Pet Wants Franchise: Perfect for First-Time Business Owners

For many aspiring business owners, taking the leap into entrepreneurship can feel overwhelming — especially if they’ve never owned a business before. The fear of high startup costs, lack of experience and minimal support are common roadblocks. But Pet Wants, the rapidly growing pet nutrition franchise, has created a model that makes it easier for first-time franchisees to overcome those challenges and build a business they’re proud of.

With a flexible startup model, low overhead, strong returns and a deeply supportive system, Pet Wants is an ideal entry point into business ownership — especially for those who care about making an impact in their communities and improving pet wellness.

Low barrier entry

Unlike many franchises that require a major upfront investment in a retail storefront, Pet Wants offers a low-barrier-to-entry model. Franchisees can start by selling fresh, small-batch pet food at farmers markets, pop-up events and local festivals — generating revenue and brand awareness right away.

This mobile-first strategy allows owners to build a following, test their market and gain valuable experience without the pressure of managing a full retail operation from day one. Then, when they’re ready, they can scale into a brick-and-mortar store with grooming and additional services.

“The mobile business allowed us to leave our steady jobs and focus on Pet Wants,” said Joe Alnaraie, a Michigan Pet Wants franchisee. “We scaled from $5,000 to $30,000 in monthly revenue after opening our store — all thanks to that foundation.”

Pet Wants’ franchise system is intentionally designed to support first-time entrepreneurs. Franchisees receive extensive initial training, ongoing coaching and access to a network of fellow owners who are willing to share their insights.

From business operations to local marketing and customer service, Pet Wants equips new owners with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive — even if they have no prior experience in pet retail.

“Franchising has a reputation of being rigid — a baked-in formula you have to follow with no space for creativity or lean into what the local market may need or ask for,” said Jeff Kagey, a first-time franchisee in Texoma, Texas. “But once we got into it, I realized how much flexibility there can be within a well-structured system. Pet Wants provides a lot of the tools we need, but it’s up to us to build relationships and create a unique positive experience for our customers.”

Diverse income streams

Pet Wants franchisees benefit from diverse income opportunities, which help ensure long-term growth and financial security:

• Mobile Sales: Build your customer base through community events and markets

• Subscription Delivery: Offer convenience with recurring orders of fresh pet food

• Retail Sales: Provide premium pet wellness products in-store

• E-commerce Sales: Offer products through an easy-to-use online store

• Pet Grooming/Self-Wash Services: Add high-demand services for extra revenue

Financial performance

The startup costs for a Pet Wants franchise range from $137,850 to $219,000 — a relatively low investment compared to other retail or pet care brands. And thanks to its smart, scalable model, franchisees often see quick returns and long-term profitability.

“We have one of the strongest ROI ratios in the industry,” said Jessica Riedy, Pet Wants vice president of operations. “With an average unit volume (AUV) of $561,000, the ratio to our top startup cost is 2.6 — far better than most brands in the space.”

In addition, the Winner’s Circle program gives new owners the chance to earn back their initial franchise fee by hitting revenue milestones within their first five years.

If you’re considering franchise ownership for the first time, the best advice might come from those who’ve already made the leap.

“Don’t overthink it,” said Brenda Campbell, a first-time franchisee in Roseville, California. “Do your research, trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to take the leap. If I could do it again, my only regret is not starting sooner.”

At the end of the day, Pet Wants is more than a business opportunity — it’s a chance to create a legacy, serve your community and support pet wellness through fresh, meaningful products. Whether you're a career changer, wellness advocate or simply an animal lover with an entrepreneurial spark, Pet Wants makes it easier than ever to start your journey.