Critter Control Inc.

Founded: 1983 Franchising since: 1987
While working as a chimney cleaner, Kevin Clark was often asked to remove animals from chimneys. Seeing the need for such services, Clark formed Clark's Critter Control in 1983 to remove animals from attics, decks and other areas for pest control companies.

Critter Control was incorporated in 1986 to offer businesses and homeowners a variety of wildlife control services. These services include repairing damage made by the animal and performing pest management such as screening vents, installing chimney caps and closing entry holes to make sure animals can't come back.

The company also provides on-call services for cities that do not have their own animal control agencies.

Address: 9435 E. Cherry Bend Rd. Traverse City, Michigan 49684

Phone: (231)947-2400 Franchisee Association Franchise Advisory Council (FAC)

Franchisor is a privately-held company with 10 employee(s); 4 employee(s) in franchise department.

Franchise Units

Year	U.S. Franchises	Canadian Franchises	Foreign Franchises	Company Owned
2009	114	2	0	1
2008	115	2	0	1
2007	106	2	0	2
2006	102	2	0	2

Where Seeking Franchisees
Nationwide
Outside the U.S.: Canada

Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: Based on population

Special Programs
Critter Control offers performance recognition programs for franchisees.

Total investment: $12,250 - $80,500
Franchise fee: $5,000 - $47,000
Ongoing royalty fee: 7%
Term of agreement: 10 years, renewable


Type of Financing Available

	In-House	Third Party
Franchise Fee	Yes	No
Startup Costs	Yes	No
Equipment	Yes	No
Inventory	Yes	No
Accounts Receivable	No	No
Payroll	No	No

Qualifications
Business Experience:

• Marketing skills
• Customer service and interpersonal skills

Operations

• Franchise can be run from home
• 8% of all franchisees own more than one unit
• Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1 - 3
• Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (98% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

Training

• Available at headquarters: 1 week
• At Columbus, OH or Fort Lauderdale, FL franchisees' locations and annual conferences

Ongoing Support

• Newsletter
• Meetings
• Toll-free phone line
• Grand opening
• Internet
• Security/safety procedures
• Field operations/evaluations
• Purchasing cooperatives

Marketing Support

• Co-op advertising
• Ad slicks
• National media
• Regional advertising

Other marketing support

• National call center, sporting event sponsorship

Franchise 500® rank:
#271 (2010); #335 (2009); #327 (2008); #308 (2007); #361 (2006);

Low-Cost Franchises:
#65 (2010); #77 (2009); #75 (2008); #78 (2007); #98 (2006);

Top Homebased Franchises:
#77 (2010); #96 (2009); #92 (2008); #88 (2007);