LIVONIA, MICH., CHILLICOTHE, OHIO and NEW YORK — Entrepreneur published its 43^rd annual Franchise 500 list on Jan. 6, in which it ranked two pet industry retail franchises. Pet Supplies Plus was ranked high on the list at No. 20, and Petland was ranked No. 146.

Pet Supplies Plus’s ranking on this year’s list places it in the top spot in the Pet Franchises category, followed by Dogtopia, a dog daycare and boarding service provider, in second place and Petland, a pet supplies and services retailer, in third place.

According to Pet Supplies Plus, the company has ranked No. 1 in the Pet Franchise category on the Franchise 500 list for eight straight years. The company was ranked No. 21 in the 2021 Franchise 500 list.

Over the last year, the pet retail franchise has signed 118 new store agreements in what it described as “one of the strongest development years to date.”

"We have seen a significant spike in interest and deals since the beginning of the pandemic,” said Chris Rowland, chief executive officer at Pet Supplies Plus. “From our existing owners who are developing additional locations to new franchisees who want to be a part of the year-over-year growth of the pet category. The love for pets will continue to drive the need for a neighborhood pet store, full of quality products and well-versed team members who are ready to assist."

Pet Supplies Plus celebrated 85 grand openings, one of which marked its 600^th store opening, in 2021. The company stated it has weathered supply chain disruptions since the start of the pandemic through broad access to distribution centers and the addition of omnichannel purchasing options. These omnichannel updates included curbside pickup and limited home delivery services added in March 2020, as well as autoship subscription delivery services added in June 2021.

Michigan-based Pet Supplies Plus sells a variety of pet nutrition products, including premium, natural and organic options, alongside its fresh-baked treat kiosks, full-service grooming services and self-serve pet wash stations. The franchise also allows pet owners to shop online for products and prescriptions.

Ohio-based Petland, which was ranked No. 146 on this year’s Franchise 500 list, sells a variety of pet food and supplies as well as live animals in the United States, Canada, Japan, France, Chile and Israel, according to Entrepreneur.

"Our consistent ranking in the Franchise 500 is a huge testament to the value and relevance of our business model, our hardworking and conscientious franchisees, and the success of our company store division and operating systems," said Steve Huggins, vice president of business development at Petland.

Entrepreneur considers the strength of each brand and its financial performance, size and growth, franchising costs and fees, and franchise support to determine eligibility for its Franchise 500 list. Companies are scored on more than 150 points, with the highest scores making it on the list.

"This year's Franchise 500 rankings could be one of the most revealing looks at how our economy changed as a result of the past couple of years," said Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur. "Despite a year of economic uncertainty, false starts, abrupt change, and waves of fear, the franchise industry grew with spikes in ownership and interest from women, Generation Z, and a more diverse pool of new entrepreneurs than ever before."

Browse Entrepreneur’s full 2022 Franchise 500 list online.

Read more about pet retail trends and developments.