2025 Women in Pet
Women in leadership across the pet industry continue to reflect the sector’s growing diversity, each bringing unique backgrounds, skill sets and perspectives that not only strengthen their organizations but also better align with today’s increasingly informed and values-driven pet consumer—the majority of whom are women. Many are fueled not only by a passion for innovation and animal welfare, but also by a commitment to creating pathways for the next generation. With a sharp focus on mentorship, inclusive workplace culture and consumer-centric thinking, they’re ensuring the future of the pet industry is as dynamic and representative as the customers it serves.
The Makers
Whether it’s honoring legacies, pursuing a desire to improve the lives of animals and their owners or a combination of both, there are many motivations that drive the women who lead in manufacturing. Laura Jones Wells, President of Jones Natural Chews, helped found the company on the heels of the Jones family history working in the meat industry since the 1850s. “My family operated a local meat store which we began making dog treats and chews from,” she said. “We eventually sold the meat store and concentrated just on dog products. The pet industry is a fun industry to be part of. I love creating products that enhance the bond between dogs and their owners and that dogs truly enjoy chewing on.”
While the family business might have ‘gone to the dogs’ in the best way, Jones Wells has ensured the Jones family legacy in supporting and working with American farmers and ranchers continues strong. “As a founding member of the company, I have been in every role possible in the company, but key milestones would have to be the growth pattern of the business starting from scratch, then moving to Rockford, IL in 2006 and further expanding three more times in Rockford to what it is today. It has been a very rewarding journey.”
Similarly, family is what brought Vera Ferreira, President and CFO at Rush Direct, to the pet industry, where she has since flourished within her career. She founded the company in 2003 with her husband Charles, growing Rush Direct into one of the largest independent brands in the chews and treats category. Prior to founding Rush Direct, she had been CFO at Benty America. No stranger to mentorship, she also spent time teaching finance at the University of Londrina in Brazil. Ferreira also spearheaded Rush Direct’s Women’s Business Enterprise National Council and drive into multiple brands from being initially primarily focused on private label.
Both Jaclyn Tidwell and Jill Thacker have brought their business acumen and love for animals to MPM, the company that oversees the Applaws, Reveal and Encore brands of pet food.
Tidwell is Vice President Omnichannel and Mass at MPM Products USA. “I went to school at the University of North Texas graduating with a double major in merchandising and digital retailing,” she said. “The majority of my classes were taught by industry professionals across sales and marketing. This is where I fell in love with CPG and the positive impact products can have on everyday life. I began my career in luxury beauty and fragrance, which gave me a strong foundation, but I was eager to find something more fulfilling that aligned with my long-term goals. I’ve always had a strong bond with animals, so eight years ago, when I saw an opportunity in the pet industry, I jumped, and it’s been incredibly gratifying.”
Raising her own pets gives Tidwell a perspective that strives for a better, more compassionate world. “I have always had a passion for animals, as an owner of four myself—two cats and two dogs,” she said. “I often spend time volunteering and supporting local organizations whose focus is to give pets the loving homes they deserve. Animals bring so much joy to people’s lives, and I love being part of something that supports that bond. At MPM, a Certified B Corp, people, pets and the planet are at the heart of everything we do. It’s rewarding to be part of a company that offers mealtime solutions that not only support pet health and wellbeing, but also positively impact pet owners and the wider world.”
Meanwhile, Thacker, Vice President, Pet Specialty for MPM, came to pet via a different industry. “I began my career in the automotive industry, but when an opportunity in the pet industry came my way, I didn’t hesitate to take the leap. Having grown up around animals of all shapes and sizes, the transition felt like a natural fit,” she said.
In pet, Thacker found the perfect synergy between her interests and talents and her desire to make a difference. “I’ve spent the majority of my career in the pet industry, where I’ve found the perfect intersection of purpose and professional growth,” she said. “I’m energized by contributing to organizations with strong, values-driven cultures that align with my commitment to making a meaningful impact. For me, the pet industry is more than a career path—it’s a place where I can help improve the lives of pets and the people who love them.”
BIXBI Pet CEO Rachel D’Agostino worked in an animal shelter prior to this role. “I’ve been with the company since 2013, as the second employee, and from day one, it’s been more than a job. It’s something I’ve nurtured, challenged and believed in with everything I have,” she said. “I’ve always known my path would involve helping animals—it’s been a constant in my life. Before BIXBI, I worked at a local animal shelter, and that’s really where my perspective on pet health started to shift. That experience helped me realize the huge impact nutrition has on a pet’s wellbeing, and it lit a fire in me to do something about it. That ‘something’ became BIXBI.”
D’Agostino finds fulfillment in seeing the impact of her work firsthand. “I love working in an industry where passion and purpose intersect and where you can actually see the difference you’re making. Pets are our family and being part of an industry that helps people make informed, confident choices for their pets feels incredibly meaningful,” she said. “At BIXBI, we get to play a role in that every day, giving pet parents something they can truly trust and giving pets the nutrition they deserve. That’s what keeps me energized and excited about the work.”
The Connectors
Building bridges between these innovative manufacturers to the retailers and consumers are pet distributors like Phylicia Proulx, who in the last year became Chief of Staff for Pet Food Experts (PFX). “I’m proud to serve as the Chief of Staff at Pet Food Experts. While I’ll always have a borderline obsession with our inventory, supply chain and vendor relationships, this new role allows me to contribute at a broader strategic level,” she said. “My focus is on driving alignment and collaboration across the executive leadership team, ensuring we’re not just moving in the same direction, but doing so in sync. That’s been especially important during the past few months, as we bring together two organizations with distinct cultures and working styles, all while managing one of the most complex integration efforts we’ve ever undertaken. I work closely with our CEO, Michael Baker, and leaders across the business to translate high-level goals into tangible action, support decision-making and keep cross-functional efforts moving forward. When everyone is working as hard as we are this year, it’s more important than ever to ensure those efforts are focused on the right priorities and not duplicative. I’m humbled and honored to serve in this role and to help shape what’s next for PFX.”
Proulx’s educational background opened a wide array of career options to her, but her talent for problem solving blended with her desire to make a difference, ultimately led her to pet. “My career began with a BA in accounting, but I quickly realized I was more energized by solving business problems and connecting with people than by crunching numbers alone,” she said. “That realization led me into the automotive industry, where I spent several years in account management and production planning. I worked on complex cross-functional projects, developed strong relationship-building skills and built a deep appreciation for operational efficiency. Despite the growth and challenges that came with those roles, I found myself craving more purpose, something that aligned more closely with my values. That’s when the opportunity arose to join the team at PFX. It felt like a perfect fit: an industry full of passion, driven by a love for animals and rich with innovation and entrepreneurship. I brought with me a strong operational mindset, a bit of grit and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. Since then, I’ve never looked back. PFX and this industry have allowed me to do meaningful work while supporting brands, retailers and pet parents in a space I truly care about.”
The Helpers
The desire to do meaningful work and meet pet owners where they are in supporting their needs is what drives these women to make the strides they made in pet retail.
Seeing a lack of natural pet food options in the St Louis, MO area is what spurred Teresa Miller and her husband to open their first Treats Unleashed store in 2002. The company has since grown to 21 stores. “Before moving to St. Louis, I was living in New York City,” she said. “I was working also with my husband there. I’m working with him here as well. But we were part of an internet startup that was doing same day delivery in New York City. And it was a real eye opening, really fun, fast-paced environment. It was a great way to see a business get started, one with far more funds that we would ever have in the pet industry. And then learn from that what we would do with our own money.”
From day one, Treats Unleashed benefited from the Millers’ experience and insights in New York City. “We’ve been doing in-store pick up since we first started, so I understood the importance of having an online e-commerce presence,” she said. “Our online e-commerce presence is primarily for our communities where we are; we don’t do a lot nationwide, but we’ve had that now for quite some time. So, we’ve done that with our delivery right before Covid, but in-store pickup and ability to order online has always been something important to us.”
More than two decades later, Miller still finds great fulfillment in the day-to-day interactions with her customers. “I still enjoy the things I did in the beginning—[interacting with] the customers, in terms of being able to make a difference in their lives, in the lives of their pets with our recommendations, so that still holds true,” she said. “I’ve come to really enjoy the industry, the different contacts I’ve made, the people I work with on various projects, and they have been a solid, great group of people who’ve helped build our business.”
Sarah Eccles, Senior Vice President, Store Operations of Hollywood Feed, similarly found a way to marry her professional experience with a passion for purpose. “I built my career in multi-unit specialty retail and was drawn to Hollywood Feed’s service-first culture—the belief that every guest and every pet deserves exceptional care.”
Eccles came to Hollywood Feed through the acquisition of PetPeople in early 2022. “It’s the rare place where service and purpose meet. I’m a lifelong pet lover, and I instinctively think about how my own animals would benefit—from healthier nutrition to safer products and better everyday care. Turning that empathy into measurable results for our guests and communities is incredibly rewarding,” she said.
The community that Cassandra Allcock Steger, Operations Manager with Russell Feed & Supply, encountered when she first came to the retailer, has guided her through her career there and one she consistently touts as playing a heavy role in her success. “I was just out of college, where I attended Texas A&M for agricultural economics and working as an assistant pastry chef for a couture cake studio,” she recalled. “My mother at the time was working at Russell Feed & Supply as an office secretary. While visiting her for lunch one day, I overheard they were hiring a key holder for one of their locations. Having grown up shopping with Russell Feed and having a background for it, it was the perfect opportunity to apply. I was hired on underneath Tammy, the only female store manager at the time. I was heading into my fourth year as key under Tammy. After adding a seventh location and some movement of managers in the company, my manager stepped up and vouched for me, stating that although she would hate to lose me, she wouldn’t want to hold me back for her benefit, and that I was the most qualified to take an existing store over. I was offered the position on a Friday and took over that Monday. She had no time to prepare for my loss at her store, but Tammy couldn’t have been prouder to see me take on the opportunity.”
Steger continues to celebrate the culture at Russell Feed that prioritizes building long-term relationships and lifting others up. “I truly believe our customers and coworkers are the best! I focused my studies in the ag and pet field because I find the most honest people are in the animal industries. From the customers to the vendors we work with, we all have a common goal of happy pets with active longevity. Creating those relationships with customers and their pets to where you know not only their names, but their favorite purchases as well, seeing ‘Max’ the golden retriever come in with his treat allowance for the week and being there to lend an open ear when the end comes, we are a steady partner with our customers through their highs and lows. Even watching our customers grow from kids in elementary school to becoming our store managers!”
Claudia Loomis, President and Co-Owner of CB Pet Market, was similarly guided to pet retail through a profound connection with animals. “Like many others in the pet world, I found my way here through a deep love for animals—especially dogs,” she said. “I grew up surrounded by them, but everything truly shifted when I adopted Dude, a very special White German Shepherd with a sensitive tummy and a gentle soul. Trying to help him feel better launched me into the world of pet health and nutrition. That journey became a passion, and that passion became a career. More than 30 years later, I’m still learning, still growing and still as committed as ever to helping pets live their healthiest, happiest lives.”
Loomis finds working in the pet industry deeply fulfilling and perfectly blends purpose with passion. “Every day, we get to make a positive impact on the lives of animals and the people who love them. It’s not just about products or services—it’s about fostering health, happiness and connection between pets and their families. There’s something incredibly rewarding about knowing what we do contributes to the wellbeing of someone’s fur family,” she said.
JoAnn Parente, Co-Owner of the Dogs & Cats Rule, now with seven stores across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, takes a more pragmatic perspective to her family business that she runs with her brother. “We always had family businesses,” she said. “I was a nurse for 25 years, and I always helped the family. We actually had retail, delicatessen-type stores and at some point, my brother closed the stores. He wanted to do something else. He had gotten very fascinated with pet. He had a girlfriend and she had her own pet store, so he learned a lot and ended up opening our first pet store in 2001. I started helping him and then finally took a break from nursing—I guess it was around 2003—so I’d been with him since then. And we kind of worked our way to our second store. We went from Newtown, PA to Pennington, NJ which is just a 13-mile little ride across the bridge. And we just kept adding as we went.”
Family businesses have long sustained the Parente family. “We’ve been fortunate. My brother and I have been in business since we were about 15. I took a 25-year sabbatical as a nurse but people wonder how do you get that way. We started at a young age, learning about things like when the fridge breaks, what do you do. You get the background as you go and the experience.”
It’s a lot of work, but the fulfillment, again, comes back to knowing they are making a difference. “It’s so different and unique. It is very much a business, so it has to be run the same way, but you can’t consider it just a cute business. You have to make sure you hit the ground running and you have your information and things to provide for the customer. Everybody thinks, ‘I want to work at a cute pet store.’ Pet stores are work, just like any other business. But you get such a unique perspective; you get to see customers who need support and education as well as knowledge for them. You get to meet and greet all of the animals. People in the business never leave the business so the people who come work with us, the vendors, the manufacturer reps, it’s all quite unique. They all are in that circle so it’s a nice experience for sure. You’re really helping the people. You’re addressing the needs of the customer which [in this case] is the pet owner.”
Unlike Parente, Megan Rozell, EarthWise Vice President of Services, did not have a second profession before coming to pet; rather a loving father who helped her embrace her passion. “I’ve always had a deep love for animals and knew early on that I wanted a career centered around them,” she said. “Originally, I had my sights set on veterinary school. But it was my father who encouraged me to consider grooming, and I decided to attend grooming school right after high school. I fell in love with it immediately. Soon after, I started working in a local salon, and it quickly became clear that this was exactly where I was meant to be. Just one year later, with my father’s support, I purchased the salon—two weeks before my 21st birthday. Throughout the next 17 years, I had the incredible opportunity to grow that business, build lasting relationships with pets and their owners and truly live my dream of working in pet.”
Rozell has now parlayed her grooming expertise and experience into helping EarthWise Pet develop its network of service providers. “I love the pet industry—and grooming in particular—because there’s truly no better feeling than making a positive impact on both pets and their people. Whether it’s helping a rescue pet look and feel their best on the way to their forever home or delivering a groom that makes a client smile with joy, the work is always rewarding. In my current role, I especially enjoy helping franchisees grow their businesses and supporting groomers as they build meaningful, long-term careers. Being a part of their journey is incredibly fulfilling and reminds me every day why this industry is so special,” she said.
The Milestones
These retail leaders reflect on some of the milestones in their careers that indicated they were on the right path in pet—often it was dotted with new store footprints.
For Miller with Treats Unleashed, a notable milestone was when her husband Ian opted to join her full time. “When we first started, my husband was working full time somewhere else, and when we opened our third store, he joined me full time and that helped us develop our path for expanding Treats Unleashed into what it is today; we decided we were all in, and were excited to see it grow,” she said. “Other milestones have been probably just a matter of watching other people within the company grow. It’s been really nice to see them through some of our growth, the growth of other leaders in our company, so that’s been one of the more fulfilling parts of owning the business. And then, [there are the smaller milestones that are deeply meaningful, for example], we still see customers we met in the first year of our business walk through the doors every day. We’ve seen their pets come and go, but we’ve been part of their lives now for more than 20 years. All of those have been very meaningful.”
“Some of the most pivotal moments have been stepping into leadership roles where I could shape not only the customer experience, but also mentor and empower our CB Pet team members,” said Loomis. “Launching new store locations, expanding grooming services and building trusted relationships with pet product manufacturers and holistic pet health professionals are all key milestones. Having a bit of longevity in the pet retail space, we have encountered many different challenges throughout the years, some unique to our business and some that are industry wide challenges. A few notable examples in recent years include, DCM, Covid, pet-inflation and now tariff price increases. I have learned to accept each of these challenges as a gift, because each challenge pushed me to think more strategically and led to growth—for the business and personally. Another defining moment was embracing our local pet-loving communities and being recognized as a trusted voice in pet wellness—this has really anchored our mission.”
Parente with Dogs & Cats Rule, said, “When we went from one to two stores, it was interesting and we survived. When we hit three, it was like, ‘Oh, we can do this.’ And then all of a sudden you hit four and someone says, ‘Oh, you’re like a small family chain.’ And then you get people all the time who say, ‘How do you run seven stores? Oh my God.’ The biggest thing we ever did was [three or four years ago] when the Pet Valus closed in this region, [and we subsequently opened two stores.] And we moved our original pet store in Newtown into an old Pet Valu around the corner. That was actually simultaneously putting three brand new locations up, and we succeeded, so that was very exciting that we could do that and do well at it. That really boosted our numbers to seven quickly. But to put everything on the line, you definitely had to be ready to run, and it was good to go.”
Similarly, for Rozell, “One of the key milestones in my career came in 2019, when I had the incredible opportunity to help open more than 20 grooming salons—during the height of the Covid pandemic. Continuing to grow during such a challenging time was both humbling and inspiring, and it pushed me to become a stronger leader. A few years later, I transitioned out of daily grooming and into a broader role that focused on hiring, mentoring and supporting franchisees while helping expand grooming operations across multiple locations. That shift allowed me to impact the industry on a larger scale while still staying closely connected to the grooming community. I’m often asked if I miss grooming—and the answer is absolutely yes, although my body might disagree! I’ve found just as much fulfillment in helping groomers grow their careers and in supporting business owners as I did behind the grooming table. And whenever I visit a salon, I’m always ready to roll up my sleeves and lend a hand.”
Eccles with Hollywood Feed notes that in the course of her career, coming to PetPeople was a pivotal point. “I’ve been fortunate to learn from exceptional leaders across DSW, Williams-Sonoma and PetPeople, which cemented my focus on developing talent and building leaders,” she said. “Joining PetPeople as a multi-unit leader was my launchpad. At Hollywood Feed, I scaled leadership development from regional managers to store managers, transitioned all field communication into Zipline and modernized scheduling with Legion. Stepping into SVP of Store Operations in early 2024 expanded my enterprise impact and accelerated the way we turn great service into consistent results. Along the way, I’ve learned so much from founders Shawn and Jean McGhee—their unwavering commitment to integrity, community and leadership has had a direct, lasting impact on the company and on the people who are part of it.”
On the manufacturing side, D’Agostino shared, “Joining BIXBI was a major milestone. I came on board in 2013 as the second employee and being part of the brand’s evolution from the ground up shaped me in profound ways. It gave me a front-row seat to every challenge, every breakthrough and every decision that helped build the company into what it is today. Stepping into the CEO role was another defining moment. It wasn’t just a new title, it was a shift in mindset. It meant taking full responsibility for the future of the business, for our team and for the purpose that drives us.”
The Feminine Touch
Empathy and compassion have clearly been the motivators behind these women’s successes in the industry. Perhaps seen as weaker traits by some, leading with the heart has many advantages in driving growth in the industry, especially as women continue to make the lion’s share of the purchasing decisions for their households.
“Let’s face it: the majority of our shoppers are women,” said Miller with Treats Unleashed. “They are the dominant buyer of pet products in their household. In most cases they’re the decision maker for things, so you are able to talk with the women and understand what they’re seeing. So much of our business is based on what problem are you having, let us help you find a solution, so sometimes, the creativity that we can bring to that—the empathy, some of those types of things—really make a difference.”
Parente added, “Women control the shopping. Men come in with a list. Women buy the better food. Sometimes they’ll pay cash for half of it because they don’t want their husbands to know how much they spent. They control the whole piece of it. The husband is the chore getting—he comes in to get what he needs because his wife sent him, but other than that, they have no idea what’s going on. They do, but they’re really not interested.”
“Women often bring a remarkable combination of empathy, intuition and attention to detail—qualities that are essential in understanding both the practical and emotional aspects of pet ownership,” said Loomis. “We listen closely, not just to what customers are saying, but also to what they’re feeling. Whether it’s sensing anxiety in a new pet parent or spotting subtle behavioral cues in an animal, women often pick up on the intangibles that lead to more personalized, compassionate care.”
Rozell added, “Tangibly, we tend to notice the small things—a pet’s subtle discomfort, a mat starting to form or a client’s unspoken concern—and take proactive steps to address them. Intangibly, women often excel at building trust and emotional connections. Pet owners are entrusting us with a beloved member of their family and being able to provide reassurance, compassion and clear communication goes a long way in creating lasting relationships. In grooming and pet care, it’s not just about the haircut or the service, it’s about understanding what the pet needs to feel safe and what the owner needs to feel confident and supported. that natural emotional intelligence and nurturing mindset are key strengths that many women bring to the industry.”
Steiger with Russell Feed has observed that customers will gravitate to staff they are most accustomed to working with. “Coming from a store with both ag and pet, we witness the approachability of staff by both women and men,” she said. “Whereas in the ag field, male customers typically gravitate naturally to a male employee, the women will gravitate to the female employee in regard to pet advice. Customers sense a commonality in where their hearts lie with a woman who shows empathy to both owner and pet. Women being the larger percentage of the caregiver in the household helps provide perspective in curating your store from offerings to layout to employee training.”
Parente with Dogs & Cats Rule said there’s an unspoken partnership with manufacturers as well when she curates her store selection. “When you look at how things are presented, a lot of products are made with that woman’s purchase in mind,” she said. “The color profiles, things that will highlight what a woman would be interested in buying. It’s definitely something to look at. That’s exactly why I buy what I buy. If I like something, someone else will like it. And it helps the business overall. Even though a lot of things are bought online, there’s a lot of it coming into a retail setting that allows them to touch, see and ask questions about it. We do an enormous amount of trying items on.”
Eccles with Hollywood Feed added, “In my experience, many women leaders integrate data and empathy exceptionally well. On the floor, that means listening closely, reading the pet–owner dynamic and translating it into concrete guidance—fit, nutrition, safety and budget. Just as important are the intangibles: building trust, offering reassurance and creating continuity of care through follow-ups and remembering names, preferences and pet histories. This blend of practical know-how and relational care consistently elevates outcomes for pets and their families.”
From the distributor’s perspective, Proulx said that many of the driving forces behind growth, like health and wellness, transparency, personalization and purpose-driven branding, are areas where women naturally lead with insight and intuition. “As primary decision-makers regarding pet and family care in many households, that perspective translates into sharp instincts when it comes to product development, customer experience and marketing,” she said. “I’ve also found that the best women leaders often approach leadership with a balance of empathy and accountability, which fosters inclusive environments where innovation and collaboration can thrive. In such a dynamic, values-driven industry, that mindset isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential.”
Thacker, with MPM, reflected, “The women I’ve had the privilege to work alongside bring a unique lens and an authentic understanding of their business. While the bond between people and pets is universal, consumer research consistently shows that women are the primary pet consumers. Their insights are vital to building authentic connections with today’s pet parents.”
The women behind innovation decisions in manufacturing often lead with empathy. “Women often bring a strong sense of empathy to their work, identifying the deep emotional connection pet owners have with their pets’ wellbeing,” said Tidwell with MPM. “Coupled with strengths in problem-solving and strategic planning, this enables us to address both the tangible and intangible needs of pets and their families. This combination empowers women leaders to create meaningful, personalized experiences that foster trust and loyalty with consumers.”
D’Agostino reflected, “That’s incredibly powerful in this industry. Empathy and trust are deeply interconnected—each one reinforces and strengthens the other, especially in relationships, teams, leadership and customer experiences. Pet parents aren’t just looking for products; they’re looking for trust. They want to feel confident that what they’re feeding their pets aligns with their values and expectations.”
The move toward embracing the female customer has been a welcome change. “When we first entered the pet industry, it was driven primarily by men,” said Jones Wells. “It is nice to watch the diversity happen within the industry and the inclusion of women. women bring more of the emotional side of pet ownership to the industry, especially as pets have become part of the family throughout the years.”
The Path Forward
Inclusion is important to ensure further progress isn’t hindered and that opportunities are created for up-and-coming leaders. “It’s such a great time to be in the pet industry, as the growing presence of women in leadership continues to reshape the landscape,” said Thacker with MPM. “These thought leaders bring experience, resilience, passion and empathy to the table and drive meaningful impact across the industry. Collectively, we share a responsibility to create space and empower the next generation of women leaders.”
“The pet industry is a generally welcoming space, and that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement,” said Jones Well. “Continuing to recognize and amplify women’s strengths is a chance to display the pet industry’s commitment to creating inclusive workspaces. Encouraging support for leadership development for women is a great opportunity to continue the efforts.”
Rozell with EarthWise Pet lays out concrete solutions for ensuring companies don’t miss out on talent. “The pet industry can better harness the expertise of women leaders by creating more intentional pathways for advancement, mentorship and visibility. Women often bring collaborative leadership styles, emotional intelligence and a deep understanding of both the client experience and team dynamics—qualities that are essential in service-driven industries like ours,” she said. “To fully leverage this expertise, we need to ensure women have seats at decision-making tables, not just in salons but in executive roles, brand strategy and franchise development. That means supporting leadership development programs, offering flexible career paths and actively seeking diverse perspectives when shaping policies and growth strategies. Additionally, showcasing the successes of women in all areas of the industry—grooming, retail, operations and ownership—can inspire the next generation and reinforce the value women bring at every level. When we invest in and amplify women’s leadership, the entire industry becomes stronger, more innovative and more inclusive.”
Women often bring valuable skills like empathy, collaboration and strategic thinking that align closely with the needs of the industry, said Tidwell. “To harness these strengths, companies should invest in mentorship programs, leadership development and create environments where diverse perspectives are actively sought and valued. Collaborative environments are key to driving innovation, building strong teams and achieving shared goals – leading to success,” she said.
Loomis reflected, “The industry can do more by creating intentional spaces for women’s voices in decision-making—whether in vendor relationships, product development or policy. Mentorship programs, visibility in leadership roles and funding opportunities for women-owned businesses would go a long way. Women are often the driving force behind pet care decisions at home, and that insight deserves to shape the industry at every level.”
D’Agostino finds empowerment in seeing so many women leading in the pet industry. “It’s important to recognize that leadership comes in many forms. That means more women in strategic roles, more funding for women-led companies and more visibility for women who are building meaningful businesses in this space,” she said. “Women bring immense talent, insight and innovation that are essential to effective decision-making, problem-solving and product development. As primary drivers of household purchasing decisions, women’s voices and perspectives are not just beneficial—they are vital to building smarter, more innovative solutions.”
Proulx lauds PFX for providing the opportunity for her to lead with confidence and openly share new ideas because the company fosters an environment that celebrates unique perspectives and encourages bold thinking. “Companies should recognize that leadership styles don’t have to fit a single mold,” she said. “Many women bring a strengths-based, collaborative and emotionally intelligent approach to leadership, exactly the kind of style needed to navigate today’s rapidly evolving landscape. When organizations embrace these diverse perspectives, they build healthier teams, stronger brands and ultimately a more resilient industry. Another thing that comes to mind is continued representation. We need to see more women in executive roles, on boards and as keynote speakers at industry events. Visibility matters. It sends a powerful message to emerging talent that leadership is not only possible but expected. And celebrated.”
Miller, who is currently Board President of IndiePet, touts some of the existing resources for not just women leaders, but all who want to serve the pet community. “The pet industry has built some strong channels of support for women-owning businesses, or small businesses in general. You’ve got organizations like IndiePet, which I’m very involved in. You’ve got things like Pet Boss Nation and Elevate Pet Pros, who are providing tools to all small businesses and a lot of those are women-led. There’s a real community sense to these organizations. People are willing to share their successes but also the lessons they’ve learned. It’s a great way for women to reach out into these communities for the different tools that are available. We’ve got a really good platform right now in the pet industry for helping women businesses achieve and succeed, so lots of resources out there that maybe weren’t out there 20 years ago, lots of people who are very willing to dive in and give back and share their experiences and continue to build that community, which I’ve seen grow throughout the past 10 years or so. It’s something really special. You’ve got women involved in leadership roles in all different types of organizations. And they’re making a big difference.”
Moving forward, “we can continue to provide those opportunities. At IndiePet, we’re hearing from people on a regular basis that are starting new stores, which is so exciting. It shows the independent pet stores continue to grow, and the channel continues to expand. But now there are programs out there that these business owners can tap into, whether it be a mentorship with IndiePet or some of the training options that are available. There are resources out there for women to tap into. And really solid ones too. Great communities.”
Allcock Steiger applauds Russell Feed for taking a chance on her and giving her the support she needed to grow into her leadership role. “I am very blessed to have been hired on under such a strong female leader. She never held back fearing job security. She was always willing to train me on anything I asked. a few companies out there may be wary of hiring a younger female vs male thinking they may potentially lose them due to future family raising. I have been able to move along in our company the past 16 years doing both. I am honored to work with a company who saw my potential and help keep things flexible as needed throughout my growth process. They have loved my kiddos like family and never made me feel guilty for having to take days off for field trips or doctor appointments. Also, having a leader who allows employees to vent upward can be invaluable. Again empathy, which tends to come more naturally to women, can help to find understanding in the vent sessions vs taking a defensive stance during them.”
From a retailer’s perspective, Parente cautions that women who worked hard to establish themselves will likely encounter hard decisions that may pull away their influence as they attain success. “I find a lot of executive women up in the powers that be,” she said. “It’s just unfortunate that when they get the influx of money from all these corporate people looking to buy in, that’s where you lose the influence of the woman. There’s a lot of start-up manufacturing from a woman’s perspective. Private equity has washed that feature out of the product line.”
Parente uses the Stella and Chewy’s brand as an example. “Marie Moody was the president of the company,” she said. “I remember when the food first came out. She came in and sat in our small store in the back and expressed all the things she needed to express, and then it got lost in the translation and it became a big corporation and that’s overlooked as it rolls up the line. It just becomes too generic. It’s all about the money and not about what’s going on, and that’s the reason why pet is so unique: people are so driven about the products because they want to take care of and help their animals, and so they make a new product. They do things that are unique. They develop new things. But when you have no more control over it, it becomes just another thing. You have to get to the next level, but what you sacrifice at that next level is kind of all of your business.”
In the thick of things, “Women move the needle fastest when they’re given real ownership and visibility,” said Eccles. “That means intentional sponsorship into P&L [profit & loss] roles, cross-functional rotations (ops, supply chain, merch, FP&A [financial planning & analysis]) and a clear path to present board-level narratives, not just project updates. Pair that with measurable goals, flexible pathways for field leaders and mentorship that turns expertise into enterprise impact—and you see stronger teams, better guest outcomes and healthier P&Ls.”
