How Heidi Grew North America's Biggest Pet Care Franchise.

It’s no secret that in recent years, our pets have become more than just an extension of our family, but part of our actual family.

This growing bond has brought innovation and a boom in products and services catered to our four-legged family members, and we wanted to tell the stories of not only our best friends but of the people driving this industry forward.

There’s never been a better time to enter the pet market!

This week we interview Heidi Ganahl. She is the founder and former CEO of Camp Bow Wow, North America's largest pet care franchise. She grew the company from one single Denver location in December of 2000, to 152 locations nationwide, 3,500 employees, and more than $71 million in sales before selling it to VCA back in 2014.

She was named one of Fortune magazine’s 10 Most Promising Entrepreneurs and among the “Top Women Entrepreneurs in the Country” by Parade Magazine.

Some Camp Bow Wow numbers:

• North America's largest pet care franchise, with over 200 locations in 40 states and Canada.

• from 2021 to 2022, the nearly $200 million company recorded a 21% average annual revenue growth rate.

• In 2022 the average unit revenue for the top 25 percent of the system was $1,484,082.5

(For more info, click here)

1. What was the inspiration behind starting Camp Bow Wow?

My love of dogs! And my excitement to start a business around my passion, then help others do the same through franchising.

2. You launched in 2000 and after 3 years you start franchising. Now Camp Bow Wow is one of the largest daycare, boarding, and overnight care franchises in the world with over 200 locations, was that always the goal?

No, my goal starting out was to have 3 or 4 locations in the Denver area, and to build a retail line of people and dog gear to accompany it. After I was introduced to the franchise model, I thought it was a great fit for my passion and talent.

3. What were your biggest obstacles at the beginning? What were some mistakes you made early on?

Lack of capital to grow quickly, finding good people I could trust and rely on to help me build the organization, building a safe place for the dogs as there was no rule book on how to run a dog daycare, we were on the cutting edge! Mistakes I made – trusted people too much, believed consultants and experts knew more than me, didn’t trust my gut enough.

4. You sold it to VCA Animal Hospitals which is owned by Mars. What was it about them as a partner that appealed to you most? Are you still involved with the business nowadays?

I really connected with the founder/owner of VCA and felt comfortable transitioning the business to them. We shared similar values and business style. I am not involved other than my granddog goes there so I take her/pick her up often : )

5. In your opinion why is the pet space such an incredibly exciting space to be in at the moment?

People love their dogs!! It’s fun and exciting to create great facilities, food, and activities for pets and their parents.

6. What were some of the small wins which you think were most important at the beginning /along the journey?

The initial zoning battles to get our franchises approved to open, the press we got early on that helped catapult the brand, and being mentored by some great people in the franchise world.  

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PAWS right there!!! Don’t forget to subscribe 👇👇

• A Cinematic Masterpiece - Picture this, a girl playing her guitar, a hawk, a brave dog, and a spilled energy drink. Yeah, youre going to want to watch this.

• Dont invite us to your next pool party if it doesn’t look like this

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• Seniors Welcome - A new state-of-the-art facility just opened up in Colorado with a promise to make sure they are “healthy and happy and feel good”.

• Not your average walk - a Canadian man was filmed going for a walk with his pet, although it wasn’t a dog or a cat.

• Land Dolphin - This jumpy dog thinks she’s a dolphin.

• One more round - A woman is embarking on a journey across various European cities, carrying the ashes of her beloved pet hamster, who she insists had explored these places during his lifetime.

• Keep your eyes open - If you live in Oklahoma, be on the lookout for a missing wallaby.

• Van Dogh - This dog has got a flair for the abstract.

1. What new key skill did you have to learn very early in building the business that you still use today?  

To be flexible, trust my gut, and make decisions quickly.

2. How did you get the initial capital / financial comfort to go on your own? what planning did you do?

I used my savings of 83K to launch the first camp and bootstrapped the rest of the way, I didn’t ever take on investors. I worked hard to spend our precious dollars in a way that would help grow the business effectively.

3. How did you hire/build your initial team? What did you look for in people you brought on board to help you build the business?

Many were family and friends, people I trusted and could rely on. As we grew I needed different talents and expertise so I leaned into relationships and connections I had made over the years.

You reached the end, you deserve a treat 🍖

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Finally, What did the buffalo say when his son left home?
Bison.

See you next week!

The Woof is a weekly newsletter dedicated to covering the pet industry.