Business Goes to the Dogs

What’s better than coming home to an excited, loving canine companion after a hard day’s work?

Maybe it’s having a business that revolves around your tail-wagging friend.

That’s the case for Heidi Ganahl and Jacquelyn Becattini. “I’ve always loved animals,” says Ganahl, CEO and founder of Camp Bow Wow, a pet care franchise.

Her business inspiration “rose from the need to find great pet care for my two beloved furry friends back in 1994.”

After the death of her husband, bad investments and two failed start-ups, Ganahl picked up the pieces and was able to launch her company. How’d she do it?

“I was passionate about providing great care for animals,” she says. Camp Bow

Wow has since grown into a $60 million business with more than 100 franchises in the U.S. and Canada.

With pet ownership rising to 62 percent this year, it’s no surprise more women incorporate a love of animals into start-ups.

Becattini and her husband invented Neater Feeder in 2009, a product that keeps dogs’ food and water from spilling onto the floor. National retailers like Petco and QVC picked up their product.

“We knew early on this was going to be a big investment,” says Becattini. She patented it and found a designer with the help of capital from selling a few restaurants the couple owned. They’re now “solely funded with investor capital.”

Studies show pet businesses thrived during the economic collapse. The pet industry garnered nearly $51 billion in 2011, up from $48 billion in 2010.

Bonus PINK Link: Meet a woman whose life (and career) revolves around her sled dogs.

Minute Mentor: Smart Money Chicks’ Andrea Amir discusses how to get finances in order before starting a business.

and tell us about your favorite pet business.

By Christy Rogers

“A dog believes you are what you think you are.” Jane Swan