The best pet franchises were already offering online sales and home delivery when coronavirus hit

Adaptability is key for businesses, and in light of the pandemic, perhaps now more than ever. Those that have been able to pivot quickly in order to continue serving their customers will likely survive. Some, like businesses in the $75 billion pet industry, are actually thriving.

As much as Americans have always loved their pets, we’ve turned to animals even more since stay-at-home became the norm. Many people have become first-time pet fosters or pet owners, and many more are spending more time than ever with their animals. 

Online business was booming even before coronavirus hit, so companies like EarthWise that already had an online sales-and-delivery platform definitely had an advantage over those that had to start from scratch. 

How EarthWise gets it right

Since we first opened, we’ve been able to grow and change along with the pet industry. We never felt it was right to sell pets in our stores — we encourage pet adoption — and focus instead on becoming the trusted, go-to supplier and groomer for people who want reliable, healthy, all-natural pet products and high quality services. When trends started shifting toward all-natural pet food in the 1980s, we were at the forefront. 

Today, EarthWise sells exclusively all-natural pet foods and products, many of which are also eco-friendly. Our franchisees and their staffs are trained on all of our product lines, so when customers call or visit, they can talk to a friendly, knowledgeable animal-lover who can help guide them to the right products and services for their four-legged friends.

A resilient industry

A June survey by American Pet Products Association (APPA) revealed that an estimated 75% of pet care businesses have stayed open during the pandemic “while taking necessary precautions to ensure customer, employee and animal health and safety,” the Pet Food Processing website reported.

“Pet stores are more than just a place to shop for their customers but also provide a much-needed sense of community for pet owners,” Vic Mason, president of the World Pet Association, told the website. “As the public emerges from quarantines, they can be confident that the responsible pet care community has put in place extensive safety protocols to ensure safe shopping experiences for all.”

We’ve done that at EarthWise, with our franchisees adhering to recommended safety measures and many offering curbside pickup in addition to continuing our home delivery and subscription services. Many have partially reopened their grooming and self-wash stations as local laws have allowed. Everyone is keeping an eye on the daily numbers of cases, prepared to shift as needed and committed to continuing to serve the community.

It’s been a challenging time, but the passionate animal-lovers who own our EarthWise Pet franchises nationwide are nothing if not resilient, ready to serve our loyal customers no matter what comes our way.

Find out what EarthWise franchise has to offer

If you’ve always wanted to run your own business and you love animals so much you can’t stand it, we want to hear from you. Our pet supply franchise is surprisingly affordable. Fill out the form below to get a Free Franchise Information Report and to start a conversation with one of our recruiters.