Pet Supplies Plus is North America’s largest pet retail franchise, ranking #1 in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 for 11 consecutive years. Founded in 1988 with 730+ locations across 43 states, the brand delivers a neighborhood pet store experience backed by the buying power and infrastructure of a national system. Over two-thirds of franchise owners operate multiple locations.
At a Glance
- Liquid Capital Required: $300,000 (Liquid Capital refers to readily available cash or cash-equivalent assets that can be accessed without borrowing, selling a primary residence, or relying on future income.)
- Net Worth Required: $600,000
- Ownership Model: Owner-operator or semi-absentee
- Location Type: 3,500–8,500 sq ft retail (2nd or 3rd generation space preferred)
- Time Commitment: Full-time
- Experience Required: None
Top 5 Reasons to Invest
- #1 pet retail franchise eleven consecutive years
- $2.6M average unit volume reported
- Over two-thirds of owners operate multiple locations
- 23.5% three-year growth vs. 7% industry average
- $151 billion pet industry with 70% household penetration
About Pet Supplies Plus
Pet Supplies Plus was founded in 1988 as a neighborhood pet store designed to feel like home while offering the selection of a national retailer. Franchising since 1991, the brand has grown to 730+ locations across 43 states, positioning itself as the largest pet retail franchise in North America. Stores are located in busy neighborhood centers, typically near food anchors.
The brand continues aggressive expansion — 40 new store openings and 23 franchise agreements sold at mid-year 2024 alone. Pet Supplies Plus earned the #21 overall ranking on Entrepreneur’s 2024 Franchise 500 and a FUND Score of 905 out of 950, giving franchise owners access to premium financing terms including fixed-rate options and low equity payments.
Why Franchise With Pet Supplies Plus?
- National buying power of 730+ stores delivers competitive pricing that independent pet retailers cannot match.
- Seven omni-channel shopping options — online ordering, same-day delivery, curbside pickup, in-store, grooming, and self-serve dog wash — drive consistent revenue.
- Proprietary product lines (Redford Naturals, Mittens Morsels, PlayOn, Fins First) deliver higher margins than third-party brands.
- Royalty structure starts at just 2% for the first 12 months, stepping to 3% thereafter — among the lowest in retail franchising.
- 20% initial franchise fee discount for qualified veterans.
ABF Exclusive Insights
Market Analysis: The U.S. pet industry reached $151 billion in consumer spending in 2024 with 70% of households owning at least one pet. This isn’t a trend — it’s structural demand. Pet spending has proven recession-resilient as owners prioritize their animals regardless of economic conditions. The shift toward premium natural foods and health-focused products continues accelerating.
Competitive Advantage: Pet Supplies Plus occupies the sweet spot between big-box pet retailers and independent shops. Stores are small enough (3,500–8,500 sq ft) for neighborly service but backed by the buying power and supply chain of 730+ locations. Proprietary brands create margin advantages competitors can’t replicate. The 905/950 FUND Score gives franchisees financing access that most retail concepts don’t qualify for.
ABF Timing Insight: With 23.5% growth over three years — more than triple the industry average — Pet Supplies Plus is expanding aggressively. Over two-thirds of existing owners have opened additional locations, signaling strong unit economics and franchisee confidence. For investors with $300,000 liquid capital seeking a proven retail model in a recession-resilient industry, the combination of brand dominance, multi-unit potential, and institutional financing access is difficult to match.
Training and Support
- Two-week hands-on training at certified corporate training stores covers all operational aspects of running a Pet Supplies Plus location.
- Real estate and site selection team evaluates potential locations to ensure optimal trade area positioning near food anchors and high-traffic centers.
- Customized store design and layout provided for each location, including specialized equipment purchasing assistance.
- Marketing team crafts strategies designed to leverage your specific trade area, supported by national brand campaigns.
- Specialized POS system includes retail pricing, shelf signs, price verification, scanned inventory, and product movement tracking.
Is Pet Supplies Plus the Right Fit for You?
- Pet lovers who want to build a business around animals and community
- Multi-unit investors seeking scalable retail with proven economics
- Operators comfortable managing retail teams and inventory
- Community-focused individuals who build neighborhood relationships
- Business professionals seeking semi-absentee or hands-on ownership flexibility
Franchise Fit & Capital Readiness
Who Is NOT A Good Fit for This Franchise
- Uncomfortable with retail operations — this requires managing staff, inventory, and a physical storefront
- Seeking low-capital entry — total investment starts at $536,000
- Expecting passive ownership without building a management team
- Less than $300,000 in liquid capital available
Candidates who do not meet the financial criteria below are typically not approved by the franchisor.
Investment Readiness Check
- Ownership timeline: Varies based on real estate and build-out in your market
- Total investment: $536,000–$1,900,000 including franchise fee, build-out, inventory, and working capital
- Minimum Liquid Capital: $300,000 — required for consideration
- FUND Score of 905/950 provides access to preferred financing terms
All financial thresholds are set by the franchisor and are non-negotiable during approval.
Franchisor Authority Disclosure
America’s Best Franchises provides guidance and introductions. Final approval criteria, financial thresholds, and territory decisions are determined exclusively by the franchisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does a Pet Supplies Plus franchise offer customers?
A. Stores carry the industry’s broadest selection of natural foods, hard goods, and pet services including grooming, self-serve dog wash, online ordering, same-day delivery, and curbside pickup — seven omni-channel shopping options in total.
Q. Do I need pet industry experience to own a Pet Supplies Plus?
A. No. Franchise owners come from diverse backgrounds including doctors, lawyers, corporate executives, and first-time business owners. Two-week hands-on training at certified stores covers all operational aspects.
Q. Can I own multiple Pet Supplies Plus locations?
A. Yes. Over two-thirds of current franchise owners operate multiple locations. The brand actively seeks both single and multi-unit investors.
Next Steps
By submitting this form, you confirm that you meet the liquid capital requirement of $300,000 established by the franchisor.
Complete the form below to request a qualification review and discuss territory availability for Pet Supplies Plus.
This profile represents general franchise information. Individual results may vary. Refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.
Pet Supplies Plus Franchising Model
Pet Supplies Plus Flexible Business Model
“The Pet Supplies Plus franchise for us is a great opportunity to become my own boss in a dynamic expanding market into neighborhoods. We found Pet Supplies Plus is run by people very passionate about pets and the industry. Their dedication to the industry has made our adventure with Pet Supplies Plus a successful one. Being competitive is always a major concern; Pet Supplies Plus has been instrumental with ensuring we stay competitive in this dynamic industry. Not only in pricing, but also with new products! For us, Pet Supplies Plus is driving success to us franchisees; so we can deliver it to our neighbors.”
“The pet industry is an exciting and growing category of retail. Pet Supplies Plus provides the opportunity to enter the pet specialty niche with a proven and powerful business model that affords the entrepreneur an opportunity to build a business in a durable market niche. I’ve been a Pet Supplies Plus franchisee for 17 years and I continue to reinvest in the brand and plan to do so into the future.”