22 Pet Company Success Stories & Case Studies [2024]
Starting a pet business requires a lot of hard work and dedication, but it's well worth it. Not only will you be able to spend more time with your pets, but you'll also be able to provide them with a better life.
There's no shortage of products or services you can offer when starting a pet business. From food to toys to grooming services—the list goes on and on!
You can offer these services at home or another location that suits you best (such as at an animal shelter). This means that not only will you be able to make money doing something you love while also helping others—but you'll also get the flexibility needed to do it all from wherever works best for both yourself and your customers (who might not always have time or transportation).
If you love animals and want to make a living from your passion, starting a pet business might be the perfect fit for you.
Here are some real-life success stories of starting a pet company to help you get started with your own:
1. Furry Fellas Pet Service LLC ($648K/year)
Melodi Landi started Furry Fellas Pet Service in 2006 after seeing a need for reliable in-home pet care in the Rhode Island community. As a pre-vet student working at a local veterinary hospital, she discovered that many pet owners were unable to travel because they didn't have a trusted person to care for their pets. After receiving recommendations from veterinarians and techs, Melodi started the business, which now employs 42 individuals and has been voted as one of the top 3 pet sitting/dog walking companies in the area for 8 years in a row.
How much they make: $648K/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
Current team size: 19
Furry Fellas Pet Service LLC is a successful pet sitting and dog walking business that brings in over half a million dollars in sales per year, boasts 3,500-4,000 social media followers, employs 42 individuals and has been voted in the top 3 pet sitting/dog walking companies in the RI/MA area for eight years in a row.
2. Meowijuana ($2.4M/year)
Chris Glissman, the founder of Meowijuana, came up with the idea for his catnip company while working as a cable guy and using "Meowijuana" as a code word for arranging meetings with his co-workers. The idea stuck with him, and in 2005 he claimed the domain name and eventually acquired the business. Today, Meowijuana is an emerging global brand with a wide range of catnip products available in thousands of pet retailers worldwide, generating $200k in monthly revenue.
How much they make: $2.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
Current team size: 11
Meowijuana, a catnip company founded in a one-car garage, has now become an emerging global brand with $200K in monthly revenue, selling catnip products in thousands of pet retailers worldwide, with 90% of sales coming from brick and mortar stores and national retail chains.
Learn more about starting a pet company:
Where to start?
-> How much does it cost to start a pet company?
-> Pros and cons of a pet company
Need inspiration?
-> Examples of established pet company
-> Marketing ideas for a pet company
Other resources
3. Presidio Natural Pet Co ($360K/year)
In 2014, Spyq and his co-creators started a pet supplies store. They discovered that cats loved bonito flakes and decided to create their own product, Cat Sushi. After designing striking packaging, they began making the product themselves in the back of their store. The success of Cat Sushi led them to form their company, Presidio Natural Pet Company, where they now design and manufacture high-quality pet food products.
How much they make: $360K/year
Current team size: 3
Cat Sushi went from repackaging tuna flakes to creating a unique pet treat brand by leveraging their connections to the pet industry and focusing on a beautiful design that set them apart from their competition.
4. Pawsitivity Pet Spa ($240K/year)
Olivia Glynn, founder of Pawsitivity Pet Spa, was inspired to start her business after working in the grooming industry and witnessing the lack of focus on the comfort and well-being of dogs. She wanted to provide a holistic and relaxing experience for dogs and educate owners on proper care. Since launching in 2014, Pawsitivity has grown through word of mouth and a commitment to high-quality work. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, Olivia remains optimistic about the future and plans to expand her team for increased profitability.
How much they make: $240K/year
How much did it cost to start: $25K
Current team size: 3
This case study details how the founder of Pawsitivity Pet Spa started a $20k/month appointment-only holistic grooming salon in Asheville, NC, which prioritizes the comfort and happiness of canine clientele, and has grown by word of mouth referrals and a strong focus on the quality of work provided.
5. Woofie's ($3M/year)
Amy Reed and Leslie Barron started Woofie's in 2004 after realizing the need for reliable, personalized pet care in their area. They quit their corporate jobs and began offering dog walking and pet sitting services. They later expanded their business to include mobile grooming and launched a franchise program in 2018. With over $3 million in revenue in 2019 and plans to expand nationwide, Woofie's continues to lead the industry with their exceptional service and multiple revenue streams.
How much they make: $3M/year
How much did it cost to start: $150K
Current team size: 11
Woofie's founders share how they launched a pet care business from a $10 dog walk into a company that brought in over $3M in revenue in 2019, offering services such as mobile pet grooming, pet sitting and dog walking, and have expanded their business into franchises.
6. Dope Dog ($360K/year)
Michael and Erin, the co-founders of Dope Dog, came up with the idea for their business when their dog, James, needed a natural alternative to the medicine he was prescribed after ACL surgeries. They started supplementing with CBD and saw incredible results, which led them to create a line of CBD products specifically designed for dogs. Since their launch in 2017, they have grown organically and are currently generating $18,000 in monthly revenue.
How much they make: $360K/year
Current team size: 2
Dope Dog, a CBD dog product company founded by Michael and Erin, went from 1 product to a full line of 9 products within a year, generating $18K in monthly revenue through organic growth and word of mouth marketing.
7. Animal Behavior College Inc. ($12M/year)
Steve Appelbaum, founder of Animal Behavior College, came up with the idea when he realized that there was a need for a school to train dog trainers. He combined a distance learning portion with hands-on training in pet stores, offering a unique hybrid model. The school has seen remarkable success, with double-digit growth every year from 2001-2014, and generates around $1 million in revenue per month.
How much they make: $12M/year
Current team size: 72
Animal Behavior College, a vocational school that trains animal lovers to become professional dog trainers, pet groomers, veterinary assistants, cat trainers and aquatic management specialists, achieved double-digit growth every year from 2001-2014, with revenue reaching $1 million per month on average, thanks to its innovative hybrid model of distance and hands-on learning and strong focus on the needs of pet owners and animal welfare.
8. iHeartDogs ($22M/year)
Justin Palmer and Marshall Morris came up with the idea for iHeartDogs after building large dog-themed Facebook communities. They realized the potential for a business centered around dog lovers and decided to create a brand that sold physical products and also served as a media property for advertising. The success of their first product, a beaded bracelet that represented meals donated to shelter pets, propelled them forward and they have since raised over $300,000 for various charitable causes. They have been profitable since their first month of operation and continue to grow on their own terms without outside funding.
How much they make: $22M/year
Current team size: 50
iHeartDogs is a lifestyle store and blog with over 25 million members in its Facebook communities, which sells products for pet dogs and donates to specific programs that rescue animals, totaling over 1.5 million pet heroes served.
9. Hands N Paws ($180K/year)
Benny stumbled upon the idea for his in-home pet sitting and dog walking company when he accidentally signed up as a pet sitter on Rover.com. After realizing the potential in the pet care industry, Benny set out to create the next McDonald's of in-home pet care and has been working tirelessly to systematize and grow his business ever since.
How much they make: $180K/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
Current team size: 15
A technician-turned-CEO built an in-home pet care enterprise that generates $8k per month by documenting business operations and empowering employees, inspired by the successes of McDonald's founder Ray Kroc and researcher Brené Brown's work on vulnerability and empathy in the workplace.
10. Pawstruck ($21M/year)
Kyle, the founder and CEO of Pawstruck.com, came up with the idea for his business after struggling to find healthy, all-natural dog treats for his puppy. Frustrated by the lack of options, he decided to start his own e-commerce business to supply other pet owners with high-quality and reasonably priced dog products. With a dedicated team and a strong focus on customer retention, Pawstruck.com has experienced rapid growth, earning a spot on the Inc 500 list and projected revenue in the eight figures.
How much they make: $21M/year
Current team size: 25
Pawstruck.com founder and CEO Kyle Goguen shares the story of how his all-natural, reasonably-priced pet supply e-commerce business became one of the fastest growing companies in the US, ranking #87 on the Inc 500 in 2018, and is projected to surpass 8 figures in revenue in 2019.
11. Treats Happen ($180K/year)
Lucas Walker and Riley Wallbank came up with the idea for their business, Treats Happen, when they were dissatisfied with the unhealthy dog treats available in stores. They decided to create their own line of all natural dog treats, starting as a hobby and then testing the market at a pet expo where they made $3,000 in sales. They have since focused on building their brand, expanding distribution, and improving their product offerings.
How much they make: $180K/year
Current team size: 0
Toronto-based Treats Happen saw a gap in the market for healthy dog treats, and now makes roughly $15K per month. Their biggest lesson? As a brand, they don't just sell on their website but want to be available on as many profitable channels as possible.
12. Bike Tow Leash ($240K/year)
press (Dog Fancy Magazine, Good Morning America, Atlanta Journal & Constitution, etc.) attesting to our product’s safety and its fun. Those benefits continue today from stores and buyers in the U.S. and Canada noting us from the products we sell on Amazon. I have interviewed with 10 separate manufacturers so far with presentations to the remaining 2 major manufacturers with over 2000 sales reps each. Remember any of the direct competitors we have met so far have focused on a single product. With our portfolio of multiple patents, we can offer them a steady stream of new products, from both existing patents and pending applications alone!
How much they make: $240K/year
How much did it cost to start: $22K
Current team size: 1
Mechanical engineer and avid bike rider Mike Leon turned his hobby of creating a safe bike-to-leash attachment for his service dog into a 6-figure business, shipping from hundreds to thousands of 1-Running-Dog Bike Tow Leashes per year to dog owners, military and law enforcement, and search and rescue teams.
13. housepaws ($6.96M/year)
HousePaws was founded by a veterinarian who became disenchanted with the traditional veterinary environment. She decided to go mobile, delivering high-quality patient care to pets in the comfort of their own homes. Today, HousePaws has over 100 employees, generates more than $7 million in revenue, and aims to bring housecalls to every home in the United States.
How much they make: $6.96M/year
Current team size: 82
A mobile veterinarian built her business HousePaws on a community-based marketing approach, which helped her take the team from just herself to over 100 employees and more than 7 million dollars in revenue in less than 10 years.
14. Dog With Blog ($4.8K/year)
Abhishek Joshi founded Dog with Blog in 2010 with the goal of making a difference in the lives of stray and abandoned dogs in India. Using content marketing and social media, Joshi has driven over 900 adoptions and built a community of 116k fans. The blog features articles on pet care, adoptions, and dogs in pop culture, and has partnered with brands such as National Geographic.
How much they make: $4.8K/year
How much did it cost to start: $2K
Current team size: 2
Dog with Blog, a content-driven pet adoption network in India led by founder Abhishek Joshi, has successfully driven 900+ dog adoptions using social media and content marketing, and has an active community of 116k fans across its social handles.
15. Puptrait ($120K/year)
J.B. Shepard, the founder of Puptrait, started his business after his friend asked him to take unique and non-traditional pet portraits. He realized there was a demand for unconventional pet photography, and thus, Puptrait was born. Despite the difficulties and limitations of the pandemic, Puptrait has become a successful pet photography studio, with commissions ranging from $2.5k to $12k.
How much they make: $120K/year
How much did it cost to start: $750
Current team size: 0
J.B. Shepard, a Baltimore-based mixed media artist, discusses how he turned his passion for dog photography into a successful pet photography studio, with typical commissions coming in at anywhere between $2.5k and $5k and their highest value single order tapping out at just under $12k.
16. Dermestidarium ($24K/year)
Carla Brauer, the founder of Dermestidarium, came up with the idea of using flesh-eating beetles to clean animal bones after attempting to clean a goat skull during an internship at a goat meat ranch. Despite initial doubts from others, word spread about her unique business and she has since grown her client base, been featured in various media outlets, and even gave a TEDx talk on her journey.
How much they make: $24K/year
Current team size: 1
Dermestidarium is a successful side business that uses flesh-eating beetles to clean animal bones for display, started by Carla Brauer who had no hopes of it turning into a business, but grew it into a busy side-hustle and more recently a primary work with client base growing each year.
17. Diva Dog Bakery ($396K/year)
Kristin Larsen, founder of Diva Dog Bakery, started her business as a side hustle baking healthy dog treats. After facing job loss during the Great Recession, she scaled her hobby into a full-time income, selling at local farmers' markets and on Etsy. With her previous success as a Pinterest VA program founder, Larsen decided to revive her dog treat business and launch Diva Dog Bakery as a program, which has consistently brought in five figures a month since its launch in November 2020.
How much they make: $396K/year
How much did it cost to start: $2.5K
Current team size: 1
Kristin Larsen's Diva Dog Bakery program teaches students how to start their own successful dog treat bakery business that has consistently brought in five figures a month since launching in November 2020.
19. Malik's Fishand Water Garden ($45K/year)
SIDE HUSTLES, meet AquaMalik(Malik King), a “fish influencer” who lives with 3000 to 5000 fish (depending on the month), and started breeding when he was seven in Sri Lanka.
Malik lets us into his home where he broadcasts his conservationist passion, to the anger of some breeders who feel he’s giving away fish trade secrets.
Malik gets back to selling outside his apartment after lockdown, attempts to save virtually extinct species, and shares all that he’s given up and gained from his fish.
Malik King is the founder of Malik’s Fish Garden and a fish influencer from Toronto, Canada. He raises and sells uncommon and exotic fish as a side business while working as a freelance background artist in television & cinema.
Malik sells his fish to local people and wholesales it to retailers. He mainly obtains unusual fish from other collectors and certain well-known South American fishermen.
He breeds them for around one year and provides them per the customer’s need. He lives in one building flat, where he has 55 to 60 tanks for farming.
Malik is of Sri Lankan ancestry, and after suffering in the war-torn political environment, he & his family immigrated to Canada as political refugees when he was 12. He began growing fish at seven, motivated by his father.
Every month, he spends about $500 on fish meals and $100 on medicine. Aquamalik is his YouTube channel, where he gives fish farming guidance in live sessions.
He makes roughly $5000 per tank by selling the fish. His annual net revenue from this side activity is roughly $45,000.
20. The Broke Generation ($0/year)
In February 2017, I listed a profile on Pawshake, which is a website where you can search and book local pet sitters. I wrote myself a little bio, uploaded some photos of me and my cat, and then the wait began. About 3 months later, I got my first booking, and from there I got a review, and then more and more bookings came in, and I was getting repeat bookings once a family was happy with me. That Christmas I got booked for sitting for about 7 clients over the peak 2-week period, so I made about $1500 after the Pawshake fees.
Then in January 2018, I shut down my Pawshake profile, took out my own Public Liability Insurance (as that was previously included in Pawshake’s fees), and set up on my own. I texted all my regular Pawshake clients to let them know, and about 80% of them stayed with me. I’ve been getting regular bookings from about 6-8 clients for over a year now, which is really where the effortless income started. They know me, they trust me, and I know their home and their cats really well now. They just drop me a text, I book them into my spreadsheet, and boom, done.
- Emma Edwards, the creator of The Broke Generation, an online community with over 53,000 followers on Instagram, a podcast, and a newsletter.
- The Broke Generation is a financial lifestyle website focusing on personal finance's psychological and behavioral aspects.
- Emma studied financial psychology in college, and using this knowledge, she educates people on how to make informed decisions regarding managing their finances.
- She also had a background in content marketing, copywriting, and social media, which helped her in building & marketing this financial blogging website.
- The Broke Generation has collaborated with companies like ANZ, Credit Union Australia, Point Hacks, HairHouse Warehouse, Logitech, and Catch.com.au.
Read the full story on theurbanlist.com ➜
20. Tag Pup ($720K/year)
How much they make: $720K/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
Current team size:
Etsy shop TagPup, founded by a former graphic designer and product consultant, earns $60K in monthly revenue with a 50% profit margin, after launching with just a $500 investment.
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- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
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- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
