How It All Started
PETLANTA was started to bring Atlanta's pet professionals together.
In 2022, Wayne attended Groom'd, formally known as Atlanta Pet Fair, and there were so many new faces and a common theme of all the conversations had was, " I didn't know there were so many of us here"
So then, an idea formed. Let's create a community/network of pet care professionals around the city so that we can learn from one another, grow with each other, and teach one another. If there's one thing we learn as entrepreneurs is that we cannot and should not do it alone and networking builds your business in ways doing it yourself simply cannot.
PETLANTA was born later that year.
At Petlanta, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable pet industry by bringing together Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) pet professionals, along with allies, to create a supportive community where everyone can thrive. Our mission is to bridge the gap of underrepresentation in the pet industry by providing mentorship, resources, networking opportunities, and support to BIPOC individuals, while also advocating for diversity and inclusion across the broader pet community.
Through social action, educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and community outreach efforts, we aim to empower BIPOC individuals in the pet industry, elevate their voices, and facilitate connections that promote professional growth and success. We believe that by fostering a more inclusive and diverse pet industry, we can better serve pets and their caregivers while enriching the lives of all involved.
We are committed to creating a more equitable and representative pet industry where every individual, regardless of background or identity, has the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and make a positive impact.
Representation - Passion - Unity - Social Action - Community
Our Pledge
To bring like-minded Pet Care Professionals or "Petpreneurs" together from various walks of life to build a community that
1. Encourage healthy relationships with self and each other
2. Holds each other accountable
3. To be reliable and dependable when another teammate is in need
4. Give back to the community through various programs
5. Support each other selflessly
6. Enables each individual to be their true and authentic selves without fear of judgment and/or ridicule