Franchises are helping fellow Australians affected by the Victorian bushfires; three pet franchises today set up an animal-focused appeal, while mobile coffee franchisees have served up coffee to those involved in the relief effort.

Stores in the Pets Paradise, Pet Goods Direct Superstore and Pets 'R' Fun franchise network today launched an appeal aimed at getting essential food, medicine and bedding to animals affected by the bushfires. Pets Paradise company director Gary Diamond said customers will be able to purchase goods in store that will be collected and sent to communities in need over the coming weeks.

Three Cafe2U franchisees, Tom Morgan in Bendigo, Michael and Samantha Carne of the Port Melbourne territory, and newbie franchisee Jill Bilston, operating for just a week, have turned up at local shelters and meeting points to provide coffee. Morgan plans to also donate a day's sales to the relief effort.

The franchisees contributed cups, milk and sugar and Cafe2U head office supplied the coffee beans.