Open a Pet Wants Franchise

Pet Wants, a national provider of natural pet food with over 160 units across the U.S., operates under the Strategic Franchising Systems umbrella. The brand is known for its premium pet food, made from natural ingredients and free from fillers and animal byproducts. This focus on quality has helped Pet Wants rapidly grow in popularity among pet owners and franchise professionals alike.

Pet Wants stands out in the retail franchise world with a unique, low-cost investment model in a high-demand industry. Franchise business owners begin with mobile or event-based marketing and e-commerce sales to drive revenue while building into their retail location. In doing so, they focus on acquiring loyal customers and building connections with local pet parents at these events. Within the first year, franchisees launch their retail pet store and grooming center that sells Pet Wants food, custom treats and high-end pet accessories.

“Our business model is very community-centric,” said Pet Wants Brand President DeNita Carani. “Traditionally, when buying a retail franchise, franchisees have to wait for an average of six or more months to start operations due to real estate timelines. With Pet Wants, we have a strategy built around generating sales and building relationships within the community long before opening a retail location. This puts our franchisees ahead of the curve and off to a great start.”

According to Item 7 of the 2024 Pet Wants Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), the total investment necessary to begin operation of a Pet Wants franchise ranges from $137,850 to $219,000.

The breakdown of costs are as follows:

• Initial Franchise Fee: $48,500

• Real Estate: $3,200 - $8,000

• Leasehold Improvements: $5,000 - $20,000

• Signage: $3,000 - $10,000

• Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment: $32,000 - $50,000

• Vehicle: $1,800 - $8,000

• Initial Inventory: $15,000 - $25,000

• Retail E-commerce and Website System: $1,500 - $3,000

• Travel and Living Expenses During Training: $1,250 - $4,000

• Initial Telephone, Bank and Other Deposits: $500 - $1,000

• Pre-Opening Promotion: $10,000

• Licenses: $100 - $500

• Vehicle Wrap: $2,500 - $4,500

• Retail E-commerce and Website System Setup: $1,500

• Limited Liability Entity Formation: $500 - $1,000

• Insurance: $1,500 - $4,000

• Additional Funds (3 Months): $10,000 - $20,000

One of the key cost-saving advantages of the Pet Wants franchise is that it does not require prime real estate to be successful. Franchisees can thrive in B or C grade real estate locations, which significantly reduces startup costs and enhances profit margins.

“Most pet brands require a lot of inventory costs before they open their doors, but that is not what we do,” Carani said. “You can launch without much inventory and grow over time. With minimized staffing requirements and an average retail footprint of only 1,000 - 1,500 square feet, Pet Wants has found the recipe for maximizing revenue without sacrificing the key components of your pet’s overall health and wellness.”

This streamlined process is further supported by Pet Wants’ new real estate partnerships, which take the guesswork out of finding the perfect location, allowing franchisees to focus on growing their business from day one.

Franchisees are also eligible for the “Winner’s Circle” program. This unique incentive allows franchisees to earn back their initial franchise fee by achieving specific revenue benchmarks within the first five years of operation.

So, what kind of returns can franchisees expect on their investment?

The reported Average Unit Volume (AUV) for the first quartile of store franchises is approximately $1.1 million, which is 5 times the initial investment.

“At the end of the day, our franchise provides great value for our owners,” said Carani. “Other pet franchises might have a higher AUV, but their initial investment is significantly higher. Alternatively, their initial investment might be lower, but their AUV suffers in comparison. Our AUV is such a great ratio compared to our initial investment, which is better than most in the space.”

Overall, Pet Wants’ low startup costs, community-centered business strategy and attractive incentives make it an ideal option for entrepreneurs passionate about the pet care industry. With a proven business model and a focus on support and efficiency, Pet Wants offers a promising opportunity for those ready to invest time and energy into building a successful franchise.

“Our historical revenue performances show us that franchise owners who work the model, are connected to the community and are dedicated to the business have the opportunity to generate revenues in the top quartile,” said Carani. “It’s the same type of people every single year who are in the top quartile. They follow the model, are dedicated to working the business, and are passionate about the services they offer their communities.”