MIAMI — Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming announced its first foray into the Canadian pet market. The retail franchise will open a new store in the Greater Toronto area, with 200 other locations to follow across the country.

Founded in 2007, Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming currently has 200 locations open or under development in 18 states throughout the United States. The retail stores offer premium pet food, gourmet treats and “luxury spa” services for pets.

“We’re thrilled to be widening the Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming footprint starting with our Canadian debut in the vibrant greater Toronto area,” said Alex Macedo, chairman of Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming. “The Canadian culture aligns perfectly with Woof Gang’s values of community, quality and great customer service and we look forward to growing our brand here to meet the demand of the pet ownership industry in the country.”

Macedo, who is the former global brand president at Tim Hortons, and Ricardo Azevedo, a former Tim Hortons executive, recruited franchisees interested in Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming at the Toronto Franchise Expo, which took place Jan. 14 and 15.

According to data from the Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI)’s 2022 Pet Population Survey, pet ownership has increased throughout the country from 2020 to 2022, in part due to COVID-19. More than half (60%) of Canadian households own at least one dog or cat. From 2020 to 2022, the country’s dog population grew from 7.7 million to 7.9 million and the cat population increased from 8.1 million to 8.5 million.

Read more about pet retail trends.