Veterinary Technician Takes Control of Career Without Giving Up Her Passion by Franchising with Pet Wants

Shawn Barnett dedicated 35 years to her career as a licensed veterinary technician, finding immense joy and fulfillment in her work. However, two years ago, a corporate buyout shifted her work environment from a place of passion to one focused solely on the bottom line.

“I went from loving to get up and going to work every day to just pure stress — revenue, revenue, revenue,” said Barnett. “All the wonderful things about working at an animal hospital were being overshadowed. I was really miserable those few years. If I was going to focus on revenue all night long, I wanted it to be my revenue.” 

Witnessing her struggles, Barnett's father-in-law suggested she explore franchise opportunities, ultimately introducing her to Pet Wants, the healthy pet food and wellness franchise. Though initially unfamiliar with the brand, Barnett was drawn to its mission and the opportunity to do something new while staying connected to the world of animals.

“I was very terrified of this change at first — leaving this career of 35 years,” said Barnett. “But what really attracted me was the support. The team is always there for you, and that is what is so appealing about a franchise like Pet Wants.”

As an expert in the field, Barnett found Pet Wants' approach to pet nutrition — focusing on small-batch, low-temperature food production — both eye-opening and inspiring. The brand’s commitment to “food as medicine” resonated deeply with her veterinary background, reinforcing her belief in the product and the company's mission.

Since launching her Pet Wants in Collierville, Tennessee, earlier this year, Barnett has been actively engaging with the local community through events and educational outreach, building awareness about the brand. 

1851 Franchise spoke with Barnett to learn more about her background, her journey to the franchise and her plans for the future. 

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Shawn Barnett: I was a licensed veterinary technician for 35 years, and I absolutely loved my job. If someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I was already doing it. Two years ago, we got bought out by a corporation and things started changing. I went from loving to get up and go to work every day to just pure stress — revenue, revenue, revenue. All the wonderful things about working at an animal hospital were being overshadowed. I was really miserable those few years. If I was going to focus on revenue all night long, I wanted it to be my revenue. My father-in-law saw how bad it was and started looking into franchise opportunities for me. He showed me Pet Wants, which I had never heard of before.

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?

Barnett: I was very terrified of this change, leaving this career of 35 years, but what really attracted me was the support. They are always there for you, and that is what is so appealing about a franchise.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Barnett: I still needed to be in the world of animals. This was the perfect opportunity for me to still get to that fix, be a part of a pet’s parents’ lives, still making a difference but in a completely different way. Even being a technician for 35 years, I have learned more from Pet Wants’ dietician since I’ve been here.

I had never heard of Pet Wants — there wasn’t one in our area. I needed to be a believer first before I signed on. But they really convinced me. Learning about the small-batch, the low temperatures — things I’ve never even thought of, even in the veterinary industry. Pet Wants really opened my eyes to food as medicine. Just how important the diet is for our pets. It really didn’t hit home with me until I investigated Pet Wants. I knew they had something there; this was a feeling of a trusted company.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?

Barnett: I’ve been doing events so far. I’m learning that if you follow the guidelines, you can be successful. We have a long way to go, but I’m following the systems. I’ve been texting with our customers: “I’m here for you, we are a resource.” That's what I am looking forward to — building those same types of relationships I had with clients at the clinic.

We had a young couple who just moved here from Atlanta, and their pets had been on Pet Wants food for years, and they were so excited that there was a location opening up in Memphis. You could tell they were so well-educated from the Atlanta team — it was amazing.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?

Barnett: Find an established company with a good team. Rely on your team — don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Even with my pet knowledge, I just sit back and take it in. Make sure there is a need, make sure there is a supportive team.

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, visit: https://1851franchise.com/petwants.

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 https://www.petwants.com/ or follow Pet Wants on LinkedIn, @petwantsusa on Facebook, @petwants on Twitter and Instagram.