partnership

Pet Retail Franchises are Leading the Pack this Earth Day with Commitment to Embracing ‘Sustainable Pawprints’

LIVONIA, Mich. — Pet Supplies Plus, the largest and most trusted pet retail franchise in the United States, and Wag N’ Wash, the emerging self-wash, grooming and natural pet food franchise, celebrate a recycling milestone in light of Earth Day. Since announcing a commitment to sustainability in October 2023, the brands have collected and recycled three and a half tons of pet product packaging waste through a partnership with TerraCycle, the international leader in recycling hard-to-recycle materials. The launch of the partnership marked another milestone as Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash were the first pet retailers to join forces with TerraCycle, with recycling stations launching in retail locations across the country.

The pet industry produces 300 million pounds of plastic waste yearly, and 99% of all pet food packaging is thrown away rather than recycled, impacting various ecosystems. When it comes to pet product packaging waste, it’s vital that pet parents are educated on whether the packaging belongs in the recycling bin or the trash can, or if it’s contaminated and will be rejected by recycling facilities. To prevent further harm to the environment, Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash remain committed to sustainability and educating neighbors on responsible waste management.

Now with in-store recycling programs that offer a free and convenient solution to give pet food, treat and litter bags a second life, Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash enable neighbors to practice sustainable habits. Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash stores nationwide have collection bins where neighbors can drop off empty flexible plastic pet food, treat and litter bags from any brand for any species of pet. All collected waste is sent to TerraCycle to be cleaned, separated by material type and recycled into raw formats that manufacturers use to make new products.

“Most pet food and treat bags are not accepted by curbside recycling services due to their complex, multilayer packaging, which is often too expensive for local recycling facilities to process,” said Tom Szaky, TerraCycle Founder and CEO. “As the first major pet retailers in the United States to offer a free recycling program for all brands of pet food packaging, Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash are setting a great example for the rest of the pet retail industry.”

The in-store recycling program was created to educate neighbors while making an impact on reducing plastic waste. Pet parents can learn more about which products can be recycled on the Pet Supplies Plus and the Wag N’ Wash websites.

“We are blown away by how many neighbors came into our stores and contributed to saving three and a half tons of plastic from being poured into landfills over the past six months,” said Chris Rowland, Chief Executive Officer of Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash. “The partnership with TerraCycle is our commitment to reducing waste so that our neighbors and pets can all live in a better world.”

Pet Supplies Plus offers a wide array of natural pet foods and a variety of US-made pet consumables, including food, treats, rawhide and chews. Every store is set in welcoming neighborhood environments and supported by team members who get to know their neighbors and pets by name. Full-service grooming, self-serve pet wash stations and fresh bakery treats are also available in-store at many locations. Furthermore, neighbors can fill prescriptions online and receive home delivery for quality medications and specialty diets. Whether shopping in-store or online, choosing local is easy. For more information, visit www.petsuppliesplus.com.

Each Wag N’ Wash location offers both a self-serve pet wash station and full-service grooming salon. In the self-serve pet wash area, neighbors are met with a self-wash attendant who provides aprons, towels, dry brushes, wet scrub brushes, shampoo, conditioner, and cologne spray. In the full-service grooming salon, neighbors work with our top-tier, professional groomers to provide full-service grooming, including nail trims, ear cleanings, and more. With services being a primary part of the business, each Wag N’ Wash also offers a variety of dog and cat products such as supplements, pet food, collars and leashes, toys, supplies and other unique goods. For more information, visit www.wagnwash.com.

With Double-Digit Growth, Pet Supplies Plus Ranks No. 21 in Franchise 500^® Ranking + Wag N’ Wash Hits Major Milestones

LIVONIA, Mich. — Leading the charge in an industry that continues to rise, Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash embark on a new year with double-digit signed franchise agreements and openings in 2023. While each franchise opportunity provides prospects a unique offering, both legacy brand Pet Supplies Plus and emerging concept Wag N’ Wash have the billion-dollar backing of 30+ years of franchise and industry experience.

As the largest pet retail franchise in North America, Pet Supplies Plus wrapped the year awarding 83 franchise agreements and maintaining its robust store services growth. Wag N’ Wash, the emerging self-wash, grooming and natural pet food franchise, secured 12 agreements and has now doubled in store count since being acquired in early 2022.

Even amidst economic uncertainty, consumer spending in the pet industry has maintained its upward trajectory, having increased over 51% between 2018 and 2022.  If this trend continues, the industry could be valued at nearly $275 billion in 2030, positioning both Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash for significant growth with a turnkey franchise opportunity.

“Reflecting on the year, the key to our success has been building off a strong track record, immense passion of our current franchise owners, emphasizing our recession-resilient business, and leveraging our strong leadership team,” shared Nick Russo, Chief Development and Stores Officer of Pet Supplies Plus Group. “Regardless of experience, franchisees can find their perfect match here – whether that’s a full-service, large-format store like Pet Supplies Plus or a smaller, service-driven dog specialty store such as Wag N’ Wash.”

Alongside a strategic development plan that fueled its growth, grand openings also took center stage last year with the addition of 62 new stores for Pet Supplies Plus and 13 for Wag N’ Wash. Notably, one of these was the opening of Michigan’s first Wag N’ Wash, which also serves as the flagship location, sitting in the heart of Ann Arbor.

“We expect 2024 to be another strong year as we remain laser focused on growing the footprint of Pet Supplies Plus while continuing to roll out Wag N’ Wash in new markets,” added Russo. “Interest in the Pet Supplies Plus brand has never been stronger for both new and existing markets. Equally impressive, Wag N’ Wash has been a popular commodity, so we anticipate to sell a record number of stores this year.”

The success of Pet Supplies Plus has not gone unnoticed. Most recently, the brand was named the top pet franchise in Entrepreneur‘s Franchise 500^®, the world’s first and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Landing No. 21 on the overall list, this is the tenth consecutive year Pet Supplies Plus earned the top spot in its category. The franchise brand also earned a ranking on Forbes’ inaugural list of ‘Best Customer Service’ – which is a core pillar for the brand. Both of these prestigious awards further position Pet Supplies Plus as an industry leader, for both franchising and pet retail.

In addition to prioritizing innovation to meet the changing needs and wants of its consumers with private brand offerings and new launches, Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash are rooted in a booming industry and supported with advanced marketing strategies, supply chain efficiencies and omni-channel shopping options.

Both Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash are actively seeking single and multi-unit owners to join their growing families. To learn more about the Pet Supplies Plus franchise opportunity, visit petsuppliesplusfranchising.com. To learn more about the Wag N’ Wash franchise opportunity, visit wagnwashfranchising.com.

Largest Pet Retail Franchise and Premium Pet Food Maker Help Provide Service Dogs to Deserving Veterans

PROSPER, Texas — Pet Supplies Plus, the largest and most trusted pet retail franchise, has once again joined forces with Natural Balance^® to raise awareness of the profound impact service dogs have on America’s servicemen and women. Pet Supplies Plus and Natural Balance continue their national partnership this year with a donation of $50,000 to Patriot PAWS Service Dogs, a non-profit that trains and provides service dogs for disabled Veterans, at no cost. The check presentation was hosted at the Prosper, Texas Pet Supplies Plus on Thursday, Nov. 9.

In honor of Veterans Day, every Pet Supplies Plus purchase of Natural Balance products throughout November will support the $50,000 donation to Patriot PAWS Service Dogs. With this donation, Patriot PAWS will provide service dogs free of charge to disabled American Veterans to help restore and maintain their physical and emotional independence.

“The work Patriot PAWS does has an enormous impact, and we take great pride in this annual collaboration with Natural Balance to help support their cause,” said Chris Rowland, CEO of Pet Supplies Plus. “Together, we are dedicated to ensuring that veterans can be seamlessly paired with service dogs, without any financial burden.”

The check presentation was held at the Pet Supplies Plus of Prosper, Texas located at 4580 W University Dr Suite 10, on Thursday, November 9. Pet Supplies Plus and Natural Balance presented the check together to Patriot PAWS joined by Development Coordinators, Marissa Sanchez and Sarah Mathers, Veteran Coordinator, April Allison, and Veteran, Brian Reece with Patriot PAWS Service Dog, Maverick.

“Our friends at Pet Supplies Plus and Natural Balance are truly helping us to fulfill our mission,” said Lori Stevens, Founder & Executive Director of Patriot PAWS Service Dogs. “We have, firsthand, seen the difference our service dogs make in the lives of our Veterans and are immensely grateful for their continued years of friendship and support.”

Pet Supplies Plus and Natural Balance have been dedicated to this annual partnership for the past five years and are proud to support Patriot PAWS’ work of training and placing service dogs with disabled Veterans, and others, who suffer from Mobile Disabilities, Traumatic Brain Injuries and/or Post-Traumatic Stress. Their mission allows for Veterans to continue to be positively impacted by service dogs without the costs of training, which is over $35,000 per dog. With the help of donors, volunteers, and training programs, Patriot PAWS is able to eliminate the entire cost for Veterans. Since inception, Patriot PAWS has placed over 400 dogs from their program.

“Natural Balance is incredibly proud to once again partner with Pet Supplies Plus to support Patriot PAWS,” said Darcy Hagan, Senior Vice President of Independent Sales of Natural Balance. “Being able to help provide a trained service dog to a Veteran in need could not be more rewarding. Thank you to Patriot PAWS for their great work.”

Pet Supplies Plus offers a wide array of natural pet foods and a variety of made-in-the-USA pet consumables, including food, treats, rawhide and chews. Set in welcoming neighborhood environments, Pet Supplies Plus team members get to know their neighbors and pets by name at every store. Full-service grooming, self-serve pet wash stations and fresh bakery treats are also available in-store at many locations. Neighbors can now fill prescriptions online and receive home delivery for quality medications and specialty diets. Whether shopping in-store or online, choosing local is easy. For more information, visit www.petsuppliesplus.com.