Product/service: Pet sitting and dog walking

Franchises in the U.S.: 165

Growth in franchises: 11.5%

Net worth requirement: $25,000

Royalty: 5% and 1.5% brand development fee

Franchise fee: $15,000 for a 50,000-household protected territory

Recession or no recession, people love their pets, and will pay good money for their care, including shelling out for walking and sitting services when they’re away. Fetch! Pet Care franchisees take care of all kinds of pets — dogs, cats, birds, even spiders. They aim to have background-checked walkers and sitters available whenever pet owners need them. The Walnut Creek, Calif.-based firm also provides services such as puppy training and yard cleanup.

Besides getting the chance to bond and play with lots of critters, franchisees can operate from their homes with a flexible work schedule. And the pet care industry continues to grow as Americans work longer hours, needing help to keep Scruffy and Chuckles happy at home. Fetch! has been around since 1994.