Pet Wants

Sharilynn Kagey has always been passionate about her pets. After more than a decade in education, she pivoted to hold multiple jobs in the (human) wellness space. When she decided she wanted to build something for herself, Sharilynn found&nbsp;<a href="http://petwantsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=education-and-wellness-professional-launches-pet-wants-franchise-to-serve-local-community-2728025" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pet Wants</a>, the growing pet nutrition franchise, and was excited about the opportunity to translate her passion for wellness to the animal world. Launching the business with her husband,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkagey/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=education-and-wellness-professional-launches-pet-wants-franchise-to-serve-local-community-2728025" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jeff</a>, Sharilynn has already begun serving the Texoma community through her&nbsp;<a href="https://petwants.franpos.com/204334/page/about-us?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=education-and-wellness-professional-launches-pet-wants-franchise-to-serve-local-community-2728025" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">mobile&nbsp;</a>business.Now, the pair are searching for the perfect brick-and-mortar spot to establish their first location. With plans to expand up to three stores, Jeff and Sharilynn are committed to providing fresh, high-quality pet food, treats, chews, and personalized service to every customer they meet.The Kageys took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what they had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Sharilynn Kagey:&nbsp;Before franchising, I was a teacher for 13 years and then a personal trainer for a few years. Eventually, I worked as an office manager for a functional medicine nurse practitioner. My career was always focused on helping people, and a lot of it centered around helping people with their wellness. I started to feel like I wanted to do something different. Franchising gave us a way to do something we could be passionate about as a family while also taking control of our destiny.Jeff Kagey:&nbsp;I’ve had a long history in the financial services world, and I continue to do that. Right now, I’m serving as behind-the-scenes support for Sharilynn, but we found our way to the business because we wanted to do something together that connected with our love for animals. After looking at various franchise opportunities, we realized&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">Pet Wants</a> aligned with our vision of connecting with our community and providing personal service being mindful that customers have a choice. We could see how passionate the brand was about quality, and that was something we knew we could stand behind.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?Sharilynn:&nbsp;I didn’t realize just how varied the franchise industry was. I always thought of something very cookie-cutter, like McDonald’s. Once I learned about the benefits of franchising, knowing that the franchisor has already done all their research, I was excited about the prospect. I think people should know that investing in a franchise gives you an opportunity to become known in your community. People will know, “Oh, that’s Pet Wants!” But they’ll also know, “That’s Jeff and Sharilynn!” It’s not a sterile, personality-free business just because you are a part of a franchise system.&nbsp;Jeff: 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. 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.&nbsp;1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Sharilynn:&nbsp;We were drawn to Pet Wants because of their focus on quality, fresh ingredients for pets. We knew that we could feel good about what we were offering to pet owners. It’s also exciting to be part of a brand that values personalized service. We’re not just selling pet food; we’re building relationships with our customers and their pets and really making an impact on their lives.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Jeff: Our immediate goal is intentional growth while concurrently finding the right location for our first storefront.&nbsp; I’m looking forward to the real estate and construction aspect as that’s something I do every day in my corporate role.Sharilynn: We really want to establish ourselves as a trusted name in Sherman and throughout the Texoma area when it comes to pet nutrition, potentially getting to a place where we could open multiple stores in our territory. Beyond opening more stores, I want to make sure we’re known for our customer service — being there to offer advice and support to local pet owners. I’m so excited to contribute to pets having optimal lives. Not just trudging through, but actually feeling great, having energy and enjoying themselves well into their senior years.1851:&nbsp;What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?Sharilynn:&nbsp;I am so excited about the free delivery and education aspects of the business. We can schedule consultations with pet parents to talk about what’s going on, and we can work hand-in-hand with a vet to add a probiotic or change food to address a health concern. That’s something that makes us very unique compared to other big box stores, and it’s one of the things I’m most excited about with this business.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?Jeff: My advice would be to find a brand that aligns with your personal values and do your research. Don’t trust everything you hear, do your own due diligence checking multiple sources. You have to do everything you can to make sure you feel comfortable with the path that lies ahead of you. I advise considering overfunding your business during the startup phase of business ownership and ensuring you have the capital to support the business during the early years to ensure the business is IN business for the long term.Sharilynn: I’d add that you should go into franchising with an open mind and a willingness to learn. There’s a lot of support, but you still have to put in the work and dedication. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other franchisees and ask questions — they’ve been where you are, and their insights can be really valuable.It’s important to find something that will feed your soul. Make sure you’re getting into business with a brand that truly is a good match.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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.petwants.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=education-and-wellness-professional-launches-pet-wants-franchise-to-serve-local-community-2728025" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.petwants.com/</a> or follow Pet Wants on LinkedIn, @petwantsusa on Facebook, @petwants on Twitter and Instagram.

Education and Wellness Professional Launches Pet Wants Franchise To Serve Local Community

Pet Wants Franchise Grows in Texas With Former Educator and Seasoned Banker

1851 Franchise

Sharilynn Kagey has always had a passion for nutrition and wellness. When she and her husband, Jeff, decided to start their own business, the pet nutrition franchise seemed like the perfect fit.

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Running a pet-based business can be deeply rewarding, but it’s not without its challenges. From standing out in a crowded marketplace to managing inventory, educating customers and building trust with pet parents, success in the pet industry requires more than just a love of animals. For&nbsp;<a href="https://petwantsfranchise.com/">Pet Wants</a> franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-brascetta-aa376126">Pam Brascetta</a>, overcoming those hurdles has been a learning process rooted in passion, perseverance and the right support system behind her.Now in her third year as a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">Pet Wants</a> franchisee in New Jersey, Brascetta knows firsthand how demanding — and fulfilling — pet-based entrepreneurship can be.“I’ve always had a passion for pets, and I love to be busy,” she said. “What really resonated with me when I started researching Pet Wants was how aligned the brand felt with how I approach my life. When I learned the story of how it began and saw the benefits of the food, it really drew me in further.”<h2>Standing Out in a Crowded Pet Market</h2>One of the biggest challenges facing any pet business owner today is competition. Big-box retailers, online marketplaces and subscription-focused brands dominate the space, making it difficult for independent operators to stand out. For Brascetta, that challenge was magnified by the fact that Pet Wants was not yet well known in her market.“This area was not familiar with Pet Wants,” she said. “So it was really about educating the consumer — not just about the product, but about the quality of the product and why it matters.”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/pet-wants-key-trends-shaping-the-pet-food-industry-2730197">Pet Wants’ small-batch, proprietary nutrition model</a> gave her a powerful differentiator. Rather than competing on price or convenience alone, Brascetta was able to focus on education, personalized service and outcomes.“We’re very comprehensive and take a holistic approach,” she said. “We want pets to be at their best. That means having engaging, ongoing communication with customers to see how their pets are doing and guiding them through the process.”<h2>Managing Inventory and Learning What Sells</h2>Another common pain point for pet business owners, according to Brascetta, is inventory management. “The biggest challenge in the first year was getting a good grip on purchasing and inventory,” she said. “What sells? What doesn’t sell? That’s all a learning process.”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/how-pet-wants-franchisees-rapidly-grow-their-businesses-from-mobile-to-brick-and-mortar-locations-2726266">Pet Wants’ mobile-first model</a> plays a key role in helping franchisees overcome that challenge. By starting with farmers markets, pop-up events and local community gatherings, owners can test products, gather feedback and better understand customer preferences before scaling further.“You’re doing a lot of mobile retail events, and you’re learning every single day,” Brascetta said. “You have to figure out what events are worth it, how you want to present yourself and where your time is best spent. You’re constantly making judgment calls.”<h2>The Importance of Education and Systems</h2>For Brascetta, one of the most significant differences between Pet Wants and her previous franchise experience has been&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/investing-in-pet-wants-franchise-opportunity-2731087">the level of support offered by the franchisor.</a> “Many years ago, I owned a different franchise and I didn’t get the support I really needed,” she said. “That’s ultimately why I sold it.”With Pet Wants, she says the difference has been clear from the beginning.“I loved that I could communicate and ask questions when I needed to,” Brascetta said. “The quality, the branding, the passion of the Brand Team at Pet Wants HQ and the high standards really stood out to me.”That support extends well beyond onboarding. Pet Wants provides ongoing education, operational guidance and access to a broader franchisee network, all of which are critical in a business with as many moving parts as pet nutrition.“The Pet Wants Brand Team enables you to learn as much as you want,” Brascetta said. “You gain so much knowledge, and that helps you feel confident when you’re helping pet parents find solutions.”<h2>Building the Right Team and Leaning on Them</h2>As the business grows, so does the need for help. Brascetta emphasizes that running a pet-based business isn’t something most owners can (or should) do alone.“It’s better to do this if you have support behind you,” she said. “You’re going to need some help. There are so many moving parts and so many things to get done, so you need people you can delegate responsibilities to.”Pet Wants’ model allows franchisees to grow at a pace that makes sense for them. That flexibility&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/pet-wants-as-a-lifestyle-brand-building-a-franchise-around-pet-health-wellness-2730102">helps owners avoid burnout while still maintaining high service standards</a>.<h2>Passion Is the Non-Negotiable</h2>Despite the systems, training and support in place, Brascetta is clear that one factor matters above all else: passion.“You really have to live and breathe pets,” she said. “I wake up every day because of the pets. That’s what keeps me going.”She’s also candid about the realities of entrepreneurship, particularly in the early years. “It’s going to take time financially,” Brascetta said. “You have to bear with it and push through. If you’re not truly passionate about caring for animals, this might not be the right thing for you.”For pet lovers like Brascetta who are willing to put in the work, Pet Wants helps transform the most common challenges of pet-based business ownership into opportunities for growth.&nbsp;For more information on franchising with Pet Wants, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info</a>.

How to Overcome the Common Challenges of Running a Pet-Based Business

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For husband-and-wife team&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/pet-wants-colorado-springs-bohannon-feature-2730023">Kariann Harker and Jerrod Bohannon</a>, owners of&nbsp;<a href="https://petwantsfranchise.com/">Pet Wants</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.petwantscoloradospringsbriargate.com/">Colorado Springs</a>, the dream of entrepreneurship became a reality through a shared love of animals and a desire to make a difference in their community.“We’ve had steady growth every month since we opened,” Bohannon said. “Right now, we’re in the process of finding a physical location, which is exciting. We started mobile and have been able to grow organically through markets and community events.”Their journey shows why&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">Pet Wants</a> is an ideal family business opportunity — combining a flexible business model, purpose, and partnership in a way that helps families thrive personally and professionally.<h2>A Shared Mission With Room To Grow</h2>Harker and Bohannon launched their business in June 2025 after years of struggling to find healthy food for their pit bull, Ruby. That challenge inspired them to help other pet parents who faced the same frustration.“Dogs have always been a huge passion of mine — they bring life to me,” Harker said. “With Ruby, we were always looking for something healthy she could eat, and when we found Pet Wants, we knew it was exactly what we’d been searching for.”What began as a way to help their own dog evolved into a community mission. “With the pet industry, pets are part of the family too,” Bohannon said. “Being able to have that experience to lean on brings a lot of value.”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/new-to-franchising-heres-why-pet-wants-is-a-great-place-to-start-2729060">Pet Wants’ mobile-first model</a> allowed the couple to begin serving customers quickly without the financial strain and operational complexities of starting with a storefront right away. Bohannon continued working in his corporate job while Harker ran the business full-time — a setup that allowed them to balance risk and reward as a team.“Having that as the family dynamic has been hugely helpful,” Bohannon said. “If either one of us were to do this on our own, we’d have to put all our eggs into that basket. Working together makes it achievable.”<h2>Different Strengths, One Vision</h2>One of the biggest advantages of running a family business is the ability to leverage each other’s strengths.“We both have very different strengths that we bring to the business,” Harker said. “It’s daunting enough starting a business, so doing it with your spouse is great — you always have someone to lean on.”Bohannon brings years of marketing experience from his corporate career, while Harker’s background in health care gives her a people-first approach to customer service. Together, they balance strategy with empathy, creating a business that connects deeply with local pet parents.“Having your spouse as a partner also leads to some fun banter when you’re out and about at events,” Bohannon said. “It is a relatable point with a lot of the families we interact with.”That connection — with each other and their customers — is&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/how-pet-wants-franchisees-are-building-stronger-relationships-with-pet-parents-2729211">what sets Pet Wants franchisees apart</a>. The brand’s community-driven model thrives on authentic interactions at markets, pop-up events, and local partnerships.<h2>A Family Business That Serves Families</h2>For Harker and Bohannon, Pet Wants is a family affair that benefits everyone, including their four dogs.“I love this business and I love that we’re benefiting not only our family but helping other families live a better life,” Harker said.That sentiment echoes throughout the Pet Wants network, where&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/education-and-wellness-professional-launches-pet-wants-franchise-to-serve-local-community-2728025">many franchisees operate alongside spouses, children or siblings</a>. The company’s national&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/pet-wants-as-a-lifestyle-brand-building-a-franchise-around-pet-health-wellness-2730102">support system and training programs</a> help new owners launch and grow. And with the ability to start mobile and scale to a storefront at their own pace, families can align their business goals with their lifestyle needs.<h2>Building Legacy Through Purpose</h2>Every bag of Pet Wants food is a reflection of the brand’s larger mission: improving pet health and well-being through education, trust and community.For Bohannon and Harker, that mission continues to guide their growth. “We’ve had steady growth every month since we opened,” Bohannon said. “The community has really welcomed us, and we’re looking forward to what’s next.”Learn more about launching your own Pet Wants business:<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">&nbsp;https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info</a>.

How Pet Wants Can Be the Ideal Family Business Opportunity

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1851 Franchisee Spotlight design with photo of Nicki Davis and Pet Wants logo

Experienced Retail Pro and Dedicated Mom Builds a Purpose-Driven Future with Pet Wants

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Colorado Springs Couple Turns Their Dog’s Health Journey Into a Mission-Driven Pet Wants Business

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For entrepreneurs looking to enter&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/why-pet-wants-is-winning-best-in-show-in-the-booming-pet-food-industry-2720462">the booming pet industry</a>, it can be difficult to distinguish the meaningful opportunities from the noise. With mobile-only concepts on one end of the spectrum and massive big-box pet retailers on the other, not every model fits what many new business owners are truly looking for: a scalable investment, a manageable entry point and a mission-driven brand that prioritizes quality.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/petereberly">Peter Eberly</a>, vice president of brand development,&nbsp;<a href="https://petwantsfranchise.com/">Pet Wants</a> stands out because it hits all the right notes at once.“When I think of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">Pet Wants</a>, there are a lot of other pet franchises out there,” Eberly said. “But the brand really falls into a sweet spot. There are a lot that are mobile-driven - like dog grooming or poop pickup - that are fairly low-cost. But then there are the really big box retailers with brick-and-mortar locations. Those have a huge entry price point. I always say Pet Wants fills the middle ground there.”<h2>A Business Model That Occupies the Perfect “Middle Ground”</h2>Eberly says the ability to combine an approachable investment with a community-centered retail model is&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-pet-wants-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722308">one of Pet Wants’ most strategic strengths</a>.“It’s pretty affordable as a point of entry,” he said. “There is a brick-and-mortar component to it, but it's more of a hometown, mainstream boutique brick-and-mortar shop. It’s more approachable and less scary than the bigger brands.”This “boutique but accessible” positioning has become one of Pet Wants’ strongest differentiators — especially in a market where pet parents increasingly want expertise, transparency and personal connection.“It fits a really nice sweet spot there and is really all about the food and the product,” Eberly said. “The brand’s calling card is the fresh, healthy food that is made in small batches and slow cooked. It is delivered fast; it isn’t sitting on the shelf for a while.”That&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/the-fresh-food-revolution-why-now-is-the-best-time-to-invest-in-pet-wants-2728610">emphasis on fresh, nutrient-rich food</a> is why so many franchisees originally discovered the brand as customers. “So many owners are folks who found the brand as a consumer,” he said. “Their pet had some issues and they found the Pet Wants product and became an advocate for themselves. They wanted to share that and start their own business in the space.”<h2>A Two-Phase Model That Lets Owners Build Revenue From Day One</h2>Beyond its product differentiation, Eberly says&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/how-pet-wants-franchisees-rapidly-grow-their-businesses-from-mobile-to-brick-and-mortar-locations-2726266">Pet Wants’ two-phase business model</a> is one of the most compelling reasons to invest.“Another differentiator is that we have this two-phase approach — you can start mobile, getting the name out in the community, drive revenue and build a client list and a customer base as you get ready to build the brick-and-mortar store,” he said.In an industry where traditional retail concepts often require months of buildout without revenue, this structure allows franchisees to generate cash flow while also laying the groundwork for long-term scalability.“It’s very different than other pet retail franchises, where revenue isn’t typically coming in as you start the business,” Eberly said. “That is a huge differentiator and advantage.”<h2>A Personalized, Educational Retail Experience</h2>Pet Wants stores aren’t designed to mirror high-traffic discount pet chains. Instead, they intentionally operate like&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/pet-wants-as-a-lifestyle-brand-building-a-franchise-around-pet-health-wellness-2730102">trusted neighborhood nutrition centers</a>.“The owners who have been successful here are the ones who are passionate about improving the lives of pets in their community,” Eberly said. “If you think of that main-street, boutique feel, the pet and the pet owners come to learn about what might make their dog or cat healthier. There is a personal relationship component to the brick-and-mortar piece. It is much more personalized than a typical retail environment.”This approach aligns with the brand’s larger mission: helping pet owners access healthier nutrition, better education and a more meaningful shopping experience. Franchisees are encouraged — and trained — to become local experts, not just retailers.<h2>A Support Network That Sets Owners Up for Success</h2>Eberly says that what happens behind the scenes is just as important.“Our owners are really passionate about pets; they found the brand as consumers originally,” he said. “They are believers in the product and there is a strong network of other owners who have built this network of sharing best practices and the like.”This combination of corporate support and franchisee-to-franchisee collaboration creates an environment where new owners never feel alone and where collective learning accelerates individual success.<h2>A Growing Brand With Momentum and Room To Scale</h2>As the pet industry continues its rapid expansion,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/leadership-team-2730456">Pet Wants is well-positioned for significant continued growth</a>. Eberly believes the brand is perfectly aligned with what modern pet parents are demanding.“We are a growing brand that has seen some nice momentum,” he said. “But we think along with the macro trends, our type of pet franchise is set for major growth. That health trend, even in the pet space, makes us feel like we have the wind at our back around our concept. We are growing, but have plenty of room to expand and help other communities.”At its core, Pet Wants attracts individuals who are passionate about animals and eager to make a meaningful impact on their community while also building a scalable business with strong earning potential.Ready to build a business rooted in purpose, passion and pet health and wellness? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info</a> to learn more about franchising with Pet Wants.

Investing in Pet Wants: What Makes This Franchise Opportunity Different?

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Education and Wellness Professional Launches Pet Wants Franchise To Serve Local Community

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