Pet Retail

• Pet Retail Franchises Reach Milestone Achievement with In-Store Recycling Program
• Ongoing Initiative Diverts 50 Tons of Packaging from Landfills and Incinerators Since Inception
• Committed to Sustainability, More than 3.2M Units Have Been Collected for Recycling Over the Last Two Years 

LIVONIA, Mich. — In the second year of a nationwide sustainability initiative, Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash have collectively recycled more than 100,000 pounds of pet food, treat, and litter packaging, surpassing their goal of recycling 50 tons of items by the program’s two-year anniversary.

This achievement is part of an annual partnership with TerraCycle®, an international recycling company, aimed at keeping pet packaging waste out of landfills and giving used materials a new life. Together, the brands demonstrate a shared commitment to advancing solutions for hard-to-recycle materials.

Since its launch in October 2023, the Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash Free Recycling Program has become a regular part of many neighbors’ shopping routines. The program allows shoppers to bring in empty bags from any brand of pet food, treats or litter, as well as delivery bags from online orders, and drop them in collection bins located inside participating stores. From there, TerraCycle cleans, shreds and processes the packaging into raw materials used to create new products.

Impact of The Program

• Since the program’s launch, more than 50 tons of packaging have been diverted from landfills.
• Collectively, Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash collected over 3.2 million units of packaging since the initiative’s inception two years ago.
• Most pet food packaging is made from non-recyclable or hard-to-recycle materials, resulting in more than 90% being thrown away and ending up in landfills or oceans.
• The program offers pet parents a free, convenient way to recycle, helping reduce waste while supporting a circular economy.

“Our neighbors have shown us that they want easy, practical ways to make a difference,” said Chris Rowland, CEO of Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash. “When we launched this program with TerraCycle two years ago, our hope was to make recycling part of the everyday shopping experience. Seeing more than 50 tons of packaging being given a new life shows the real power of small actions adding up, and we’re only getting started.”

Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash were the first pet retailers in the U.S. to partner with TerraCycle, setting a new standard for sustainability in the pet industry. The initiative reflects both brands’ commitment to environmental responsibility and their mission to serve as trusted community partners.

“This program proves that industry change happens when companies and customers work together,” said Tom Szaky, founder and CEO of TerraCycle. “By making recycling simple and accessible, Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash have built a model that other industries can learn from. Every bag collected is one less piece of waste in our oceans or landfills, and that’s an achievement worth celebrating.”

Pet parents can learn more about which products can be recycled and find participating locations by visiting Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash websites.

Leading Pet Retailers Sets Sights on Helping 20,000 Dogs and Cats Find Forever Homes While Promoting Value of Pet Adoptions

LIVONIA, Mich. — Committed to helping 20,000 pets find their forever homes in 2025, Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash are on their way to reaching that goal with 19,303 successful adoptions year-to-date. Having surpassed the 2024 goal of supporting 15,000 adoptions through a nationwide initiative, the brands have built on this commitment to animal welfare by partnering with local rescues and hosting in-store adoption events. Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash continue to address the critical need of finding loving homes for shelter animals.

With approximately 2.8 million dogs and cats entering animal shelters in the first half of 2025, Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash are creating meaningful connections to help pets find the caring families they deserve. Whether they were a stray or born into a shelter, the initiative is driven by the belief that every pet deserves a second chance. The increased awareness and continued education aim to make adoptions more accessible and visible in communities across the country.

“We are proud of the progress we’ve made toward our 2025 goal, but the work is far from done,” said Chris Rowland, CEO of Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash. “Each adoption is another life changed for the better – not just for the pet, but for the family they’re joining. We encourage everyone to consider adoption and experience the joy a furry friend can bring into your life.”

As Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash look toward the rest of 2025, they remain committed to building awareness and providing essential education, sourced by the Shelter Animals Count National Database, on the value and need for adoptions:

• It’s estimated that 2.8 million dogs and cats have entered U.S. shelters or rescues in the first half of 2025.
• About 366,000 shelter animals had a non-live outcome (euthanasia, lost and died in care, etc.) between January and June 2025.
• Dog and cat adoptions have slightly decreased in the first half of the year, compared to 2024.
• Fewer adult and senior dogs are being adopted, but the adoption rate for juvenile dogs is rising. The length of stay for dogs of all sizes increased in 2024.

In support of its ongoing commitment to supporting pet adoptions, Pet Supplies Plus has launched an inaugural Shelter Shoutout Series. Each installment shines a light on the dedicated work of local rescue shelters, Pet Supplies Plus store teams, and regional community members across the country. The series amplifies awareness for adoption while delivering food donations in partnership with Hill’s Science Diet and celebrates the unsung heroes who are making a difference for animals in need. So far, the bi-monthly effort has taken place in Western Michigan, Chicago, Illinois and Jacksonville, Florida. Upcoming Shelter Shoutout Series locations include Austin, Texas and Charleston, South Carolina.

As part of its identity and mission, Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash foster a culture of compassion for the well-being of all animals. With the combined store count growing at a rapid rate, the pet retail brands plan to make a significant impact on the lives of thousands of pets through this initiative.

Pet Supplies Plus has everything you need for your furry, scaly and feathery friends and offers a wide selection of natural and made-in-the-USA products. 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. To help keep your pets happy and healthy, neighbors can also fill pet 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.

National Pet Retailer Sends $5,000 Worth of Resources to Help Local Shelters and Displaced Animals

LIVONIA, Mich. — In response to the recent flooding across Texas, Pet Supplies Plus, the largest and most trusted pet retail franchise in the United States, has partnered with Best Friends Animal Society to deliver much-needed supplies to support local animal shelters and the pets in their care.

Hill Country Humane Society, a local no-kill Texas animal shelter taking in pets displaced by recent flooding, is the recipient of this donation. Pet Supplies Plus is providing essential items requested by the shelter, with distribution support from leading national animal welfare organization, Best Friends Animal Society. The donation includes crates, leashes, harnesses, collars, cat litter, and flea and tick prevention, worth an approximate value of $5,000.

“At Pet Supplies Plus, supporting both our two and four-legged neighbors has always been at the heart of what we do,” said Chris Rowland, CEO of Pet Supplies Plus. “We’re proud to stand alongside Best Friends Animal Society to provide relief to local shelters like Hill Country Humane Society. Our goal is to ensure these pets receive the care, comfort, and stability they deserve during such a challenging time.”

Best Friends Animal Society, a longtime partner of Pet Supplies Plus, runs lifesaving facilities and programs nationwide in partnership with more than 5,000 shelters and rescue organizations. Best Friends has been providing relief to communities impacted by the Texas floods by helping fund emergency supplies and transporting dogs and cats already in local shelters to shelters in other regions to make room for displaced pets.

“Severe weather emergencies like the recent devastating floods in Texas impact entire communities, including the pets who depend on their people for safety and care,” said Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society. “We are so grateful to Pet Supplies Plus for their ongoing support in both good times and in challenging times. These supplies will provide much-needed relief to Hill Country Humane Society and the community as they navigate the coming weeks and months.”

To learn more about relief efforts in your area, visit the Pet Supplies Plus website to find your local store.

Pet Supplies Plus has everything you need for your furry, scaly and feathery friends and offers a wide selection of natural and made-in-the-USA products. 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. To help keep your pets happy and healthy, neighbors can also fill pet 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.

• Pet Retail Brands Capitalize on Momentum as Pet and Franchise Industries Surge in 2025
• CEO Chris Rowland Appointed to the Board of Franchise Group, Inc. to Support Continuous Success
• The Franchise Brands Further Position as Industry Leaders with Strong Growth and Positive Cash Flow

LIVONIA, Mich. — With the franchise industry expected to generate $936.4 billion in economic output this year, pet retail franchise leaders Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash are capitalizing on the record-setting momentum with double-digit growth through the first half of 2025. The two brands have secured 15 new franchise agreements so far and are on track to open more than 25 stores in 2025, with a goal of selling 35 locations by year’s end.

The success of Pet Supplies Plus continues to earn national recognition. So far this year, the brand was ranked the #1 Pet Franchise in Entrepreneur‘s Franchise 500® for the 11^th consecutive year, claimed the top spot in the publication’s “Best of the Best” list, and secured #9 on its “Top Brands for Multi-Unit Owners” ranking. Additionally, Pet Supplies Plus was named to Forbes‘ prestigious “Best Customer Service” list for the second year in a row, outranking competitors and reinforcing its commitment to exceptional service.

“The first half of 2025 has been incredibly successful and speaks to the strength of both Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash,” said Nick Russo, Chief Development Officer of Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash. “Our rapid franchise growth and national recognition as top brands – not just in pet retail, but across franchising – demonstrate the power of our systems and our core mission of making pet services affordable and accessible. As interest in pet retail franchising continues to grow, both brands are well-positioned for an even stronger second half of the year.”

The pet industry is thriving alongside franchising in 2025. Over 94 million U.S. households now own at least one pet, up from 82 million in 2023. Despite ongoing economic uncertainty and high inflation, 77% of U.S. pet owners say the economy has not affected their pet ownership, emphasizing a continued commitment to keeping pets healthy, safe, and comfortable. As consumer spending in the pet category rises year over year, both Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash present strong opportunities for growth-minded franchisees.

In a notable development that underscores Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash’s influence within the larger retail space, Pet Supplies Plus CEO Chris Rowland was recently appointed to the board of Fusion Parent, LLC which is the successor parent to Franchise Group, Inc. His leadership and perspective will help shape the strategic direction of the organization and support their long-term growth.

“Our team continues to build on a legacy of trust and consistency that resonates with both franchisees and pet parents,” shared Rowland. “Looking ahead, we are more energized than ever. Our focus remains on strategic expansion, strong franchisee support, and maintaining the neighbor-first experience that truly sets us apart in a competitive market.”

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.

With This Donation, The Nation’s Largest Pet Retail Franchise Continues Its Support for Pet Lifesaving Programs

LIVONIA, Mich. — As part of its ongoing commitment to support animal welfare programs, Pet Supplies Plus has donated $21,198.49 to Best Friends Animal Society through the sales of select toys in 2024. This marks the fifth consecutive year that the nation’s largest pet retail franchise has partnered with Best Friends to help achieve the organization’s goal of making the entire country no-kill. According to Best Friends, as of April 2025 nearly two out of three U.S. shelters are now no-kill.

Best Friends Animal Society received 10% of proceeds from the sale of bunny, dog, horse, and pig holiday plush toys at Pet Supplies Plus, along with other select toys sold throughout the year. With each purchase, neighbors were supporting the Best Friends’ mission, resulting in a donation of over $21,000 to help animals across the country.

“With so many cats and dogs in need of loving families, our neighbors stepped up in a huge way to support Best Friends Animal Society,” said Chris Rowland, CEO of Pet Supplies Plus. “We’re honored to continue our partnership with this incredible organization for another year and contribute to their mission to help save the lives of homeless pets. While we’re proud of this contribution, we know there’s still much work to be done to create a future where no pet is left without a loving home.”

Best Friends Animal Society, a longtime partner of Pet Supplies Plus, is a national animal welfare organization dedicated to saving the lives of dogs and cats in America’s shelters and making the entire country no-kill. Best Friends runs lifesaving facilities and programs nationwide in partnership with more than 5,000 shelters and rescue organizations, and operates the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary in Kanab, UT.

“Best Friends is incredibly grateful for our longstanding partnership with Pet Supplies Plus,” said Candi Maciel, Director, Corporate Partnerships, Best Friends Animal Society. “For the last 5 years, their support has helped us make strides toward a no-kill future, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration to save the lives of more homeless dogs and cats this year and beyond.”

Pet Supplies Plus has everything you need for your furry, scaly and feathery friends and offers a wide selection of natural and made-in-the-USA products. 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. To help keep your pets happy and healthy, neighbors can also fill pet 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.

National Pet Retail Brands Highlight Success of TerraCycle Partnership

LIVONIA, Mich. — In recognition of Earth Day, national pet retail brands Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash are marking a significant achievement: the recycling of 30.3 tons of plastic pet food, treat, and litter bag packaging—or the equivalent of three Tyrannosaurus Rex—through the Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash Free Recycling Program. Together with TerraCycle, an international leader in innovative sustainability solutions, the partnership promotes sustainable business practices by offering neighbors a free and convenient solution to recycle any brand of pet food, treat, and litter bag packaging by utilizing dedicated recycling stations available in participating stores.

The Impact & How It Works:

• It’s estimated that the U.S. pet food industry produces 400 million tons of plastic waste yearly. Most pet food packaging is made from non-recyclable or hard-to-recycle materials, resulting in 99% of all pet food packaging being thrown away rather than recycled, and ending up in landfills or oceans.
• The partnership created an in-store recycling program that offers a free and convenient solution for neighbors to give this packaging a second life. Neighbors can drop off these items in a designated collection bin at their local participating Pet Supplies Plus or Wag N’ Wash.
• All pet food, treat, and litter bag packaging, as well as Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash delivery bags, collected in-store are returned to TerraCycle to be shredded, cleaned and recycled into raw materials used to make new products.
• Since the partnership launched in 2023, more than 30 tons of waste have been prevented from ending up in landfills or incinerators.

“Our partnership with TerraCycle continues to highlight our commitment to sustainability, not just on Earth Day, but year-round,” said Chris Rowland, Chief Executive Officer of Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash. “We are proud that our neighbors have supported this commitment and contributed to the success of the program. Together, we’re setting a new benchmark for environmental responsibility in the pet industry and making a lasting impact on our planet’s future.”

The franchise brands were the first in the pet retail industry to partner with TerraCycle, and have since educated neighbors nationwide on how they can reduce their carbon footprint through the in-store recycling program. Pet parents can learn more about which products can be recycled on the Pet Supplies Plus website and Wag N’ Wash website.

“This program shows how accessible recycling solutions can deliver real environmental impact,” said Tom Szaky, Founder and CEO of TerraCycle. “The Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash Free Recycling Program gives pet owners a simple way to collect and recycle pet food packaging, keeping it out of landfills and incinerators—turning everyday habits into meaningful progress.”

Pet Supplies Plus has everything you need for your furry, scaly and feathery friends and offers a wide selection of natural and made-in-the-USA products. 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. To help keep your pets happy and healthy, neighbors can also fill pet 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.

The Nation’s Largest Pet Retail Franchise Provides Essential Supplies to Aid Pets Affected by California Wildfires

LIVONIA, Mich. — In response to the devastating California wildfires, Pet Supplies Plus, the largest and most trusted pet retail franchise in the United States, has teamed up with Natural Balance, Coastal Pet Products, and Hamilton Pet Products to provide crucial support for affected animals. This timely donation is being given to Best Friends Animal Society and will help ensure that displaced pets have access to essential supplies during this challenging period.

Pet Supplies Plus has gifted $15,000 worth of essential pet supplies from Coastal Pet Products and Hamilton Pet Products, including collars, leashes, and harnesses to support pets impacted by the wildfires. Additionally, through collaboration with Natural Balance, the company has donated 1,152 pounds of dog food, valued at nearly $5,000, to help maintain the wellbeing of affected pets.

“During natural disasters like these devastating wildfires, both people and their pets face immense challenges,” said Chris Rowland, CEO of Pet Supplies Plus. “We’re grateful for our partnership with Best Friends Animal Society and the opportunity to gift these essential supplies to pets and families who are really in need. Our goal is to provide some relief during this difficult time and support the incredible work being done by local rescue organizations.”

Best Friends Animal Society, a longtime partner of Pet Supplies Plus, is a leading national animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters. The organization runs lifesaving programs across the country, including L.A., and has been supporting local shelters during the California wildfires while operating a pet pantry out of their West L.A. Pet Adoption Center to provide essential supplies for both people and pets.

“We are immensely grateful to Pet Supplies Plus for their support of the many pets impacted by the California wildfires,” said Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society. “This donation will go a long way in helping us continue our efforts to keep displaced pets and their people together during this challenging time.”

To learn more about relief efforts in your area, visit the Pet Supplies Plus website to find your local store.

Pet Supplies Plus has everything you need for your furry, scaly and feathery friends and offers a wide selection of natural and made-in-the-USA products. 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. To help keep your pets happy and healthy, neighbors can also fill pet 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.

The Nation’s Largest Pet Retail Franchise Supports Georgia & North Carolina Communities with Large Pet Product Donation

LIVONIA, Mich. — In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Pet Supplies Plus, the largest and most trusted pet retail franchise in the United States, made a substantial donation to non-profit The Rewritten Story Foundation. With the immense impact natural disasters can have on displacing animals and straining resources, this donation will help ensure that pets and their families receive necessary support during recovery and rebuilding efforts.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Leading Pet Retail Franchises Have Set a New Industry Standard with In-Store Recycling Stations
• Pet Food Industry is Estimated to Produce 300 Million Pounds of Plastic Each Year
• Customers are Encouraged to Bring Delivery Bags and Empty Food, Treat and Litter Bags into Their Local Store

LIVONIA, Mich. — In just the first year of a nationwide sustainability project, Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash have helped keep 27,000 pounds of pet product packaging from ending up in landfills and incinerators. The franchise brands made news last year when they became the first pet retailers in the United States to partner with TerraCycle, an international leader in innovative sustainability solutions.

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 – are ramping up their commitment to sustainability. It’s estimated that the world produces 57 million tons of plastic pollution every year, which threatens ecosystems, wildfires, and human health alike. As the pet industry continues to grow with nearly 66% of U.S. households having a pet, there is an immediate need to take action to ensure plastic packaging from various pet items does not end up in landfills.

While many may make an effort to recycle pet packaging, most items are not accepted through standard curbside recycling services because its complex material composition and lingering food residue make it difficult and unprofitable for local recyclers to process. As the first pet retailers to team up with TerraCycle to offer a free, convenient in-store recycling solution for pet food, treat and litter packaging, as well as delivery bags, Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash are providing pet parents a resource that is truly making a positive impact.

“The first year of our partnership with TerraCycle has been an overwhelming success,” said Chris Rowland, Chief Executive Officer of Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash. “We are beyond proud of our neighbors nationwide who recycled 13.5 tons of plastic that would have otherwise been thrown out. This is just the beginning of our commitment to sustainability and helping create a cleaner world for our neighbors and pets.”

About the In-Store Recycling Program:

• Neighbors can drop off empty flexible plastic pet food, treat and litter bags from any brand, and for any species of pet, to designated collection bins located in participating stores across the country. Additionally, neighbors can bring in any delivery bags from their Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash online orders.
• All pet product packaging and delivery bags collected in-store are returned to TerraCycle to be shredded, cleaned and recycled into raw materials used to make new products.
• The in-store recycling program was created to make things easy for neighbors while playing a role in reducing plastic waste.
• Pet parents can learn more about which products can be recycled on the Pet Supplies Plus website and Wag N’ Wash website.

“This partnership between Pet Supplies Plus, Wag N’ Wash and TerraCycle has already played an important role in keeping pet food packaging out of landfills and incinerators across the United States,” said Tom Szaky, CEO and Founder of TerraCycle. “By voluntarily taking responsibility for all brands of empty pet food packaging, Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash are redefining standards for sustainability in the pet industry.”

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.