Pet Wants, the fast-growing pet food franchise, continues to attract entrepreneurs from all across the country. However, while many franchisees are drawn to the brand because of their love for animals, success with Pet Wants requires blending that heart with hustle.

“Ours is really a passion brand — a lot of our owners are pet owners who also want to own a business,” said Angela Esposito, vice president of franchise development for Pet Wants. “Those two things mesh well together. Our most successful owners have an entrepreneurial spirit and are active in their communities, networking and establishing their customer base as they build their businesses.”

Esposito says that franchisees must be process-oriented and proactive — two qualities that make the difference between a hobby and a thriving business. “If you buy a franchise, you are really getting a process,” she said. “If you follow that process, you will be successful. Our owners proactive, team-oriented, optimistic and resilient. Pet Wants has their full-time focus — it isn’t just a side hustle.”

Passion Meets Professionalism

For many franchisees, Pet Wants offers the perfect blend of purpose and profitability. Jody and Gene Grant, who own Pet Wants of Miamisburg-Franklin, Ohio, know that firsthand. After raising five children and exploring careers in corporate and wellness fields, the couple wanted a meaningful business to run together — and Pet Wants delivered.

“We originally were thinking of just ordering the food for ourselves, but then it clicked, and we thought, ‘This could be the business we do together,’” Gene said. “We did our research and found it checked all the boxes. From the very beginning, I felt like Pet Wants really had a lot of things going in the right direction. We have not been disappointed.”

Since opening in May 2024, the Grants say the work is as satisfying as it is demanding. “You always have to be ready for something new,” Jody said. “The learning curve — from what products to have to getting to know your community — you really have to try to read that as soon as possible. Every time someone comes in, you have to be ready to greet them. It’s all about engagement. We’ve done that since the very beginning.”

That community engagement has paid off. Regular customers often tell the Grants how much they value the store and its mission. “I had a woman come in and tell me that she hopes we never close,” Jody said. “The food really sells itself — the opportunity to make money doing Pet Wants is definitely there. Knowing that you have really good products to sell, that is the best feeling as you share them with others.”

Entrepreneurship With a Purpose

For Jody, who has a background in gut health and wellness, the Pet Wants brand aligns perfectly with her desire to educate and empower others. “My passion is all about wellness — and educating pet parents about it for their dog or cat,” she said. “We know the products we have are the best out there; we just have to be patient enough to work with people to find what works best for their pets. You have to love what you’re doing, or you won’t like being a Pet Wants owner.”

Gene says that while the brand’s mission is meaningful, success comes from understanding what it means to be a true business owner. “You have to remember that you are a business owner — you are an entrepreneur; that is different from most roles,” he said. “You have to make things happen for yourself, but that doesn’t mean you are completely alone. Use the resources from the franchise. They have a lot more experience than you do. Stick to the model.”

The Ideal Pet Wants Owner

As Pet Wants continues to expand — particularly in key markets like Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico — Esposito says the franchise is looking for people who share the brand’s balance of passion and professionalism.

“This is also a retail location business, so we’re looking for someone who wants to have that retail space where people can come in, purchase, build community and grow relationships,” Esposito said. “They have to enjoy having a storefront.”

She says that Pet Wants attracts people from all walks of life, including retired teachers, corporate professionals, and health and wellness advocates. What unites them is a shared commitment to providing quality service and fostering a sense of community.

“A great Pet Wants franchisee has a heart for service, the drive to stay committed, and the confidence to lead,” Esposito said. “Those are the traits that set them apart.”

At its heart, Pet Wants is about the connection between people, pets and the local communities they call home. Franchisees like the Grants are proving that when passion is paired with entrepreneurship, the results are extraordinary.

“We don’t view this as a transaction business; it’s a relationship business,” Gene said. “We want to focus on being there for our clients for a long, long time. We are here to stay and serve the community as their trusted resource for pet food and pet products.”

Learn more about franchising with Pet Wants: https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info.