Top locally owned pet shops in Ann Arbor
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Overview
Getting the best food, treats, toys, and supplies for your pet can be challenging when there are so many great options and brands out there. A locally owned pet shop in Michigan can help by offering a selection of tried and tested brands in an accessible location. Pet store owners are also likely to have a good depth and breadth of knowledge about their stock and the kinds of animals they provide supplies and services for. Here are some of the best locally owned pet stores in Ann Arbor.
Connect with an online vet in Ann Arbor
Services
The Pet Emporium is a good old-fashioned pet shop in the heart of Ann Arbor. Doing things the traditional way, they sell their goods entirely in-store and take care to provide the very best items at a great value. As well as offering a range of organic and raw pet foods alongside the usual fare, The Pet Emporium specializes in showcasing Michigan brands and products for dogs, cats, and a variety of small animals.
2. Wags to Whiskers Pet Supplies
Services
Wags to Whiskers is as close to a one-stop shop as you can get when it comes to pet supplies in Ann Arbor. Offering food, treats, supplements, and supplies for cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, and small animals, they have an extensive collection of products and even offer a grooming service. You can order online and have products sent directly to your home, too. If you do go into the store, you will find the staff to be professional, knowledgeable, and highly trained.
3. Huron Pet Supply
Services
First established in 1986, Huron Pet Supply is one of the few independent, locally owned pet shops in Ann Arbor still owned and operated by the family that started it. With long-term, experienced managers and staff, a range of great value brands, and a wide array of supplies for furry, feathered, and scaled companions, this could be your one-stop shop. They pride themselves on staying abreast of pet nutrition trends and are generally happy to order special supplies for customers when they can. You can find live and frozen feeder animals for reptiles here, too, which makes them a great spot for those with reptile, lizard, and amphibian pets.
4. Milan Elevator
Services
(734) 439-2520
Located just outside Ann Arbor, Milan Elevator has been a locally owned business since the early ’90s. They offer a variety of cat and dog food and supplies, and an even wider selection of bird cages, seed, and other accessories. The store has a reputation for being less expensive than some larger chains, with friendly and knowledgeable staff known to help customers find the right product. Beyond pet products, they also offer flower, herb, and vegetable starters for gardening.
Get supplies that are right for your pet
Shopping for your pet is rarely a one-size-fits-all affair. Finding everything to meet their needs in one store can be tough. As your pet ages, it will likely develop particular needs that drive you to seek specialty supplies. One of the good things about a local pet shop is that they can often order special items for you, especially if you are a regular customer. If you want to be certain that you are getting the right supplies for your cat, dog, bird, or reptile, arrange a virtual vet appointment to discuss their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- The best way to be certain that a pet shop has what you need is to check their website or visit in person. The likelihood of getting everything you need in one place is heavily impacted by the type of pet you have and their overall health. Exotic pets, or pets with special needs, are harder to cater to, but specialized pet stores will often have a range of useful items or be willing to order what you need. For example, if you need specific kinds of treats to manage stress in your dog, your local pet shop may not have what you need on hand but may be willing to order it for you.
- Making sure you are getting products from a legitimate pet store can be a concern, especially when the shop functions mostly online. Of course, with a brick-and-mortar shop, you can simply visit the location to get an idea of its stock, the professionalism of its staff, and other key factors. If you want to make sure it’s legit before you arrive, however, checking online reviews is one of the best ways to get a rounded idea of what to expect. You can also see if the store is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau for peace of mind.
- Most pet stores will sell basic healthcare items, such as worming and flea treatments or dental care products. However, more special medical supplies and medications will likely require a prescription. Large or specialty pet stores may have a pet pharmacy within them, but this is not highly common. If you want to cut the cost of pet prescriptions, there are online pharmacies, such as PetMeds, that can send medications directly to you generally at a lower markup than most veterinary practices use.
