Aussie Pet Mobile Reduces Carbon 'Paw-Print' with New Solar Van System

By: Aussie Pet Mobile | 31 Shares 368 Reads

Grooming Pets and Planet with Green Initiative

July 31, 2009 // Franchising.com // Dana Point, Calif. – Saving the environment means saving money for Aussie Pet Mobile and its 100-plus franchise owners.

The nation's largest mobile pet grooming service on wheels today announced the introduction of a new 135-watt solar panel roof mount system for its pet grooming vans. The new solar system option has proven to significantly reduce monthly fuel and electrical consumption for Aussie Pet Mobile franchise owners.

"Innovation is at the core of our company and the solar energy option we've adopted is another way we're advancing the pet grooming industry," said Rick Arevalo, president and CEO of Aussie Pet Mobile. "We are thrilled to be raising the bar even higher for others in the pet industry."

In June 2008, Aussie Pet Mobile tested a 25-watt solar panel to evaluate the potential cost and emissions savings with its franchise unit in Alpharetta, Ga. The findings were extremely positive, with fuel consumption cut by 30 percent. In addition, the solar panel eliminated the need for Aussie Pet Mobile owners to plug-in their vans for charging on a nightly basis. With the solar panel, charging is recommended just once a week.

The panel also eliminated strain and excessive use on both the van's alternator and battery pack, greatly increasing the life of both. Based on extensive research, the company made the decision to increase the wattage for greater cost and emissions savings.

"We would have liked to introduce the solar van option much earlier, however, with solar being quite expensive several years ago and options still questionable, it was in our best interest to continue to research the best solar panel product out there," said Arevalo. "Prices have now come down dramatically, which we are taking advantage of with the new solar panel."

Ramona CA based Rex Manufacturing, designed the solar kit for Aussie Pet Mobile's vans. The investment Aussie Pet Mobile's franchisees make in the solar technology has shown to pay itself back in less than 12 months.

Aussie Pet Mobile has cornered the mobile pet grooming niche in the $43 billion dollar pet industry with its commitment to quality care, convenience and attention to pets of all shapes and sizes. With over 100 franchisees operating throughout 500 U.S. domestic territories, Aussie Pet Mobile continues to expand at a rapid pace. Internationally, the brand is expanding in to Japan, Korea, Ireland, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong the United Kingdom, and Canada.

"Aussie Pet Mobile has become a trusted household name for mobile pet grooming services across the nation," added Arevalo. "Our high quality services are unsurpassed in the pet industry. We offer an opportunity for investors to break into the multi-billion dollar pet industry with a brand that holds an excellent reputation among pet owners."

Interested franchise investors need a minimum of $100,000 to $119,000 in capital for a single unit investment. Multi-unit investors need $154,000 to $172,000for a three mobile unit investment that is brought on in a staggered fashion as each van meets the required revenue mark set by Aussie Pet Mobile. Each mobile pet grooming unit is custom designed with air conditioning, heat, electricity, and water, and relies on no outside electrical or water hookups. The van's spacious interior helps pets maneuver easily and enhances the groomer's ability to ensure all of the pet's needs are met.

About Aussie Pet Mobile

Founded in Australia in 1996 by Ian Moses and Vivienne McIntosh, the couple sold the rights to the brand in Australia and moved its headquarters to Dana Point, Calif., in 1999. Today, Aussie Pet Mobile is the nation's largest mobile pet grooming service boasting over 100 franchisees in more than 500 domestic territories and nine international countries including Japan, Ireland, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Aussie Pet Mobile's certified and trained groomers pamper pets with personal, one-on-one attention in the comfort of their own surroundings. The grooming process includes an exclusive 15-step spa treatment with a professional customized shampoo, massage, blow dry, brushing, and nail clipping, just to name a few treats. Extra services are available such as aloe treatments for dry skin, flea and tick control, and an excess hair removal process, the FURminator, a tool that reduces shedding up to 80 percent when done regularly.

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