Franchise Deep Dive: Pet Wants Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

With a massively in-demand product, a uniquely scalable model and low start-up costs, the pet food concept, Pet Wants, is emerging as a primary contender in the segment.

By Luca Piacentini1851 Franchise Managing Editor

8:08AM • 04/27/23

Pet Wants is a fresh pet food franchise under the Strategic Franchising Systems umbrella. The brand’s food is made with natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals, free from potentially harmful fillers, bad ingredient choices and animal byproducts that make other pet foods subpar. With Pet Wants, pet owners get all the benefits of fresh, nutrient-dense food and the convenience of home delivery—without any of the hassles.

How Many Pet Wants Locations Are There?

Since being founded in 2010, Pet Wants has grown to include nearly 100 locations across the U.S.

The Pet Wants brand was started when Michele Hobbs and her wife Amanda Broughton opened a kiosk at Cincinnati’s Findlay Market to sell high-quality pet food—higher quality than they were able to find from any major retailer at the time—to her neighbors. The idea was born after their beloved family dog Jackson suffered from allergies and a host of other health problems that included painful skin rashes. Because the pet food the vet recommended only made her dog’s problems worse, Hobbs decided to attack the problem head on. She researched foods, studied labels and eventually realized that no commercially available food would address their concerns. So, they decided to open a pet food kiosk of their own. They found a manufacturer in upstate Ohio who would make limited runs of formulas, and the Pet Wants brand was born.

Over the next few years, Hobbs quickly discovered there was a huge demand for fresh, healthy pet food and decided to franchise the Pet Wants concept in 2015. Since then, Pet Wants has made waves in the industry and was recently given the title of the fastest-growing pet franchise by Franchise Gator. In the past year alone, Pet Wants has experienced a 44% increase in consumer spending.

What Is the Pet Wants Business Model?

Pet Wants is a low-cost investment opportunity in a high-demand industry with a scalable storefront model. Franchise business owners start mobile or event-based, and focus on acquiring subscription delivery customers and building connections with local pet parents in their first year. After the first year, franchisees add the launch of their retail pet store and grooming center that sells Pet Wants food, custom treats and high-end pet accessories.

Instead of manufacturing tons of kibble at once, Pet Wants manufactures food every month and ships the optimal amount of food directly to franchise owners to maintain freshness. Best of all, Pet Wants’ foods are offered at a price that’s typically far lower than the prescription diets veterinarians are trying to convince pet owners to buy.

How Much Can Pet Wants Owners Make?

There were 138 store and mobile franchises in operation as of December 31, 2021, of which 91 were in operation for the entire year and reported revenue for the entire year. There were 102 franchises in operation as of December 31, 2020, of which 68 were in operation the entire year and reported revenue for the entire year. There were 99 franchises in operation as of December 31, 2019, of which 62 were in operation the entire year and reported revenue for the entire year.

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Pet Wants?

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Pet Wants Mobile Franchise is from $70,330 to $92,500. This includes between $47,500 and $50,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Pet Wants Store Franchise ranges from $131,350 to $202,000. This includes between $57,500 and $62,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.

What If the Franchise Fee for Pet Wants?

Pet Wants requires a franchise fee of $47,500, which can be earned back through the brand’s Winner’s Circle program.

Who Is the Leadership of Pet Wants?

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About Pet Wants?

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