, and co-op advertising options. Franchisees also receive support for local outreach and promotional events.
Field Operations Support: On-site visits, audits, and performance reviews by experienced support staff to optimize daily operations.
Innovation & Expansion: Ongoing product and service innovation, including retail offerings, spa memberships, and enrichment programs, ensuring the business remains competitive and relevant.
Happy Cat’s franchise system is built to make owners feel supported, confident, and prepared to deliver a consistent, premium guest experience across every location.
The ideal Happy Cat franchisee is someone who blends passion, business acumen, and love for animals. The brand seeks partners who are:
Cat Lovers: A genuine appreciation and understanding of cats and their unique behaviors are essential. Franchisees should be driven by a desire to enhance feline care and comfort.
Hands-On Operators: Owners should be actively involved in the daily operations, especially in the early stages, to maintain quality standards and build strong customer relationships.
Hospitality or Service Background: While not required, experience in customer service, retail, hospitality, or management is highly beneficial.
Financially Prepared: Franchisees should have sufficient capital to manage the full investment, maintain working capital, and sustain operations through the start-up phase.
Community-Oriented Entrepreneurs: The brand values owners who engage with local communities, rescue organizations, and cat clubs to build strong, loyal customer bases.
Growth-Focused Visionaries: Those seeking to expand with multiple units or become regional developers are encouraged to explore long-term opportunities with the brand.
Ultimately, Happy Cat is best suited for owners who combine business discipline with heartfelt enthusiasm for cats and customer satisfaction.
Below is an overview of the estimated financial investment and operational costs associated with owning a Happy Cat Hotel & Spa franchise in the U.S. (figures are approximate and subject to updates in the Franchise Disclosure Document).
Initial Franchise Fee: $50,000
Total Investment Range: $398,000 – $878,000 (includes build-out, equipment, inventory, signage, and working capital)
Minimum Liquid Capital Required: $80,000 – $100,000
Royalty Fee: 6% of gross sales
National/Brand Marketing Fee: 1% of gross sales
Franchise Agreement Term: 10 years, with renewal options
Employees Required: Approximately 6 per location
Revenue Streams
Luxury overnight and extended cat boarding
Full-service grooming and spa treatments
Retail sales (premium cat food, toys, litter, and accessories)
Enrichment programs and spa club memberships
Financial Performance & ROI
Happy Cat’s revenue model is designed for sustainability and growth. The mix of high-margin grooming and retail services, combined with premium boarding rates, can yield a healthy return on investment once occupancy and local awareness stabilize. Depending on location and market conditions, break-even can typically be reached within 18 to 36 months of opening.
Long-Term Potential
As cat ownership continues to rise and spending per pet increases, the brand’s early-mover advantage in the cat-only hospitality space provides an opportunity for strong scalability and regional dominance.
