The only thing I knew I wanted to do when I grew up was to be around animals.
I knew I couldn’t be a vet unless the job description mimicked more like Doc McStuffins and the only medicine they needed was hugs and kisses. I was 16 when I got my first job at the local “Mom and Pop” pet store. I couldn’t have been more excited! The local pet store is the first job for many young kids, maybe even yours! (I, of course, thought I was an adult at 16!). You come to realize that this is actually a job and not just playing around with cute puppies and other critters all day. Yes, you get to play with them, but at the same time you learn responsibility, the value in gaining business knowledge, and most importantly, you get confidence knowing that your customers are comfortable entrusting you with the wellbeing of their beloved pets. That is what the Local Pet stores are made up of: people whose true passion is to make sure your pets are living the happiest, healthiest, and most loved lives! Their mission is to help you, their customers, extend the life of your loved pets. They make sure that everything they are carrying for your pets is something they trust for their own.
Support the ones supporting you!
Your local pet stores help guide you to the best busy toys for your pet when you’re steadily working at home. They suggest great treats to help reward them for all their endless love and patience. But most importantly, your local pet store are your partners in keeping your pets healthy with the nutritional needs that will work best for them. Healthy Pet store-owner Nili Perlmutter said, “The owners at Healthy Pet and our staff continue to work through the pandemic by keeping our shelves stocked, offering same-day delivery and curbside pick-up”. Local pet store owners know that even in these times they are essential, and you need them to make sure everyone in your house, even your pet, has what is needed to get through this safely. Healthy Pet, like most pet stores, is family owned and operated. Darren and Nili Perlmutter are working in their 4 stores located throughout the Conejo Valley every day. Their daughter, Lily, is following in the family line of business and working in the stores. The Perlmutter’s are showing their customers that even when everything seems little scary, they are here for you. They also have an amazing staff who has stood by them even through the fear of the pandemic. Ventura Pet Barn manager, Matt says, “We’ve served the Ventura community for 20 years and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. We don’t want any of our extended fur-family to miss any of their favorite treats. We may be apart, but we’ll get through this together.” Local pet stores don’t get long holidays or extended three-day weekends that everyone gets. They know you still need them to make sure you have what your pet needs before you go or what you need when you get back. These pet stores are often the first contact when your pet isn’t feeling quite right because you know they have done the research for you and will stick with you until they help find a solution. I think it’s vitally important that we support our local pet store because I want future kids to be able to have the same wonderful experience that I feel truly blessed to have had growing up. It’s our job in the community to make sure that all of our local businesses that have supported us are receiving our support too!
Ideas to help:
- Buy a gift card - Don’t forget that on top of food, buy your pets treats or a toy - Stay local and loyal. Your local businesses are working hard for you. - Stocking up now means that you are staying out of the public longer. Stop in and buy an extra goodie even if you have food. A special thanks to: Ventura Pet Barn 3203 E. Main St, Ventura, Ca 93003, Phone 805.654.0345 Healthy Pet (4 locations) 1775 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, Ca 91362 5881 Kanan Rd, Agoura Hills, Ca 91301 850 Arneill Rd, Camarillo Ca 93010 67 N Reino Rd, Newbury Park, Ca 91320 Looking for a pet store near you offering curbside pickup or delivery? Visit our store locator.
