🍟 1/27/2022 – The Covid Pet BOOM
One Chart:
Pet Industry Tailwinds from CB Insights
Interest in everything from pet insurance to pet food has risen dramatically since covid hit. Virtual veterinary care, premium/human grade pet food, and the bundling of pet care products of services are specific sectors that have taken off.
This movement has seen startups (and franchises) pop up across the board, as well as big players like Chewy and Walmart offer services from dog walking to telemedicine.
One Podcast:
Capturing the Pet Economy from Colossus
This was a fascinating conversation breaking down the business of Petco, which was founded in 1965 and started as a mail order business (had to Google what that actually means).
The conversation is led by the current CEO of a 5 location pet care provider Riverdog, and dives into how Petco evolved into its current big box model, and what impact e-commerce has had on this industry.
One Franchise Breakdown:
Zoom Room
Fast Facts
Background
- Founded in 2007, franchising since 2009
- Based in California; 41 units open or in development 2021
- An indoor facility for private dog training sessions, as well as socialization via indoor parks, birthday parties, and doggy disco parties for rescue organizations
Fees + Investment
- Franchise Fee: $49,500
- Royalty: 8%
- Brand Fund: 1%
- Initial Investment: $168,280 – $358,780
Financial Performance
- The below information is based on 6 franchisees that were opened on or before January 1, 2020.
- These locations include Austin, Texas; Trophy Club, Texas; Huntington Beach, California, Sherman Oaks, California; Seattle, Washington; and Virginia Beach, Virginia
The Wolf’s Take 🍟
40% profit margins is just unheard of in retail franchises, but somehow Zoom Room franchisees were able to pull it off during covid. That’s a testament to the tailwinds the pet industry has, but also the potential of this concept once a location is fully ramped up.
As discussed earlier, bundling services has become important for pet businesses as they attempt to create an ecosystem of offerings. I like that Zoom Room offers a practical service like dog training, but also has an indoor dog park that can be used for socialization events.
If dog birthday parties sound ridiculous…it should 
BUT – more and more pet owners, led by millennials, are much more invested in the livelihood of their pets. So when you think of Scooter as a real member of the family, taking him/her to the dog park for a birthday celebration with your other dog owner friends isn’t as crazy as it first seems.
Resources
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