Finding the right partner to entrust with a business you’ve built from the ground up is one of the most critical decisions a business owner can make. For owners of pet resorts, grooming salons, and daycare facilities, this decision goes beyond financials—it’s about the future of their employees and the well-being of the pets and families they serve. Village Pet Care has established itself as a transformative leader in the North American pet services industry by focusing on a singular mission: acquiring good companies and providing the resources, expertise, and passion to make them great.
This approach is built on a foundation of deep industry experience, a commitment to its core values, and the strategic backing of a leading global growth equity firm. The result is a partnership that respects the legacy of existing businesses while driving sustainable growth and elevating the standard of care for pets and their parents.
Our Vision: Transforming Pet Care at Scale
The vision behind Village Pet Care is both ambitious and deeply personal. The organization was created with a clear goal: to transform the North American pet services space. This transformation is driven by the belief that by building a pet services company at scale, they can leverage collective resources and expertise to deliver the highest quality care.
This scale is not an end in itself but a means to provide better opportunities for everyone involved. For pet parents, it means access to consistently high-quality, integrated services backed by a company that prioritizes pet safety, health, and enrichment above all else. For the thousands of employees who work within the Village Pet Care family, it means attractive job opportunities, clear paths for advancement, and a supportive, professional environment where they can build fulfilling careers.
Core Values That Guide Every Decision
The company’s operations are guided by a set of six core values that define its culture and its interactions with employees, clients, and partner businesses. These values are not just words on a page; they are the principles that shape daily decisions.
- Accountable: This principle is about integrity. Village Pet Care believes in doing what they say and saying what they do. This accountability extends to holding themselves and each other to the highest standards, always choosing to do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
- Together: Recognizing that “it takes a village,” this value emphasizes unity and a shared passion for pets. It’s about fostering a collaborative environment where the entire team is stronger and more effective when working towards a common goal.
- Transparent: In communication, clarity is a form of kindness. The team is committed to being direct, proactive, and honest in all interactions, ensuring that difficult conversations are handled with respect and straightforwardness.
- Inspire: This value champions leadership and initiative. Village Pet Care encourages its team to challenge the status quo, innovate, continuously learn, and inspire those around them to achieve more.
- Pet Purposeful: At the heart of everything is a deep commitment to the animals they serve. This value dictates that pets come first, treated as part of the family. Pet safety, health, and enrichment are the unwavering top priorities in every service and decision.
- Playful: While professionalism is key, the company also embraces joy. This value is about living life “like a happy puppy”—finding fun, joy, and laughter in everyday work, and not taking oneself too seriously.
A Partnership Built on Experience and Integrity
The true measure of a company’s values is seen in the experiences of those who have partnered with them. Testimonials from previous business owners who have sold to Village Pet Care consistently highlight the integrity, transparency, and supportive nature of the process.
Matt Pozda of My Three Dogs in Charleston, SC, noted the highly confidential and efficient transaction, stating that the team’s unique vision, integrity, and focus on employees, pets, and customer experience made them the best partner to take his business to greater heights. Similarly, Matt and Julie Henderson of Animal House in Jacksonville and Wilmington, NC, emphasized the instant connection they felt with the team, appreciating the shared values and the amicable transition that allowed their excellent management and staff to stay on board.
These testimonials underscore a recurring theme: sellers feel confident that the businesses they worked so hard to build are in capable and caring hands. Amy Birkenes of Chateau Poochie in Florida praised the team’s dedication and the sense of community they operate with, noting it felt like dealing with a caring family. Chris Salt of The Grooming Room in Goose Creek, SC, echoed this sentiment, stating that after meeting many potential buyers, Village Pet Care was the only one that truly clicked, sharing his values and making the process smooth and stress-free.
Strategic Growth with General Atlantic
This level of operational excellence and strategic growth is supported by a powerful partnership. Village Pet Care is backed by General Atlantic, a leading global growth equity firm with over four decades of experience. With more than $70 billion in assets under management and a global portfolio of over 200 companies, General Atlantic provides more than just capital. They offer deep strategic support, sector-specific expertise, and a long-term investment horizon. This partnership provides Village Pet Care with the resources and strategic guidance needed to scale innovative businesses and pursue its ambitious vision for transforming the pet services industry.
A Streamlined and Flexible Sales Process
For business owners considering a sale, Village Pet Care has developed a straightforward, efficient process designed to be respectful of their time and goals. The process is structured in clear steps, aiming for a 60-day window from a signed Letter of Intent to closing.
- Financial Valuation: The process begins with the seller providing current and historical financials, allowing the M&A team to put together a fair valuation.
- Letter of Intent (LOI): Once terms are mutually agreed upon, a Letter of Intent is signed, formalizing the preliminary agreement.
- Purchase Agreement: With the seller’s help, the team conducts further due diligence while working on the final Purchase Agreement.
- Real Estate Onboard: Village Pet Care is flexible with real estate. If the seller owns the property, they can either purchase it at the time of sale or establish a long-term lease. If it’s a third-party property, the team will handle introductions and negotiations.
- Signing and Closing: The final step involves signing the agreement and other legal documents to complete the sale.
Comprehensive and Integrated Pet Services
Village Pet Care’s commitment to quality is evident in the range of services offered across its family of brands. These services are designed to be integrated, creating a seamless experience for pet parents.
- Boarding: Offering both short and long-term boarding for dogs, cats, and small animals, the focus is on comfort, individualized care, and safety. Pets are treated as guests, with attention to their unique needs.
- Grooming: Delivered by trained professionals, grooming services range from routine care to full styling. The emphasis is on high handling standards, cleanliness, and consistency, ensuring a positive experience for every pet.
- Daycare: A fun, safe environment where dogs can play, socialize, and expend energy while their owners are away. Supervised daycare keeps pups happy, active, and mentally stimulated.
- Training: Dog training programs are focused on behavior development and skill building. Using structured, positive methods, trainers work with dogs of various experience levels to foster good manners and a strong bond with their owners.
- Walks: Scheduled dog walking services provide essential exercise and enrichment, supporting a pet’s daily routine, physical health, and mental well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
For those interested in learning more, here are answers to some common questions about the acquisition process and company culture.
What is Village Pet Care’s investment approach?
The approach is straightforward: acquire good, high-quality pet service facilities throughout North America and provide the resources and expertise to make them even greater.
What happens to an acquired company’s brand and employees?
The acquired company’s brand name is typically kept in place, and current employees are retained. A team of experienced Regional Managers and support staff then assists with back-of-house functions like payroll and accounting, allowing the local team to focus on what they do best: caring for pets and clients.
How does Village Pet Care differ from others in the industry?
Many companies in the pet space take a broader approach, acquiring both veterinary hospitals and pet resorts. Village Pet Care focuses singularly on pet resorts. This specialization allows them to provide a superior experience for sellers and a deeper level of operational expertise.
What are the benefits for employees?
Village Pet Care provides benefits, including health insurance for all employees. They also invest in skill-building with ongoing support and tools, and offer growth opportunities within the corporate team or at other locations. Many members of the support team have risen from roles as general managers or owners of acquired businesses.
For business owners interested in exploring a partnership, or for professionals seeking to join a passionate and growing team, Village Pet Care invites you to reach out. The commitment to a smooth, confidential, and mutually beneficial process remains the cornerstone of their mission to transform the pet services industry for the better.