Searching for Established Pet Care Businesses

Hi everyone! I'm sharing my Buy Box one-pager outlining my search criteria for acquiring a pet care services business. I've organized my criteria into 'non-negotiable', 'preferred', and 'willing to no longer prioritize’ categories to provide a clear picture of what I'm seeking. I'd love to hear your thoughts and insights, especially from those with experience in the pet care industry - feel free to comment or reach out directly to connect!

NON-NEGOTIABLE CRITERIA: Location & Business Type Established Pet Care Business (e.g. pet boarding, daycare, grooming, training, veterinary services) Located within a 1-hour drive from Capital One office in either McLean, VA or in Atlanta, GA Proven operational stability with at least 3 years of profitable history Active client base supported by recurring revenue streams (membership packages, subscription-based services, or consistent repeat client bookings) Owner agreeable to a structured 3-6 month transition period during which I will initially support operations evenings/weekends and promote internally to an existing team member or manager

Financial Performance EBITDA range between $750,000 - $1,200,000 annually Consistent monthly revenue, with at least 80% derived from recurring client relationships Verifiable financial records and clean accounting practices Strong cash flow supporting an existing management team or providing resources to build one
Operational Structure Documented operating procedures, systems, and clearly defined pet care protocols Established client relationship management system or similar client tracking mechanism in place Existing manager or identified internal candidate ready for promotion to manage daily operations during and after transition

PREFERRED CRITERIA: Growth Opportunities Potential to expand service offerings (e.g., specialized grooming, training programs, veterinary partnerships, or high-end boarding/daycare) Opportunities to enter under-served market segments or geographic areas Clear scalability potential while maintaining high service standards and client satisfaction

Technical Integration Potential Opportunity for implementing or upgrading modern scheduling and booking platforms Ability to integrate automated billing and streamlined payment systems Potential to leverage digital marketing and customer engagement technology Capacity for remote monitoring of operations and facility management

Client Mix Diverse client base blending recurring residential and commercial pet care clients No single client accounting for more than 20% of total revenue Demonstrable client retention averaging 12 months or longer Healthy pipeline of loyal, satisfied customers regularly renewing or purchasing services

WILLING TO NO LONGER PRIORITIZE: Asset Condition & Age Current facility condition or equipment age is not critical; willing to invest in necessary upgrades or improvements post-acquisition Flexible on existing vehicle fleet; open to leasing arrangements or gradual replacements if needed

Current Software/Technology Stack Current technology platforms or software sophistication not a priority; comfortable implementing new systems post-acquisition

Existing Brand Recognition Existing brand identity and local reputation are secondary considerations; open to re-branding or marketing improvements

PERSONAL OUTCOME STATEMENT: I am seeking to acquire a profitable, established pet care business in the Northern Virginia or Atlanta markets, due to close proximity to my role at Capital One and proximity to family. My goal is to come into the business as an owner-operator, with strong internal leadership already in place or quickly promotable within the first six months to enable a smooth transition. Through focused investment in management, technology, and operational improvements, I aim to systematically scale the business and enhance client experience.