- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
St. Petersburg Today
By the People, for the People
Pet Butler Expands in St. Petersburg, FL Through Franchise Resale
New family-led leadership takes over well-established local pet services business.
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Pet Butler's national support center has announced that Leo Hetzendorfer, along with his son Joshua, have acquired the existing Pet Butler resale territory in St. Petersburg, Florida, bringing new family-led leadership to a well-established local pet services business. Leo recently retired after a 43-year career in retail grocery management and saw business ownership as an opportunity to work alongside his children.
Why it matters
The resale model and the level of support from Pet Butler were key factors in the Hetzendorfers' decision, as it allowed them to step into an already established business and focus on people and service right away. Family-led resales are seen as bringing continuity and strength to Pet Butler's franchise system.
The details
Leo and Joshua Hetzendorfer have acquired the existing Pet Butler resale territory in St. Petersburg, Florida. In the short term, they plan to establish themselves in the community, participate in local events, and continue learning the business. Long term, their goal is to significantly grow the customer base while building a strong, reliable team.
- Leo Hetzendorfer recently retired after a 43-year career in retail grocery management.
The players
Leo Hetzendorfer
A recent retiree after a 43-year career in retail grocery management, who has acquired the existing Pet Butler resale territory in St. Petersburg, Florida, along with his son Joshua.
Joshua Hetzendorfer
The son of Leo Hetzendorfer, who has acquired the existing Pet Butler resale territory in St. Petersburg, Florida, alongside his father.
Pet Butler
A franchise opportunity that provides pet owners with a concierge of pet services, operating more than 100 territories across the United States with over 40 franchise owners.
James Young
The President of Pet Butler.
What they’re saying
“I always dreamed of owning a business with my kids. Pet Butler gives us that opportunity while letting us stay connected to our community and do something meaningful.”
— Leo Hetzendorfer (bakercityherald.com)
“With a resale, we are stepping into a business that is already running. That gives us a strong foundation and the ability to focus on people and service right away.”
— Leo Hetzendorfer (bakercityherald.com)
“Family-led resales bring continuity and strength to our system. Leo and Joshua are taking over a strong operation in St. Pete, and we are excited to support them as they grow.”
— James Young, President of Pet Butler (bakercityherald.com)
The takeaway
The acquisition of the existing Pet Butler resale territory in St. Petersburg, Florida by Leo and Joshua Hetzendorfer represents a family-led expansion of the franchise, which is seen as bringing continuity and strength to the overall system. The Hetzendorfers' experience and commitment to the local community are expected to drive growth for the well-established pet services business.
