Don't Shop Big Box

STOP. DON’T SHOP BIG BOX ... HEAD TO YOUR LOCAL PET SPECIALTY STORE INSTEAD!

Why You Should Support Small Pet Businesses

When it comes to the health of our pets, we’ll move mountains to ensure our furry friends have only the best. And while that looks different for all pet owners and their animals’ needs, most of us want peace of mind by knowing what we’re buying, and who we’re buying it from.

To purchase our pets’ everyday products – there’s either big-box retail or specialty stores, and it can be confusing to navigate the pros and cons of both. Big-box retail presents challenges that are often solved by the small specialty stores many of us love.

Big Box vs. Specialty

As a pet owner, you’ve probably felt torn a time or two between the convenience and affordability of big-box pet chains but frustrated by the endless selection of over-marketed brands and product choices. It can feel as though there’s simply too much to choose from!

The reality is, big-box retailers have a goal of reaching a much larger market of customers by selling wide ranges of brands and products at lower prices thanks to market demand, but this doesn’t necessarily mean the products are better, and it doesn’t mean you’ll have a more positive customer experience.

You might also be surprised to find that large pet store chains don’t always have the knowledge or resources to help you choose between different brands, products, and price points, because there’s simply too much choice. If, however, convenience and price are a factor, big-box pet chains can offer both, and there’s nothing wrong with purchasing with convenience and budget in mind.

If you’re interested in exploring specialty pet stores and the benefits they offer, we’re giving you a deep dive into the advantages of shopping small and specialty. Let’s explore!

Specialty pet stores understand their customers’ needs.

Unlike big-box retailers, small specialty pet stores tend to have a more curated selection of products and brands because they know what their customers shop for. They’re aware that customers don’t need more selection, but the right selection of quality brands, products and accessories.

Specialty stores take the time to track both market and consumer buying trends, which means they have a deeper understanding of the items they sell based on what customers purchase most and the products that customers may want in the future.

You’ll find local and smallbatch products are king.

Knowing what’s in your pet care products, where they come from, and who makes them is important for your peace of mind as a pet owner, and specialty stores get that. That’ s why you’ll find most specialty pet stores carrying products from local brands, (Canadian Naturals, Firstmate, Big Country Raw & Snack 21) especially small-batch, organic, or all-natural products made in your city, province, or from across Canada.

That’s because specialty stores want their offerings to be more selective and supporting local or national brands is great not only for the economy but for pet owners looking for the best products. Pets are treated like family

Most specialty pet stores are owned by pet owners themselves, so they know how you feel about your own furry friend and their wellbeing. So, you can expect better customer experience, more knowledge, and more resources from shop owners who actually care about the products they sell!

Shopping online can be a more positive experience. While ordering your pet products on-line from sites like Amazon and other big-box retailers is easy, you can often find specialty pet stores offering the same convenience through e-commerce, and typically, the way they handle orders and custom requests is much more personalized. That means you don’t have to sacrifice experience for convenience.

You’ll find local and small-batch products are king.

Niche products aren’t out of the ordinary.

Big-box retailers sell a lot of products and brands based on demand, but if you need a specific type of product, or your pet has to avoid certain ingredients or materials, you may find it difficult to source those niche products from large pet stores.

Instead, specialty stores cater more to special needs and requirements – like diets, allergies, conditions, and even types of accessories like home cleaning products that are safe for pets. It’s a great way to find what you need while knowing what you’re buying will be good for your pet.

But ultimately, what all of us truly want as pet owners is to know that we’re doing what’s right for our pets.

Specialty stores are run by people who feel the same. Big-box pet retailers can offer a larger selection, convenience and affordability, but at the rate that the pet industry is growing, you’ll see more pet chains selling boutique products at higher price points. So, why not support local, small-batch and curated stores instead? Tips to make Halloween with your pets as fun — and safe! — as possible.

DO 1. Dress up your furry friend Costumes are an essential element of Halloween, so why should your pet miss out on all the fun? Be sure to try on the costume well in advance of the big night and never force an animal to wear something they’re uncomfortable in.

2. Take them to the pumpkin patch A fun (and socially-distanced!) way to spend quality time with your dog. 3. Keep flighty pets away from open doors Hold onto your critters when trick-ortreaters come knocking!

4. Take photos Remember the occasion forever! A sweet keepsake idea is to keep an album or scrapbook full of photos of your costumed pets. Add to it each year!

DON’T 1. Don't leave candy lying around You don’t want to start November with a trip to the vet. Keep candies in a secure location away from curious snouts.

2. Don't light off fireworks Fireworks and other loud noises can cause unnecessary stress to animals. If you’re reading this magazine you’re probably an animal lover, so please keep our pets in mind this Halloween!

3. Don't place potential hazards where your pet might find them Keep lit jack-o-lanterns, candles, wires, and glow sticks out of reach from your pets.

4. Don't go out with an unidentified pet In case your pet gets spooked and runs off, make sure they have a collar and chip so they can be easily identified and returned to you.

Woofles