January 2026 M&A Corner (Published in Issue #3, January , 2026)

In 2025, pet industry M&A continued to favor businesses with clear differentiation and scalable operating models. Buyer interest remained strong in platforms tied to recurring demand, improving standards of care, and professionalizing the workforce, alongside technology that expands access and drives consistent outcomes. Entering 2026, these themes remain central amid ongoing labor constraints and rising consumer expectations.

One transaction that reflects these dynamics was the acquisition of Animal Behavior College (ABC) by Peterson’s, where Tuck Advisors served as the exclusive sell-side advisor. Founded in 1998, ABC provides vocational education in dog training, grooming, and veterinary assisting. The partnership positions ABC to broaden its reach, strengthen technology-enabled delivery, and continue professionalizing the pet care workforce. Explore full strategic rationale in our deal analysis produced using Tuck Advisors’ proprietary M&A analyzer.

Looking ahead, we expect continued buyer interest across pet services, training and workforce development, and enabling software that improves operational efficiency and customer experience.

This commentary reflects independent analysis based on publicly available information. Tuck Advisors was not involved in this transaction.