The ZOO & Co. Model

ZOO & Co. is a German pet retail franchise network operated by SAGAFLOR AG. The company specializes in premium pet food, accessories, live animal retail and expert advisory services for pet owners. Its stores offer products for dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles and small animals while focusing strongly on customer experience and animal welfare.

What makes the franchise unique is its balance between corporate support and entrepreneurial independence. Franchisees benefit from centralized purchasing, marketing tools, digital systems and established supplier relationships, while still maintaining flexibility to adapt their stores to local market demand. This approach has helped ZOO & Co. build a strong reputation within the growing European pet care sector.

Today, the brand operates around 150 locations, mainly across Germany and Austria, with additional expansion opportunities being explored in other European markets.

Investment and franchise opportunities

To become a ZOO & Co. franchisee, candidates typically complete a selection and onboarding process that includes business evaluation, financing preparation, location analysis and operational training. The company welcomes both experienced retailers and entrepreneurs entering the pet industry for the first time.

The financial commitment depends on store format and location. Franchisees generally require personal capital starting from approximately €20,000–€25,000, while the total investment can range from €250,000 to €500,000. The entry fee is approximately €5,000, with additional financing often required depending on the size of the project.

The company states that royalty fees may start from 0%, although ongoing operational contributions can vary depending on the services and partnership structure within the network. Revenue potential is closely linked to store performance, local demand and operational management, but the brand continues to benefit from strong consumer spending in the European pet care market.

Support and future expansion

Franchisees are responsible for managing day-to-day store operations, customer service, staff supervision, inventory management and maintaining brand standards. Many stores also provide specialist pet care advice and premium customer services that help strengthen local loyalty.

To support new franchisees, ZOO & Co. provides assistance with site selection, store planning, purchasing systems, marketing campaigns, logistics and business consulting. The company also offers ongoing operational guidance designed to help franchise partners grow sustainably.

Looking ahead, ZOO & Co. plans to continue expanding across Germany and neighboring European markets. The company sees strong long-term potential in the growing pet industry and intends to further strengthen its retail network, logistics capabilities and franchise partnerships throughout Europe.