In today’s world, pets are more than companions — they’re family. And like any loved ones, their health and happiness matter. That’s why pet parents are investing in health and wellness  products, nutrition and services like never before, fueling a U.S. pet industry now valued at over $136 billion. At the heart of this shift is Pet Wants, a franchise brand built not just on high-quality pet food, but on education, trust and community connection.

Pet Wants franchisees are advocates, educators and members of the community who help families that want to do better for their pets.

A Health Journey That Sparked a Business

For Kariann Harker and Jerrod Bohannon, who own Pet Wants Colorado Springs, the journey into franchising started with their dog Ruby — and years of unanswered questions.

“When we adopted Ruby seven years ago, she had so many sensitivities,” Jerrod said. “We were always looking for something healthy she could eat. We didn’t have anyone to guide us, and the big box stores weren’t much help.”

Jerrod and Kariann came from very different career paths — he in corporate automotive, she in health care. When Jerrod was laid off in 2023, he quickly found another role in the automotive industry, but the experience sparked a bigger conversation: it was time to seek something more meaningful.

“We knew we wanted to do something of our own,” Jerrod said. “When we found Pet Wants, it lined up perfectly with what we wished we’d had back when Ruby was struggling.”

They launched their mobile Pet Wants franchise in June 2024, serving pet parents in Colorado Springs and Briargate. From the very first month, the response was overwhelming.

“This area is super pet-friendly,” Kariann said. “People are always looking for ways to improve their pets’ lives and that makes their own lives better, too.”

Building Trust Through Connection

Like many Pet Wants owners, the Bohannons spend much of their time out in the community — meeting people face-to-face at local markets and events.

“We’ve got 20 events lined up just this month,” Jerrod said. “There’s a market downtown we do every other Sunday, and the foot traffic is incredible. One day we literally wore out a patch of grass.”

According to Kariann, this boots-on-the-ground approach is all about building trust. “I want people to know they can come to us and trust us to help find a solution,” she said. “Whether it’s healthy treats or stress issues, we’ll work to find answers for their pets.”

From Corporate Strategy to Customer-Facing Impact

That kind of personal interaction was something Jerry Luzynski, owner of Pet Wants Chesterfield in Michigan, didn’t always get in his former career in corporate data and analytics.

“Depending on what your project or mission is in corporate, you’re not always on the front lines with the customer,” Jerry said. “That started to feel like something I was missing. Now, every day, I get to make decisions about where we go and how we engage with pet owners. It’s incredibly fulfilling.”

Jerry opened his franchise with his wife Lisa and their three children — and they hit the ground running. In fact, Jerry set a sales record during his first month of business – generating the highest revenue ever for a new owner. 

“We filled every weekend of our first month with events,” he said. “Pet Wants made it clear how important that was, and we embraced it. But the real key was knowing how to engage with people. The training they gave us around food ingredients and nutrition made all the difference.”

Even with a storefront now open, Jerry and his family still spend significant time at events.

“You get a lot of foot traffic in those environments that you don’t get at the store,” Jerry said. “It’s important to engage with the community there. When people see us at events and then come into the store, it reinforces our presence. They realize we’re not going anywhere.”

Tools That Empower Impact

Pet Wants franchisees are equipped with more than fresh, small-batch food. They’re given educational tools, in-depth training and resources that allow them to truly help.

“We listen for key triggers — what the pet is eating, their age, treats and allergies,” Jerry said. “That helps us understand what’s going on. And the hair intolerance testing that Pet Wants offers is a huge help. We’ve had so many success stories. Sometimes a pet that was a picky eater is now thriving. Sometimes fur growth improves. Sometimes we help someone save money on food.”

Kariann and Jerrod agree that being able to offer tailored solutions is what makes Pet Wants more than just a pet food business.

“The support has made all the difference,” Kariann said. “I can’t imagine trying to bring something like this to life without the training and support. Starting a franchise can feel overwhelming — so Pet Wants’ new owner training is huge.”

A Lifestyle Brand With a Mission

Ultimately, the Luzynskis and the Bohannons were drawn to Pet Wants not just because of its products, but because of what it stands for.

“We’ve always been people of service,” Jerry said. “My wife is a dental hygienist, and she carries that over to this business every day. Now we get to help people and pets in a really meaningful way.”

Jerrod echoes the same sentiment. “We love animals,” he said. “We want to help as many as we can — and even if we’re not the right fit, we’ll help you find what is. That’s who we are.”

Whether it's helping a dog thrive after years of food allergies or building a business the whole family can grow together, Pet Wants franchisees are proving that pet health and wellness is more than a trend — it’s a lifestyle. And it’s one that’s changing lives, one pet at a time.

Ready to build a business rooted in purpose, passion and pet health and wellness? Visit https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info to learn more about franchising with Pet Wants.