How This Registered Nurse Found a Calling as a Pet Wants Franchisee

Robin Walton, a registered nurse of 25 years, is ready to turn her lifelong love for dogs into a fulfilling career by franchising with Pet Wants, the healthy pet food franchise. 

When Walton’s husband passed away a few years ago, the family’s loyal mutt, Rusty, provided much-needed solace for her and her 8-year-old daughter. Since then, Walton has had a deep desire to support pets and pet owners. 

Walton's interest in Pet Wants began with a search for a high-quality dog food alternative to expensive brands. She was captivated by the concept of fresh, small-batch pet food that didn't break the bank, compared to the $800 she was spending monthly on her three large dogs. 

Walton's mission with her Pet Wants franchise is to simplify the complex world of pet food for other pet owners too. Offering quality food to enhance pets' health, she aspires to create a community hub for pet owners in Matthews, North Carolina.

Along with her daughter, who has aspirations of becoming a veterinarian, she’s looking forward to the family-owned aspect of this new business venture. 

PROFILE QUESTIONS

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Walton: I’ve been a registered nurse for 25 years now. What brought me down this path was, first and foremost, my love for dogs. My previous dog, a mutt named Rusty, really helped my daughter and I through the experience of my husband passing away when my daughter was just 8 years old. We really want to be able to help pet owners find good, quality food for their pets so that they can live the longest, healthiest lives possible. 

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Walton: It was really more about the Pet Wants food than it was about franchising. But I did want to start something that would be uniquely mine. The plan is to start as a mobile business, get the business up and running, and then move over to full-time whenever I am about to support myself.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Walton: I was on the internet looking for different dog food brands and I found Pet Wants. Pretty quickly, I learned about the franchise opportunity. I really loved the whole concept of offering small batch, fresh pet food instead of food that is sitting in a warehouse for months on end. It is also more cost effective for the pet owner. I have three large dogs now. Buying all their food at once can be close to $800, which isn’t sustainable. Pet Wants affords people the ability to have higher-quality pet food without breaking the bank. 

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

Walton: My mission is really to help pet owners in the Matthews community. It is hard to find good dog food — even just reading what is on the label is very confusing. Most people don’t know how to make sense of it. I look forward to improving pet health in any way I can. When your pet is healthy, your life is better. We also want to create a community hub for pet owners. 

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Walton: I will be working with my daughter in the business as well. That family-owned aspect was very appealing to me. She is thinking of becoming a veterinarian. 

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?

Walton: Sometimes it can seem a little overwhelming, but you have to trust the process.

To learn more about Pet Wants franchise opportunities, visit: https://1851franchise.com/petwants

About Pet Wants

Pet Wants is a pet health and wellness company that strives to improve the nutrition, health, vitality, and well-being of pets. Founded in 2010, the brand’s specially crafted, private-label pet food formulas are made in small batches with fresh, natural ingredients complete with vitamins and minerals for a complete and balanced diet in every bowl, all made in the USA. Pet Wants has set a new standard in what you should expect in your pet food through their 140+ locations across the United States. To learn more about Pet Wants, visit https://www.petwants.com/ or follow Pet Wants on LinkedIn, @petwantsusa on Facebook, @petwants on Twitter and Instagram.