Why the Pet Franchise Industry Is a Smart Investment

The pet sector has become one of the most resilient and attractive categories in franchising. With Americans spending billions each year on their animals, businesses that cater to this demand — from grooming and day care to specialty food and lodging — continue to thrive. What makes the category even more appealing is the passion that naturally drives it. Entrepreneurs who truly love animals often find the work more rewarding, which helps them push through the challenges of running a business.

“You can get excited about a category — especially if you have some sort of love or affinity for an animal — and then you can look at what exists in those categories,” said 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills.

A Wide Range of Opportunities

Pet franchises come in many shapes and sizes. Doggy day cares and boarding facilities typically require a higher upfront investment, while dog walking, grooming or pet food concepts often have lower costs of entry. There are also specialty niches, such as bird-focused stores like Wild Birds Unlimited. 

"Hone in on focusing on a category that you like, and then pick three to five brands that would align there," Powills said. 

Grooming, in particular, has become a reliable and high-value service as more Americans treat their pets like family. The market is now worth over $2 billion. That’s the space petbar is focused on. Founded in Dallas by husband-and-wife team Dan and Ashley O’Loughlin, the brand aims to make grooming simple and enjoyable with bright, open layouts and a friendly environment.

“We are striving to be the Happiest Dog Grooming Place on Earth,” Ashley said. “We want it to be fun for dogs and fun for people.” 

What To Look for in a Brand

Beyond personal passion, franchisees should also weigh the fundamentals such as investment, revenue and territory availability. Searching lists of top pet and animal franchises can reveal which brands are expanding rapidly and supporting their owners well.

"I would pick a few different categories you like and then start measuring them against each other, rating them against each other on, ‘What is the total investment? How much I can make? What is the founder story of the vision and what are they saying? Can I open in the market that I want to open in?," Powills said. 

Going through this process will help you narrow down your options even further. It also gives you a clearer picture of how each brand stacks up, helping you separate the businesses with staying power from those that may not provide the same level of long-term opportunity. Choosing brands that are growing with intention, rather than rushing into oversaturation, is a key part of finding the right fit.

Brands like petbar show what steady, thoughtful expansion can look like. The company has already grown to more than 30 locations across Texas, Florida and Arizona, with plans to double that footprint in the near future while targeting other dog-loving markets nationwide.

“We want to grow as far and as fast as possible, but responsibly,” Dan said. “We’ve seen franchises open too quickly, especially here in Dallas. They’re everywhere, and then they’re gone. That’s not what we want. We’re building something for the long haul.”

Support Every Step of the Way

For those exploring opportunities in the pet space, there are free resources designed to simplify the process. Master classes, white papers and workbooks can help prospective franchisees understand how to evaluate brands and find the right fit. 

Aspiring franchisees don’t have to make these decisions alone. Free consultation calls and franchise growth platforms can provide guidance and explain how franchising works behind the scenes. 1851 Franchise, for example, offers a free “How to Buy a Franchise” master class, white papers and workbooks that walk candidates through every step of the evaluation process. 1851 Growth Club highlights categories like pets and animals, showcasing brands that have signed on and making it easier to compare opportunities side by side. These resources are designed to give prospective owners the tools they need to make informed decisions and build confidence as they narrow down their options.

“If you need help finding a franchise, be sure to go to 1851Franchise.com, click on Growth Club, fill out the form. We are happy to do a free, $0 cost you nothing at that point, consultation call,” Powills said. "Then we'll talk to you about what it would look like if you move forward." 

Tools like Growth Club give candidates a structured way to assess options, measure investments and determine which brands align with their goals.

With strong consumer demand and a wide variety of models available, the pet sector offers a strong opportunity for entrepreneurs ready to turn their love for animals into a rewarding business.