With such a voluminous amount of advertisements, claims, and articles about pet care tips, it’s hard to know where to find a trusted source. However, the answer is likely closer than you think: It’s your local pet supply store.
Kristen Kranjc, buyer and event coordinator at All Island Pet Supplies in Middle Island, explains that the individualized care and attention customers find when visiting a local pet supply store is unmatched. “Private independent stores are well versed in local, healthy, and unique pet products often sourced from Long Island. Store owners and buyers can visit local farms, meet with vendors, and seek out those high-quality items that our pets deserve,” says Kranjc.
And that knowledge trickles down from the top. Employees at specialty shops are often experts in a specific type of pet or product and take extra time to educate shoppers. “We have customers come every day asking questions, from what type of pet would be best for their lifestyle to what size crate to buy for their dog. Our staff is trained to ask all the right questions and provide proper guidance. And what they can’t answer, they will refer to our network of resources, including local vets, trainers, and groomers who all specialize in different areas of animal care,” notes Kranjc.
Pet food alone has recently become a major topic of interest. With so many product choices, nutrition values, etc., it’s hard to know what’s best for your pet and your wallet. Local pet stores tend to provide more natural local food options than large chains offer, and if cost is a concern, many offer loyalty programs such as buy 10 bags and get one free, which could translate to as much as a $75 savings.
Shopping locally not only helps the economy but helps homeless animals as well. “While the pandemic greatly impacted our sales, it also forced us to cancel our community adoption events, local business tasting nights, photo shoots, and painting nights, all of which help bring customers to our store and homeless animals into a forever home,” says Kranjc. With Covid restrictions lifting, Long Island will start seeing more events like these. So, bring your pup for an educational and fun trip, or even better, attend an adoption event and bring home a new best friend!
You can visit All Island Pet Supplies online at allislandpetsupplies.com or in-person at 1177 Middle Country Rd., Middle Island.
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