A licensed veterinarian with more than 18 years of franchise experience has signed a 20-unit development agreement with Scenthound, the dog wellness franchise brand in Jupiter, Florida. Dr. Jaime Pickett will open locations in the Raleigh, North Carolina and Richmond, Virginia markets, bringing a medical background to a brand positioning itself at the intersection of pet care and preventive health.
Founded in 2015, Scenthound has finalized development plans for more than 300 franchised and corporate-owned locations across 30 states. The brand positions itself as a wellness service rather than a traditional grooming pet care franchise, with recurring monthly memberships at its “Scenter” locations.
Dr. Pickett’s background includes previous multi-unit franchising with Banfield Pet Hospital and Papa Johns, in addition to more than two decades of clinical experience in veterinary medicine. The Raleigh-Richmond deal marks one of the larger development agreements in Scenthound’s recent expansion history.
Scenthound
Elevated care. Healthier pets. Happier humans
- Personal Services
- Liquid capital: $150000
A Veterinarian’s Perspective on the Pet Wellness Market
Dr. Pickett’s career spans two industries that rarely overlap in franchise development: veterinary medicine and multi-unit restaurant operations. After running Banfield Pet Hospital units and Papa Johns locations, she chose Scenthound for its focus on routine wellness care rather than reactive treatment.
Her first “Scenter” locations are planned for the greater Richmond, Virginia area. The deal covers a 20-unit development schedule across both Raleigh and Richmond, two mid-sized metro markets in the Southeast with growing suburban pet ownership rates.
Scenthound’s Expansion Model and Franchise Investment
Scenthound operates on a membership model, with recurring monthly plans covering routine cleaning, skin and coat care, and wellness checks. The brand’s 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document puts the total initial investment at $322,999 to $550,769, with a franchise fee of $49,900 and a royalty of 6% of gross revenue.
According to the FDD, the average unit volume across 69 fully open locations in fiscal year 2025 was $507,331. Financial eligibility criteria include a minimum of $150,000 in liquid capital and a net worth of at least $500,000. The brand is currently represented in 30 states, with more than 300 locations either open or in development.
Average unit volume across 69 fully open Scenthound locations in fiscal year 2025, according to the brand’s 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document.
Pet Industry Growth and the East Coast Expansion
The pet services sector has attracted increased franchise investment in recent years, driven by sustained growth in household pet ownership and a shift in consumer spending toward health-oriented pet care. The global pet industry is projected to reach $277 billion by 2030, according to figures cited by Scenthound.
For the brand’s Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Pickett’s dual background makes her an unusual but strategically relevant franchisee. “Jaime’s unique combination of franchise expertise and passion for pet wellness makes her an incredible addition,” notes Josh Lyon, Chief Operating Officer, Scenthound. The Raleigh and Richmond markets continue a pattern of East Coast expansion that has characterized Scenthound’s recent development strategy.
First Locations and the Road to 300
Dr. Pickett plans to open her first Scenthound locations in the greater Richmond area, with the Raleigh market following in subsequent development phases. Scenthound lFaunched its first Richmond-area location in Chesterfield, Virginia in May 2026, giving the brand an established presence in the market ahead of her planned openings.
With more than 300 locations either open or in development across 30 states, the brand is approaching a scale that its leadership has described as a significant milestone. Franchisees interested in Scenthound development can reach the franchise team through scenthoundfranchising.com.
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