The Ultimate Guide to Your Pet Store Business Plan: A Step-by-Step Approach

Deciding to start a small business is very exciting, but it can also be intimidating. You may question whether or not you are doing the right thing, whether you have the skills to be a leader, and so much more. You may also wonder how to best approach your business plan and set your organization up for success.

At Pet Evolution, we want to make creating a business plan just a little bit easier. Whether you plan to open a Pet Evolution Franchise (we’d love to have you be our next franchisee) or you are going into business in another industry, we think these tips will be helpful. And we wish you all the best of success in getting into the entrepreneurial space!

The 10 Components of Your Franchise Ownership Business Plan

Let’s start by answering a common question we often receive—do you need a business plan if you are buying into an existing franchise? The answer is yes. If you plan to seek financing to start your business, your prospective lender will ask to receive a copy of your detailed business plan.

But there’s more to it than that. Creating a business plan is a great way to ensure you have thought through the various components of starting a business. Ultimately, it ensures you have all your ducks in a row. That said, what do you need in your business plan? Let’s dive in.

   1. Executive Summary 

Starting a business takes a lot of work, but it’s worth it. One important step is making a business plan. This plan tells others what your business will do and how it will be different and better than others.

The business plan for a Pet Evolution Franchise starts with an executive summary. This is a short section that discusses the main goals of your pet store. Pet Evolution stores are special because they offer high-quality pet food, grooming, and even a mobile nail trimming service. This makes life easier for pet owners and sets Pet Evolution apart from other stores. 

   2. Company Description

Next in the business plan is the company description. This part discusses what Pet Evolution is and its place in the pet store world. 

Pet Evolution began with a simple goal: to offer pets and their owners better food and services. Now, it’s known for quality and care. Pet Evolution stands out in the big world of pet stores because it focuses on health and convenience for pets. It’s not just another pet store; it’s a place where pets get the best.

   3. Market Analysis 

The market analysis is a deep dive into the pet store industry. It should include trends and discuss the demographics of the customers we wish to serve with Pet Evolution Franchise. Understanding both local and national needs is key. In 2024, an impressive 66% of U.S. households, or about 86.9 million homes, will have a pet, a big jump from 56% in 1988. 

This shows more people than ever love and live with pets. For Pet Evolution, this growing trend means a sizeable opportunity. Further, pet owners tend to spend anywhere from $50 to $100 per month on their pets. Your market analysis should account for this and discuss what customers tend to purchase, why, and whether or not those purchases are one-time purchases, repeatable, etc. The goal is to show that you will have a steady return of customers month after month.

   4. Competitive Analysis 

The competitive analysis section looks at who we are up against. In your business plan, you need to ensure you address both types of pet stores:

• Brick-and-mortar locations such as PetSmart, Petco, and Pet Planet
• Online powerhouses like Amazon and Chewy

This analysis isn’t just about who they are, but also about what they do well and where they might fall short. 

For Pet Evolution, this means understanding our unique position—focusing on high-quality products and services that enhance pet health and happiness. Talk about our commitment to not just competing but setting new standards in pet care and customer satisfaction. Be sure to address how pet owners prefer shopping for their pets in brick-and-mortar locations, too.

   5. Description of Management and Organization

In this section, you will discuss how a Pet Evolution Franchise is structured and who will make up the senior team. As owning a franchise is really about being in the people business, typically, the franchisee is also the store manager. In many cases, you will not yet have the names for the employees who will work for you. However, you can provide insights into the hierarchy and structure, based on guidance provided by the team here at Pet Evolution.

Typically, positions will include: 

• Store Manager
• Assistant Manager
• Cashiers
• Groomers
• Stockers

   6. Breakdown of Products and Services 

Here, you will discuss the five key revenue streams for Pet Evolution retail stores. You will provide overviews for each of the following: 

• Healthy Foods and Treats: Offering a selection of premium, health-focused pet foods and treats.
• Pet Grooming Services: Providing professional grooming services to keep pets looking and feeling their best.
• Self-Serve Dog Wash Stations: Allowing dog owners to wash their pups in a convenient and well-equipped space.
• Mobile Nail Van: Offering convenient, on-the-go nail trimming services to meet the needs of busy pet owners.
• Good Life Membership Program: An in-store subscription service that offers exclusive discounts and perks on our products and services.

We can help provide you with guidance on which programs represent what amount of revenue.

   7. Marketing Plan 

Pet Evolution Franchise spend 6% or more of gross sales each month on localized marketing, such as community outreach events, pet adoption and wellness clinics, and more. They are also expected to contribute up to 1.5% of gross sales to the national marketing fund. 

Be sure to do some homework on local marketing opportunities while working on your marketing plan, and outline the approaches you will take to grow awareness for your location.

   8. Sales Strategy 

The sales strategy section outlines how you plan to meet and exceed our sales goals. Key tactics include offering outstanding customer service, which turns first-time visitors into regulars, and implementing loyalty programs that reward repeat business. These strategies are necessary for encouraging customers to choose Pet Evolution repeatedly for their pet care needs. 

By focusing on creating a positive shopping experience and recognizing our customers’ loyalty, we aim to reach our sales targets and build a community of pet lovers who trust and prefer our brand for their pet’s well-being.

   9. Request for Funding 

In the “Request for Funding” section, you will detail the financial requirements needed to start and sustain a Pet Evolution Franchise in your proposed geography. The total initial investment to kick off operations ranges between $635,200 and $988,800 for each store, which includes a $59,000 initial franchise fee under a single-unit agreement. 

For Regional Developers interested in expanding their reach, the initial fee is $12,000 per franchise license. This requires a commitment to at least six units ($72,000) and allows for up to 50 units ($600,000). Securing enough capital for these early stages is crucial for a smooth start and steady growth. 

When approaching potential financiers or investors, it’s important to present a detailed business plan that highlights these costs, alongside projected returns, to demonstrate the viability and potential profitability of the investment.

   10. Financial Projections 

This final section predicts future sales, profits, and cash flow. Forecasts are necessary for planning growth and preparing for any hurdles. By estimating these figures, we can set realistic targets and develop strategies to meet them. 

The team at Pet Evolution offers support by sharing insights from other stores’ performance. This valuable data will help you craft accurate financial projections for your proposed location, giving a clearer picture of potential profitability. 

Are You Ready to Get Started on Your Pet Evolution Franchise Business Plan?

One of the biggest benefits of working with Pet Evolution is that we are here to support our franchise owners every step of the way—and that starts from the moment you click on Get Started. We will provide support as you draft your business plan as we are just as invested in your success as you are. So, if you think you are ready to start your own pet store business, contact us today! Let’s do this!