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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Own a Pet Wants Franchise

3 Keys to Franchise Success with Pet Wants: Passion, Support, and Hard Work

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How This Health Care Professional Turned a Personal Pet Problem Into a Growing Business With Pet Wants

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Pet Wants ATL North Celebrates Piedmont Grand Opening, Completing Final Store Conversion Following Whole Dog Market Acquisition

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

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While many pet retailers focus heavily on dogs,&nbsp;<a href="https://petwantsfranchise.com/">Pet Wants</a>, the boutique pet food and supplies franchise, is helping franchisees find a powerful growth opportunity by leaning into cat nutrition expertise. For franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/married-couple-find-perfect-collaboration-with-pet-wants-franchise-in-miamisburg-ohio-2726576">Jody Grant of Miamisburg, Ohio</a>, for example, that approach has created a thriving, often-overlooked segment of her business.“We have a very large cat owner customer base, and we have ever since we started the business,” Grant said. “There is a whole different cat community out there. Their animals are just as near and dear as the dog owners.”<h2>Building Sales Through Foundational Nutrition Education</h2>At the core of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">Pet Wants’</a> cat offering is&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/pet-wants-as-a-lifestyle-brand-building-a-franchise-around-pet-health-wellness-2730102">a simple but highly intentional nutritional philosophy</a> (the same applies to dogs): provide complete, high-quality formulas tailored to each life stage, while eliminating unnecessary fillers.“We try to duplicate the methodology that we use for dogs,” Grant said. “We have formulas for kittens through cats. They have everything cats need and keep out the things that cats don’t need.”That clarity makes it easier for franchisees to guide customers toward the right products and gives pet parents confidence in their purchasing decisions. Grant explains that the brand’s three core dry kibble formulas serve as the foundation of most feeding routines, with options that address different needs.“Besides the dry food, we also offer a grain-free option, for example. We call it our ‘couch potato cat’ formula,” she said. “The lean cat food helps in that regard and is as satisfying as the regular.”<h2>Expanding the Basket: Wet Food, Protein and Hydration</h2>Education doesn’t stop at kibble. In fact, one of the biggest opportunities for franchisees is helping customers understand the importance of moisture and protein in a cat’s diet, which often leads to additional product purchases.“Cats need moisture and don’t seek out water on their own,” Grant said. “Flowing water is very important. They are attracted to the sounds.” That conversation opens the door to complementary products like water fountains and feeding accessories, while reinforcing&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/the-power-of-personalization-how-custom-nutrition-plans-drive-business-success-at-pet-wants-2730218">Pet Wants’ position as a pet nutrition provider</a>.Grant also emphasizes protein as a key differentiator, especially for aging cats. “I have an older cat that is 15, and he was bottle-raised. He eats way more wet food than dry food because of the protein content,” she said. “He needs additional protein. This is very important to most cats.”These types of personalized insights not only help customers make better decisions but also deepen relationships and increase overall transaction value.<h2>Meeting Cats Where They Are: Variety and Personalization</h2>Cats are famously selective eaters, and Pet Wants franchisees use that challenge as an opportunity to showcase the breadth of their product line. “Cats are known for being finicky,” Grant said. “We sell a wide variety of cat treats. I sell a sushi line with flaked tuna for cats! You can put it over their meals. We also sell whole minnows or herring.”For cats that prefer other flavors, Pet Wants offers a diverse range of proteins, including chicken, turkey, lamb, rabbit and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.petwantschesterfield.com/product/586961/28169648-Koha_Limited_Ingredient_Kangaroo_Entr_e_for_Cats">even kangaroo</a>. This level of customization allows franchisees to solve problems in real time, whether it’s a picky eater or a pet with dietary sensitivities, and keeps customers coming back for tailored solutions.<a href="https://petwantsfranchise.com/in-the-news/2023/07/28/how-pet-wants-is-changing-the-pet-food-industry-with-nutrition">Pet Wants’ product mix extends well beyond nutrition</a>, giving franchisees additional ways to engage customers and increase revenue per visit. “We even offer our own dry kibble treat. We have chew sticks and CBD products as well,” Grant said. “I also carry a homeopathic line of remedies.”These products are often introduced through consultative conversations, where franchisees recommend solutions based on specific behaviors or concerns.“A lot of the time, customers are looking for solutions just like dog owners,” Grant said. “Maybe a cat won’t come out from underneath the furniture, for example. If you give them feline oil, they’ll start to come out. That kind of advice is really valuable.”Ultimately, Grant says that expertise-led selling is about building a loyal customer base that fuels long-term growth. “Our cat-inclusive approach definitely helped drive sales for the business,” she said. “It just builds a larger community of pet owners and pet lovers.”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.

By understanding the unique dietary needs, behaviors and preferences of cats, Pet Wants owners can differentiate themselves in a crowded pet retail space.

How Cat Nutrition Expertise Helps Drive Sales for Pet Wants Franchisees

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One of the biggest questions when exploring franchise ownership is simple:&nbsp;Will this actually work for me? The answer often depends on flexibility. That’s exactly where&nbsp;<a href="https://petwantsfranchise.com/">Pet Wants</a> stands out.With a mobile-first approach, a scalable path to brick-and-mortar and a deeply supportive system, the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">Pet Wants</a> franchise model is designed to meet owners where they are and grow with them over time.“We have a proven system in place,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-esposito513/">Angela Esposito</a>, vice president of franchise development. “The risk of opening a business or starting a business with a Pet Wants franchise is obviously less risky than going on your own. It’s really a business in a box. You just have to put in the work and execute the steps that are laid out.”That clarity gives franchisees a roadmap from day one, allowing them to focus less on guesswork and more on execution.<h2>A Flexible Model Built for Different Lifestyles</h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/is-a-storefront-required-how-pet-wants-gives-owners-flexibility-and-a-smarter-route-to-revenue-2731546">At the core of the Pet Wants model is flexibility</a>, not just in how the business operates, but in how it fits into an owner’s life.Rather than jumping straight into the complexity of running a retail store, franchisees begin by building their business through local events, delivery and community engagement. This phase allows owners to:<ul><li>Generate revenue early</li><li>Build a loyal customer base</li><li>Learn the business hands-on</li><li>Grow at their own pace</li></ul>“The great thing about our model is that it has two phases,” Esposito said. “In the mobile phase, there is a lot of flexibility because you are out in the market working events. That usually isn’t seven days a week. So they have flexibility during that phase to build the business in other ways, such as grassroots marketing and networking. They can really think outside of the box about how to grow the business, without worrying about the retail location.”When the time comes to expand, the transition to a storefront is strategic and manageable. “Once that retail location is open, they can hire staff and often have much more flexible hours,” she said.<h2>Lower Investment, Smarter Growth</h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-pet-wants-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722308">The mobile-first model also makes financial sense</a>. “Starting with mobile keeps the investment costs down in the beginning, and it is also a very low-entry point for a brick-and-mortar,” Esposito said. “Our investment range is one of the most affordable for a retail location, especially in the pet industry. Our competitors are often in the million-dollar range as far as investment.”That lower barrier to entry opens the door for a wider range of entrepreneurs, including first-time business owners who may not have the capital for a traditional retail concept.“It’s a low-overhead, low entry point investment,” she said. “Owning a business is an investment — it’s no different than investing in the stock market or real estate. You are going to have to pay for that.”Pet Wants franchisees are also entering one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/recession-resistant-pet-business-2728308">most resilient and rapidly growing industries in the U.S.</a>“The pet industry is one of the fastest-growing industries that there is,” Esposito said. “It’s among the top three to five franchise categories to own in 2026, one of the most compelling industries and a growing demand for professional services. The pet industry hit $128 billion this past year.”<h2>Built on Community and Purpose</h2>While the business model is strong, Pet Wants is equally focused on&nbsp;why its franchisees do what they do.“Community involvement is definitely a big part of the model as well,” Esposito said. “We want someone who wants to be part of their community and wants to change the lives of dogs and cats.”From farmers markets and other events to partnering with local businesses, franchisees are encouraged to become&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/franchise-with-community-at-its-core-pet-wants-local-focus-drives-purpose-and-impact-2729102">visible, trusted members of their communities</a> by building relationships that drive impact and revenue.These connections often lead to a more fulfilling day-to-day experience for owners. “As a business owner in general, your lifestyle is completely different from someone in corporate America,” she said. “It shifts from sitting in a cubicle all day to building a business and a brand that you love and are passionate about. They are going to be in the community, working with dogs and cats, and they are really going to enjoy a life full of passion-driven purpose.”<h2>Ongoing Support at Every Stage</h2>Even with a hard work ethic, strong model and industry tailwinds, success ultimately comes down to execution, and that’s where&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/investing-in-pet-wants-franchise-opportunity-2731087">Pet Wants’ support system</a> plays a critical role.“Our owners are supported from the time they start their franchise agreement all the way until the end of their agreement,” Esposito said. “We support them through onboarding, and have coaches focusing on nutrition, retail, marketing and grooming, there is a subject matter expert for every stage in their journey, whether that is year one or year seven.”From operational guidance to financial performance, franchisees have access to ongoing expertise designed to help them grow.“There is always someone there to help them solve problems, brainstorm, help with P&amp;L, increase profit,” she said. “That is why there really isn’t any experience necessary, we can teach you everything.”<h2>A Franchise Model That Grows With You</h2>From mobile beginnings to retail expansion, the Pet Wants franchise model gives owners room to grow at their own pace. For many franchisees, that is what turns the business into more than an investment: It becomes part of their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/3-keys-to-franchise-success-with-pet-wants-passion-support-and-hard-work-2731885#featured">lifestyle, community and passion for pet health</a>.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.

Photo of Pet Wants franchise owners at ribbon cutting

With a lower-cost entry point, room to grow and a model built around community, the brand gives entrepreneurs a practical way into business ownership.

How the Pet Wants Franchise Gives Entrepreneurs Room to Start Small and Grow

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<a href="https://petwantsfranchise.com/">Pet Wants</a>, the fast-growing pet wellness franchise, made two new hires to further its mission of simplifying pet nutrition and wellness for pet parents through the support of its franchise owners. The hires include&nbsp;<a href="http://linkedin.com/in/brittneyvalle">Brittney Valle</a> as director of grooming and&nbsp;<a href="http://linkedin.com/in/chapmanpetwants">Carrie Chapman&nbsp;</a>as director of retail operations. Valle is a nationally certified master groomer with 15 years of experience. Chapman is a former Pet Wants franchisee and 20-year Target retail veteran.“I’ve trained hundreds of groomers and I was in charge of the continuing education for groomers as well,” Valle said. “I have traveled nationally, teaching seminars, and in my last position, I helped grow one salon with two employees to seven salons across two states with over 60 employees.”&nbsp;<h2>Brittney Valle: Director of Grooming</h2>Valle has been in the dog industry her whole life. Growing up, her parents owned boarding kennels and grooming salons. She has been a nationally certified master groomer for 15 years, which includes work in competitive grooming.When she saw the Pet Wants job posting, it married two of her personal passions: grooming and dog wellness. She appreciated that Pet Wants’ mission is focused on the health and wellness of pets, and recognized that the position could help influence more groomers and more pets.&nbsp;Her day-to-day role will be split between working with the franchisees who currently offer grooming to support their operations and strategic planning for the future of grooming services.&nbsp;“One of the things that I'm really excited about is putting together an operations manual for the grooming salons,” Valle said. “It will include booking, scheduling, how long the pets should be in our care, preferred products to use based on my knowledge of coat and skin health — things like that. Really just helping the franchises understand that part of their business that a lot of people don't understand.”Year one priorities also include partnering with marketing to encourage more franchisees to add grooming services and to position grooming as a national offering.“The ones that I've had the opportunity to work with so far have been so open and coachable and excited to learn,” Valle said. “And for me, I'm really grateful because it's a unique opportunity for someone who's a subject matter expert like me to come in and have so many people just willing to absorb all the information I can give them. I'm passionate about helping them with their businesses.”<h2>Carrie Chapman: Director of Retail Operations</h2>Chapman’s retail career began at Target, where she started as a team member and spent 20 years moving through store, district and multi-state leadership roles. By the end of her time there, she oversaw 62 stores across five states and helped lead one of the largest remodel projects in the company’s history, which added food sections to roughly 800 stores.In 2016, Chapman and her husband decided to open a Pet Wants franchise, the first in Minnesota. They have been franchisees over the last 10 years and Chapman has been on the franchise advisory council as well, serving as the chair for the last three years. Although the couple is in the process of selling that location, Chapman wasn’t ready to be done with Pet Wants quite yet.&nbsp;“I love the brand,” she said. “I love helping pet parents. It's probably one of the most rewarding things I've done. The customer interactions you get, as far as when you help people, it's kind of life-changing. They come to you and tell you their story about how you changed their life.”&nbsp;Because Chapman wanted to stay part of Pet Wants, the director of retail operations role was the perfect way to do so, combining her strong retail background with her love for the brand. Chapman understands all components of retail, from customer profiles and revenue streams to differences between e-commerce and physical locations, and even event strategy.&nbsp;“I love helping owners think about it in a different way, what else can they be doing to drive their business?” she said. “And at the end of the day, how can they help their customers and help more pet parents make great decisions about the long-term health of their pets and their longevity? It’s all full circle. We get to make more money as a business owner, but then there’s the reward of what we're doing every single day and helping people.”Right now, Chapman’s position is focused on everything related to retail storefronts. This includes store layouts, fixtures and what a customer sees when they first walk in the door. She will help franchisees with educating customers about all the resources Pet Wants offers for pet health. She is also focused on training for franchisees.&nbsp;“I think we have an opportunity to bring the knowledge that we've learned along the way into a retail training environment,” Chapman said. “So, when an owner signs on and they're a mobile entity, and they're out working in their community and doing events, how do they set up their booth in the best way, for example.”<h2>How These New Hires Will Strengthen the Pet Wants Brand</h2>By bringing Brittney Valle and Carrie Chapman onto the team, Pet Wants is adding more direct support in two important areas of the business: grooming and retail. Their experience provides franchise owners with practical guidance for their day-to-day operations.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.

Pet Wants Adds Grooming and Retail Leaders to Expand Franchisee Support

A former Target retail leader and a nationally certified master groomer are joining Pet Wants to help strengthen retail operations, grooming support, and franchisee training.

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

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