For the Love of Pets: Keeping the Heart in Pet Care

I've been talking a lot recently about the increasing presence of Private Equity (P.E.) in pet care. It's understandable. There's significant profit potential in this industry, which has, traditionally, been driven by passionate individuals rather than clinical, business-focused minds. Today, I want to champion the case for why pet care should remain a passion-led domain.

As you know, my journey into the pet care industry started with Bark where Matt, Carly, and Henrik's passion was not just visible, it was infectious, seeping into every facet of the company. The experience of working for that team completely changed my perspective of what it means to be a mission-driven founder.

Here's the thing: pet care isn't just a business. It's about nurturing bonds, enriching lives, and fostering a community of people who love animals just as much as you do. It's about heart-tugging stories of rescue dogs finding forever homes, kittens growing into confident cats, and the ridiculous joy we experience when our pets are happy and healthy.

This is not to undermine the significance of profitability or growth, but it's vital that we don't lose sight of our guiding star: our unwavering love for animals. If we start to view pet care solely through the lens of business metrics and profit margins, we risk losing the essence of what makes this industry so special - and might make some of the mistakes that were made on the human side.

Think of your favorite local pet shop. It's not just a store; it's a home-away-from-home, a hub of advice, support, and companionship. The owners probably know your pet's name, his favorite treat, and just the toy to make her day. This personal touch, this genuine care, is essential to the wellbeing of our industry and our communities.

Our pets are not products; they are family members, our confidants, our source of unconditional love and happiness. The businesses that cater to them should echo this sentiment. The real success stories in this industry, like Bark, stem from companies that merge business fundamentals with an undying passion for pets and their well-being.

I'm fortunate to meet many founders in the pet care space. The vast majority of them absolutely love their pets. Every now and then, I speak to someone who's trying to build in this space, but doesn't even share a home with a dog or a cat. I'll hear them say "it was a hot industry, so I thought it had potential".

Can we please aim to keep the heart in pet care. Let's treasure the magic that arises from a team that cares deeply, from businesses that resonate with their community on a profound level. Because when passion is at the helm, success - in its most authentic, rewarding form - follows.