CINNCINNATI — Pet Wants, a direct-to-consumer fresh pet food company, announced the appointment of DeNita Carani to brand president. According to the company, the appointment will help support its growth plans.

Carani has more than 10 years of experience in the franchising industry, serving as both a franchisee and franchisor throughout her career. She served as senior director of operations for Jovie, an in-home childcare franchise, and has built a medical alert startup.

“I’ve been on both sides of the franchising equation,” Carani said. “I love that franchising allows everyday people to build a lifestyle for themselves and grow wealth for their families in a structured environment. I have owned a business previous to franchising as well, so I’ve seen how hard it is to be completely independent. The support valuable, structure and best practices that a franchise brings are incredibly valuable.

“I was immediately drawn to the whole mission of [Pet Wants]: promote the health and wellness of pets,” Carani said. “I am a rescue dog mom. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have at least two rescue dogs in my family. I loved the idea of being a part of a brand that is full of franchisees who share my passion for pets. That was really attractive to me.”

Carani’s appointment follows significant growth for Pet Wants, which has sold 47 new franchise locations during the past year. The company has also witnessed an increase demand in pet food.

“With spending in the pet industry reaching well above $100 billion, food and treats alone are approaching $50 billion a year in the United States,” Carani said. “It really felt to me like this industry and brand has tremendous upside potential. The demographics of today, both younger and older generations, treat their pets as family members. Nutrition is important to them. The health and longevity of their pets. They want to buy treats that their pets enjoy and that are also good for them. Pet Wants gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to tap into that industry.”

Founded in 2010, Pet Wants offers premium pet food formulated with fresh and natural ingredients, as well as vitamins and minerals, to support a pet’s nutritional needs. The company’s products are free of fillers and byproducts. Pet Wants’ products are manufactured in small batches at its US-based facility and shipped directly to its franchises.

In her role at Pet Wants, Carani will lead the company’s team and support its plans for future expansion. The company is currently seeking to expand its presence in Texas, Florida, Utah, California and the Pacific Northwest.

“We want to grow the brand to 200 locations by the end of 2024, but we want to do that in conjunction with the continued growth of existing franchisees,” she said. “I want them to all grow at an accelerated pace as well.

“It is so exciting to be leading an organization that is driven by passion,” Carani added. “I love being able to help individuals who have a passion for being in business for themselves, but not by themselves.”

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.