How Much Does It Cost To Open a Pet Wants Franchise?

With a total investment ranging from $137,850 to $219,000, Pet Wants positions itself as an accessible option for entrepreneurs who want to combine their passion for pets with a business venture.

By Luca Piacentini1851 Franchise Managing Editor

The Business Model

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.”

The Costs

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.

The Results

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.”

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info.