Why We Only Work With Pet Businesses

It all started in an indie pet store, where I saw great business owners buried in everything except what they loved.

Cali, one of the many pets
that inspired this journey.

The Origin Story

From Behind the Counter to Behind the Strategy

My first job was at a local pet store in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I was 16. I took it because my dog loved that place—and soon, so did I.

Helping customers. Meeting their pets. Working alongside people who “got it.”

But when I moved into management, the joy got buried under vendor calls, staff schedules, and the daily grind. I saw firsthand what so many pet businesses experience:

"I started in this industry because I loved helping people and pets, not working on spreadsheets and social media."

That experience stuck with me. Years later, after starting a career in marketing, I realized I could solve the exact problem I once lived.

That’s why I launched Pet Engine Marketing in 2018: to help pet business owners get back to doing what they love, while we handle the marketing.

Bowie, an early mentor and
motivator on this journey.

How I Built Pet Engine Marketing Differently

For pet businesses, and only pet businesses.

We only work with pet businesses. No restaurants, no dentists, no “whoever pays us.” Just pet retailers, groomers, trainers, boarders, and daycares.

I didn’t want to be just another agency that happened to work with pet businesses. I wanted to live and breathe this industry so I could actually serve you better.

So I went all in:

  • 14+ years working in the pet industry

  • An international speaker at events like Global Pet Expo and SuperZoo

  • Co-founder of The Pet Industry Network, collaborating with the best pet-focused service providers

  • A deep understanding of what really drives growth for pet businesses in an increasingly competitive environment

But industry knowledge alone isn’t enough. Execution matters.

We don’t hand you a strategy and disappear. Posts go live. Rankings improve. Emails get sent. Website updates happen. We do the actual work—and we do it with the passion and precision your business deserves.

We're here to help pet business owners thrive in a market built for giants. Everything we do is built around making sure you win.

What We’ve Done So Far

  • 2012

    Working at Wags to Wiskers Pet Supplies with Niki, my first golden.

  • 2018

    Launched Pet Engine Marketing. What do you think of the original logo?!

  • 2022

    Co-founded The Pet Industry Network with Jolanta Smulski of Pet Pro Media.

  • 2023

    Speaker at Global Pet Expo, SuperZoo, and The Pet Summit.

  • 2024

    100+ pet businesses helped (and counting!).

  • Present

    Helping pet business owners triple revenue, launch brands, and expand locations

You Get a Whole Pet Business Marketing Team

I'm Matt Aldrich, the founder. But Pet Engine Marketing has grown beyond just me. We've built a team of strategists, designers, and account managers who are all passionate about helping your independent pet business grow.

Matt Aldrich

Tiffany Luc

Ryan Caravalho

Jon Pieczynski

Brady Tibbits

Sabina Kirilovski

Renan Viana

Brad Cohen

Meet The Team

When we say "pet industry experts," we mean it.

It's not marketing speak. It's what we've built our entire business around.

Every client has a dedicated account manager, monthly check-ins, and Slack access to reach us when needed. You’re not alone in this.

Results That Speak For Themselves

From local retailers to groomers and trainers, we’ve helped 100+ pet businesses take marketing off their plate and get real results.

You Shouldn't Have to Choose

I learned in that pet store that you shouldn't have to choose between running your business and growing it.

That's why Pet Engine Marketing exists.

Let's talk about your pet business and where we can help. Tell us your goals, your challenges, and why you're stuck, and we’ll see if we’re the right fit.

Schedule A Free Call