Pet Depot: Elevating Pet Care Through Comprehensive Retail and Veterinary Services

Established in 1991, Pet Depot began as a single pet supply store in California and has since grown into a respected franchise brand offering a unique combination of retail and veterinary services.

Headquartered in La Verne, California, Pet Depot started franchising in 2003 and now operates over 30 locations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Each store is locally owned and operated, fostering strong community relationships and a personalized approach to customer service.

Pet Depot franchises provide a wide array of products and services, including natural and premium pet foods, pet supplies, grooming, boarding, daycare, and veterinary care.

The franchise offers flexible business models such as full-size retail stores, boutique-style "Barkery" shops, veterinary hospitals, and combined retail-veterinary locations. This range of formats allows franchisees to tailor their offerings to the specific needs of their markets while maintaining the brand’s emphasis on quality and customer care.

What sets Pet Depot apart from other pet industry franchises is its integrated model that merges retail and veterinary services under one roof. This approach not only enhances convenience for pet owners but also creates multiple revenue streams for franchisees.

Training

Pet Depot delivers a comprehensive training program that spans multiple phases to ensure franchisees and their managerial staff are fully prepared to operate the business. The training includes in-person, on-site, and virtual components tailored to different stages of the franchise development.

1. Initial Training Program (Phase I–IV)
   This program includes approximately 40 hours of classroom training (Phase I) and 45 to 91 hours of on-site instruction (Phases II–IV) at a designated operating PET DEPOT® store. It covers operations, administration, merchandise display, and pre-opening preparation. On-site training may also occur at the franchisee’s location.
2. Certified Manager Requirement
   At least one Certified Manager must complete Phase I through III training prior to opening. This individual is responsible for supervising store operations and training other employees who didn't attend the initial sessions.
3. Additional and Refresher Training
   Franchisees may request extra training for new or additional staff, or to prepare for opening subsequent stores. PET DEPOT® may also require certified personnel to attend refresher courses, limited to two individuals annually.
4. Remedial Training
   If needed, the franchisor can require remedial training, which is conducted on-site or virtually, depending on the situation. Franchisees bear the associated costs, including training fees and travel expenses.
5. Virtual Training and Ongoing Support
   Training components can be delivered remotely via approved platforms. This includes initial training, additional programs, opening assistance, and performance inspections, providing flexibility and continued support for franchisees.

Territory Protection

Pet Depot does not offer exclusive territory protection to its franchisees. Franchisees are granted a Franchised Location, but the rights do not extend to any exclusive geographical area. The franchisor may open other PET DEPOT® businesses, either franchised or company-owned, in any location regardless of its proximity to an existing franchise.

Additionally, Pet Depot retains the right to distribute products and services through a wide range of channels. This includes the Internet, catalog sales, and other retail platforms, which are exclusively reserved for the franchisor. As such, franchisees may face competition from these alternative sales channels, even within their own operating area.