Pet Wants

For many entrepreneurs, the journey into business ownership begins with a personal passion. For&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kariann-harker-a3275779?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-this-health-care-professional-turned-a-personal-pet-problem-into-a-growing-business-with-pet-wants-2731884" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kariann Harker</a>, that passion has always been animals. After years working in the health care field, she decided it was time to pursue something more fulfilling — and that decision ultimately led her to launch a&nbsp;<a href="https://petwantsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-this-health-care-professional-turned-a-personal-pet-problem-into-a-growing-business-with-pet-wants-2731884" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pet Wants franchise</a> in Colorado Springs.<h2>Turning a Passion for Pets Into a Family Business</h2>Harker worked in administrative roles in health care for years before she became a business owner. The job was steady, but it wasn't the kind of long-term career she really wanted. So, she and her husband started looking into ways they could build something as a team, and franchising quickly seemed like the perfect fit.“My husband and I decided we wanted to do something together,” she said. “We looked into franchising, and our passion for animals. We really started there and haven’t looked back.”The idea of entrepreneurship had always been in the back of her mind — especially a business centered around pets. “Dogs have always been a huge passion of mine — they really bring life to me,” she said. “What got us started in this was Ruby, our pit bull. She has a lot of sensitivities, and we were always looking for something healthy that she could eat.”Initially, the couple explored other franchise opportunities. But when they came across&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">Pet Wants</a>, the brand’s mission immediately resonated with them.“We were looking at another franchise after deciding that that was the way to go — one because of the support and two because we didn’t want to start from scratch,” she said. “But we found Pet Wants and it really checked all the boxes.”What stood out most was the brand’s focus on pet health and nutrition — something that had already been a personal challenge in Harker’s own life.“The message about pet health and wellness is something we are always striving for,” she said. “We’ve had a few dogs who have had severe allergies, so finding anything they could even eat was a struggle. I wish we had something like Pet Wants at the time.”Learning more about the brand confirmed that it aligned perfectly with their values and goals. “They explained what the brand was, and talking with them about our passion made us realize it was really aligned with what we wanted to do,” Harker said.<h2>Starting Mobile and Building Momentum</h2>Harker officially launched her Pet Wants business in 2025. Like many Pet Wants franchisees,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/is-a-storefront-required-how-pet-wants-gives-owners-flexibility-and-a-smarter-route-to-revenue-2731546">she began with the mobile model</a> — a strategic approach that allows owners to start building a customer base before opening a storefront.“We started in 2025. It has been fantastic, and we have really been well received here,” Harker said.While the couple is currently negotiating a lease for a brick-and-mortar location, the mobile model has allowed them to establish relationships within the community first. “Starting mobile allows us to really build our clientele, and we aren’t just sitting and waiting around while the storefront is being found,” she said.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/the-flexibility-of-owning-a-pet-wants-franchise-2728539">The flexibility</a> has also made it easier for Harker to take the lead in building the business while her husband continues working his current job. Transitioning from an administrative career to entrepreneurship has been an adjustment, but Harker embraces the learning process.“Every day is something new as we stay on top of what we need to get done,” she said. “It’s a whole new setup that I wasn’t used to, but we are learning and we are making headway.”<h2>Building a Strong Network of Support</h2>Like many first-time business owners, Harker has leaned heavily on the support networks around her — both locally and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/franchise-with-community-at-its-core-pet-wants-local-focus-drives-purpose-and-impact-2729102">within the Pet Wants system</a>.One of the most valuable resources for Harker has been connecting with other women entrepreneurs in her community. For Harker, that network came through the Women’s Chamber of Commerce in Colorado Springs.“That has been a huge benefit,” Harker said. “We found a lot of partners to work with, and knowing they all support women-owned businesses is amazing.”The connections and encouragement from other women entrepreneurs have been a major source of inspiration. “It’s been wonderful being able to go to those networking events and knowing that they support women and want women in business to succeed,” Harker said.Harker also credits the Pet Wants franchise system for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/franchisee-toolkit-the-key-to-success-in-owning-a-pet-wants-franchise-2730116">providing the support she needed</a> to get her business off the ground. From corporate leadership to fellow franchise owners, Harker says the brand's collaborative culture has been one of the most rewarding aspects of joining the system.“I can’t say enough about the support we’ve gotten from the Pet Wants team, and the other franchisees as well,” she said. “We are always in touch with other franchisees — we aren’t in competition.”She also appreciates the equal footing she has experienced as a female business owner. “They don’t just wait and talk to my husband if they need something — they support me and treat me as an equal,” Harker said.<h2>Looking Ahead</h2>As Harker continues to grow her mobile customer base and finalize plans for a storefront location, she remains focused on the mission that drew her to Pet Wants in the first place:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/investing-in-purpose-how-pet-wants-franchisees-are-transforming-pet-nutrition-2728325">improving the health and well-being of pets in her community</a>.For Harker, the opportunity to combine her love of animals with entrepreneurship has been transformative. And as she continues building her Pet Wants business, she’s proving that sometimes the best careers are the ones built around the things we love most.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.

How a Pet Wants Franchisee Built a Purpose-Driven Business

1851 Franchise

In honor of Women's History Month, Kariann Harker shares how female entrepreneurs can turn a passion into a thriving business and connect with other businesswomen.

This brand page has been paid for by PET WANTS. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

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

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

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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.

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

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