The Smart Start: How AI Can Help New Pet Brands Grow

Launching a pet brand today takes courage and creativity. The opportunities in this industry are incredible, but so are the challenges. New founders are building products, managing supply chains, testing packaging, and trying to stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace. Artificial intelligence has quickly become part of the conversation, and it deserves attention. Yet many new entrepreneurs see it as a shortcut or a replacement for real-world experience. It is not. AI is most powerful when it is used to enhance traditional business skills — not replace them. When used wisely, AI can help you see patterns, save time, and make better decisions. But it cannot replace your values, instincts, or the relationships that give your brand meaning.

Here are five ways to put AI to work in practical and authentic ways while building your new pet brand.

#1 Smarter insights for stronger strategy: In the early stages, every decision counts. Understanding your customer, your competitors, and your category is essential. AI can help you gather information faster by analyzing reviews, data sheets, online conversations, and emerging trends. But insight alone is not strategy. The real value comes from how you interpret that information and apply it to your brand’s story and position. AI can show you the data, but only experience can tell you what to do with it.

#2 Guiding innovation and product development: AI can help new founders brainstorm ideas and test early concepts. It can also simulate feedback by predicting how pet parents might respond to claims, formats, or price points. Still, the best products come from real-world understanding — how pets behave, what owners worry about, and what works in stores. The use of AI will speed up exploration but let your experience and conversations with real customers guide the final decisions.

#3 Building authentic communication: AI can draft copy for social media or emails, but it cannot capture your purpose or tone unless you teach it. Think of it as an assistant that helps organize your thoughts rather than one that speaks for you. Your stories about the pets, people, and purpose behind your brand are what build trust. I would recommend that you learn how to prompt AI effectively, so it supports your workflow but always keep your authentic voice at the heart of your communication.

#4 Creating a professional customer experience:

Small teams can use AI tools to manage basic customer inquiries or provide quick answers after hours. These tools can help your business look established before you have a large staff and can reduce early staffing costs while you grow. They also allow founders to stay focused on higher priority work without letting customer service slip. The key is balance. Automation should support your customer relationships, not distance you from them. Always ensure there is a clear path to a real person when needed, because genuine connection builds trust and loyalty.

#5 Making data-driven marketing decisions: AI can analyze performance data and recommend ways to improve ads, target audiences, and refine creative direction. This helps new brands stretch their budgets and learn what truly resonates with pet parents. However, AI cannot define your message — that comes from a clear sense of purpose and consistent storytelling.

AI is not a magic solution, but it is a valuable ally for entrepreneurs who are building brands with purpose and discipline. Smart use of AI can save both money and time, allowing founders to be more efficient and focused on the work that truly drives growth. Yet efficiency alone is not enough. The human touch, the care, creativity, and emotional understanding behind every great brand, remains irreplaceable. The real opportunity lies in learning how to blend technology and humanity. The brands that can do both will stand out, build trust, and shape the future of the pet industry.

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About the Author:

Jennifer Murray is the Founder of Murray Pet Sales & Consulting, a Canadian company committed to providing executive-level support to founders, entrepreneurs, brands, and retail pet stores. Our mission is to empower pet-related businesses as they launch or expand within the competitive pet industry space. To learn more about the services offered by Murray Pet Sales & Consulting please connect with us on LinkedIn: Murray Pet Sales & Consulting.