Pet Planet was among a range of new retail shops and services that we welcomed to University District at the end of summer last year as featured in our Retailers are Ready story at the time.
After opening on September 8th, 2020, its presence at the heart of our community has been welcomed at a time when the positive impact of pets on our wellbeing has been reinforced and pet ownership has grown.
Learning that this year marks 25 years since the very first Pet Planet opened in Calgary, we thought we would learn more about Pet Planet and what makes the brand and its ethos so different. We also caught up with the owner of Pet Planet University District, Debbie Bauman to find out about some of the products, services, and promotions this local store offers.
Pet Planet is a family business, founded on a passion for animals by Laura Leah English and her mother Joan. After the passing of their family dog Rueben to cancer, the pair embarked on a journey to help pets live longer and healthier lives, opening their first store in Calgary in November 1996. The brand now boasts over 60 franchise locations in Canada and the US.
The Kali’s Wish Cancer Foundation is an associated charity set up some years later in memory of Kali, a dog that also lost her life too soon to cancer. It is the first and only registered charity in Canada to solely support pet guardians and their families facing pet cancer.
Pet Planet has a policy of no sale of pets and no rawhide. It takes a holistic approach to pet retail based on education and being health minded. Pet Planet believes that most health issues in our pets are well managed with the right nutrition plan. University District owner, Debbie Bauman says that the Pet Planet Certificate of Trust is another important differentiator.
“I really think this is what sets us apart from most other pet stores and companies. The Certificate of Trust means our suppliers must go through a vigorous process before their products can be carried in our stores.”
Learn more about the Pet Planet Certificate of Trust.
Ranging from vitamins to pet carriers, Pet Planet’s curated mix of products works to promote longer, happier and healthier lives for pets in the community.
Debbie says, “We carry known pet brands like Acana, Origen, The Honest Kitchen, Stella and Chewy, and offer a wide selection of raw cat and dog foods and bones from companies like Instinct by Nature’s Variety, Primal, and Bold by Nature.
“We also have a huge selection of treats, and super fun toys from KONG, Planet Dog, Zippy Paws, and offer a great selection of memory foam beds from Be One Breed and we carry RC Pets leashes and harnesses. Honestly, I could go on and on, there are so many great brands out there that we are proud to stock.”
Pet Planet University District also aims to support local businesses. “We get all of the bones for Bone Tuesday from a local supplier, Dave’s Bones. He is based out of Calgary and provides raw and smoked bones, super yummy pepperoni flavor sticks, pigs ears and so much more. My dog Jasper is a big fan!” says Debbie.
To browse Pet Planet’s online product range, visit the Pet Planet website.
Every Tuesday at Pet Planet is Bone Tuesday where smoked bones are offered for just $2.99. Some lucky dogs see their owner or guardian buy a few and freeze them to enjoy later. Treat Thursday means 15% off all dog and cat treats, while Free Biscuit Friday means if you stop by the store with your dog on a Friday, they will receive free biscuits.
My Pet Planet is a free to join membership program where customers can earn points for every dollar spent and gain rewards to spend in-store.
“I encourage our local shoppers to also sign up to Pet Planet’s membership program,” says Debbie. “We also have 5% off purchases of 12 cans or pouches of dog or cat food in-store. We offer curbside pickup of phone purchases and will be adding home delivery in late May.”
Self serve dog washing is another service offered on-site. “We supply the shampoo, conditioner and dryer as part of the 15-minute wash for $10, all you need to bring is a towel,” says Debbie.
Sign-up to the My Pet Planet membership program.
Pet Planet’s role extends beyond retail into education by publishing a blog where pet owners
learn tips for optimum pet care.
TIP: Visit the Pet Planet blog! It publishes informative veterinary informed pet health articles in its Education Center on subjects as wide ranging as dealing with pet’s sensitive stomach, to the potential benefits of cannabis to our pets, and preparing for the dreaded loss of our pet. Visit the Pet Planet Education Centre, too.
Pet Planet promotes pet guardianship, rather than ownership, where guardians want the longest, happiest and healthiest life for the pets they love. Guardianship is centered around a simple series of shared beliefs that are put into action when caring for a pet. Learn more about Guardianship. Download the Guardian Health Manual.
Pet Planet chose University District as a community to be part of as it embraces pets as part of supporting an active, healthy lifestyle. From pet friendly amenities in condo buildings, like the dedicated dog run at Aria and the pet spa at Esquire, to an abundance of public outdoor spaces for dogs and their owners to enjoy, like Dale Hodges Park and the new Central Commons Park, pets have always featured in plans around the University District’s development.
“I opened in University District because I really wanted to be part of a vibrant community. Seven months after we opened our doors, I feel we have exactly that,” says Debbie. In the short period we have been open, we have developed the most amazing group of customers, both the two- and four-legged variety. There is something special about University District. You can feel it in every business you go into in our little but growing community. I can honestly say I feel privileged to be part of such an amazing area and look forward to being here as it grows and only becomes even better!”
Learn how University District has strived to keep pets active and happy, and provided smarts to make your home pet friendly in our previous story Easy Stylish Living Advice with Pets in Mind and at Heart! Visit Debbie at Pet Planet University District for all your pet’s needs.
We learn what makes Pet Planet different and what it offers from U/D shop owner Debbie. Follow and share your thoughts about our new retailers with University District on Facebook, @udistrictyyc_ on Instagram and Twitter, too!
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