Core Viewpoint - Wag, a pet walking service platform, has filed for bankruptcy after reaching a peak valuation of $650 million in 2022, highlighting the challenges faced by companies in the pet service industry and the structural issues within its business model [2][3][14]. Company Overview - Wag was founded in 2015 in San Francisco and was one of the first companies to platform pet walking services, leveraging a shared economy model to connect pet owners with dog walkers [6][7]. - The company expanded its services from dog walking to include pet sitting, health care, and online education, aiming to meet the needs of modern pet owners [6][7]. Financial Performance - In Q1 2023, Wag reported total revenue of $15.2 million, a 34.5% decrease from $23.2 million in the same period of 2024, with a net loss of $4.9 million, up 16.7% from a $4.2 million loss the previous year [8][9]. - The company projected annual revenue of $84 million to $88 million for 2025, indicating a potential growth of 15% to 20% compared to 2024 [8]. Bankruptcy and Restructuring - Wag is undergoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings to restructure its debts, which include a projected loss of $69.5 million from 2022 to 2024 [3][10]. - The company faced a liquidity crisis after failing to meet cash requirements set by a loan agreement, leading to the decision to file for bankruptcy [3][10]. Market Challenges - The pet service industry is experiencing structural changes post-pandemic, with a decline in demand for non-essential services like dog walking, while essential services such as pet food and healthcare are on the rise [10][14]. - Wag's aggressive expansion into new markets, such as pet insurance and e-commerce, has led to resource misallocation and management challenges [10][14]. Competitive Landscape - Rover Group, a competitor, has successfully captured market share by focusing on long-term care services, achieving significant revenue growth and profitability [13][14]. - Wag's reliance on a commission-based model has proven vulnerable to high customer acquisition costs and low user retention rates, making it difficult to establish a sustainable profit model [9][14]. Industry Outlook - The pet industry in China is projected to grow significantly, with the market size expected to reach 361.3 billion RMB by 2026, indicating strong investment interest in the sector [16][17]. - The rise of pet ownership and changing consumer behaviors are creating new opportunities in various pet-related services, including training, grooming, and health management [17][18].