Pet Stores

When we think of the main pet store client, most would assume those are dog owners. Cats as well, but dog owners first, cats second, and then a host of other furry, slimy, creepy crawly creatures thereafter. Yet, you likely didn’t know that the very first pet stores catered to none other than birds. That’s right, birds were highly sought-after pets in the 1840s, more so than dogs or cats. Birds were easy to care for, interesting enough to provide entertainment in the home, and also aesthetically pleasing.

Birds are all of these things today as well, but have slid down the ladder in terms of popular pets. By the time the late 1800s had arrived, British sport dogs were all the rage and pet stores began to commercially prepare pet food for them. Stateside, the American Pet Products Association (APPA) was formed, and then later, the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA). Folks were buying and caring for pets at record numbers and the larger food and accessory market was heating up.

By 2018, the pet industry (made up in large part of pet stores) was generating an improbable $69 billion annually. Everyone from small Mom-and-Pop stores to massive, nationwide players, running a pet store was (and still is) a lucrative proposition. While we’d love to talk about some amazing smaller stores, there isn’t much space or time to cover them all. For now, we’re going to concentrate on the big dogs (pun intended) and give you the final say on who gets your furry/slimy/creepy-crawly money.

Woofgang Bakery

Based in Orlando, Florida, but with representation in over 10 states (mainly the south and eastern US), this store with a killer name has crept its way into the Top 10. With 98 stores and growing, Woofgang brings a boutique feel to a bustling market.

Bentley’s Pet Stuff

Bentley’s is not present in all that many states, but has opened a ton of stores (122) in a very short period of time. Concentrated in Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, North Carolina and Wisconsin, Bentley’s, like Woofgang, brings that small-town feel to major markets around the US.

Petland

Now we’re getting into some of the bigger players. Petland is prevalent throughout the US, Canada and Mexico. Despite its size however, Petland operates the same amount of stores as Bentley’s. Wide product offerings and staff training programs are two areas Petland sets itself apart with.

Global Pet Foods

Canada claims this monster, and while it has not made its way to the States yet, expect Global Pet Foods to eventually break into US soil. The largest Canadian-owned chain of pet stores (185 and counting), Global Pet Foods specializes in holistic pet food, treats and more. They also have a wide range of non-food essentials such as beds, toys and clothing.

Petco

With roughly 1,552 stores spanning the US and Mexico, Petco is hard to miss. The San Diego based behemoth also counts on a strong web presence and it would appear is seeking to strengthen that side of their business. They have not added many retail stores since 2017, but continue to grow in revenue.

Petsmart

The top dog, queen cat, the Prince of Feathers … Petsmart! Oh yes, Petsmart is a staple for all pet owners. After their acquisition of Chewy.com, Petsmart has grown considerably. In addition to great products and services, Petsmart is also a boarding and daycare option for owners, and its grooming services are always in hot demand.

There you have it, pet lovers. These are the leading pet stores in the nation (and abroad), and while we do make an impassioned plea to support local pet stores as well, it’s good to have a list of the big dogs on hand.