Groundspeak Portal

Hi again,

As I go waymarking with my dogs, I do have need to run across pet stores/pet suppliers,occasionally.

Again, I looked through the group/category listings, and did not see any.  I was wondering if there would be intrest in this OR if I overlooked it.

I know there are big chains (Petsmart, Petco) in most major cities, but what about the small town independent pet supply store or shop? Aquarium fish and supply stores? Speciality pet stores (say like for reptiles) .Or here our hardware/farm supply stores have a great stock of pet supplies.

Just a thought.

Again, Thanks

Sounds great.  How about one category for all the chains and independents?  You could have a pull-down menu to show the affiliation.  The list could always be expanded if you find one that didn't make the original list.

I just want to know the one that has the lowest price, but I guess we have newspapers for that.

Hey Paul, this is another good idea! I remember this thread and had assumed you'd pushed forward with it and it was in the directory so I grabbed the coords and photos for one of my favourite pet stores today! ... but it's not there, yet! Oops!

Whenever you're ready, I think this would be a great one to write up, especially since you're open to including both the chains and the independent in one! I already got one for ya.

- Elle

Thought this idea had been brought up before, but it is worth looking at.  Personally, I would be for excuding chains and franchises, or pet departments in larger stores so the category could focus on smaller, independent stores which may be more interesting.  This has worked well with other categories such as independt coffee shops, independent pizza places, etc.  Also, I would exclude vets and animal hospitals that often also sell some pet supplies, as there is already a cat for those.

I have very fond childhood memories of the pet departments in chains. They used to sell fish and gerbils and hampsters and birds at the Kresge's and K-Marts.

The pet department at a chain that sold small pets were as much fun as going to the big chain stores. We didn't have pet's at home, and there would be no reason to go to a pet only store.

I understand your point, but I don't think the category would do good to include that much.

I'm thinking as an officer and as a waymarker here. As a waymarker, I'm going to post my two favourites and possibly a third. These are all independent. But my area also has a couple of the big boys and one mid-range chain (it's kinda all over but not like the other ones). So someone who's coming through the area can post those. As an officer, I know this would allow more waymarks without becoming confused with Walmarts and Kmarts... I know there would be a focus without becoming too restrictive.

Even if a pet store sells no actual pets and only sells supplies, which can be argued is no different than the department store or grocery store that has a pet department, the entire inventory is specialised. I think that's a significant point.

Also keep in mind that the big chains are getting more involved with local rescues and shelters and hosting adoption events. They can also provide additional services, like grooming or vaccinations. These are some good variables.

- Elle

I have no idea if there are any independed pet supply stores around here (other that feed stores).

We have PetSmart and another chain.

PetSmart sells supplies and actual pets (some were rescued).  They also accept donations for pet charities.  But most importantly, they allow you to bring your pet into the store.
If that's not a requirement for this kind of waymark, it should be a variable.  I wouldn't imagine Sears would appreciate that much...

Pet Stores has been approved and passed final Groundspeak inspection!

Even though I was "leader" of the group, this was actually mtekk77's category and since he prefers to stay off the forum, I honoured that request. It was only with his permission and full cooperation that this category went forward.

There were a number of the "nay" votes that were voting based on their personal ideology instead of based on the voting criteria, and then there's those who just don't like yellow-pages waymarking. To the latter, I understand your pain. I felt that this one was useful, especially since - like Military Surplus Stores - it allows people to contribute more information about a location. Even if you feel noting these locations is for nothing more than finding out where to shop, there are some of us who have an interest that goes beyond wanting to know the best price on kitty litter this week.

I also understand the desire to signal out Independents, even if just as means of support against Big Corporate. Why were the major chains allowed with the Independents? There is one reason: to help prevent a future run of categories just for PetCo, PetSmart, PetLand, etc etc etc.

For those with ideological conflicts with this category, understand that there is a reason why the following information was included: Pet Stores must comply with laws and restrictions governing the products that are sold and the treatment of any animals in their care. Pet Stores are also monitored by international associations and organizations like The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council [PIJAC] and Pet Food Industry [PFI]. Despite someone voting "nay" based on this information being included, I think it's important to show that these pet stores do all have to answer to somebody and there are specific laws that govern them. If you find that a pet store is not in compliance, report them!! If you've followed a waymark to a place that you've found is not in compliance, report them and include that information in your visit log!! I don't think Waymarking something ever implies support of an illegal or unethical act.

I hope it's not a problem that I'm not quoting Peer Review comments. The concerns that were there were redundant on these two issues.

Thanks for all the positive votes. My favourite was the one that was surprised this category didn't already exist. It really seems like this should've already been in the directory. And now it is! Thanks!!!!

- Elle

Why is the category under games and not business?

saopaulo1:

Why is the category under games and not business?

Don't know. I thought I'd put it for Business/Commerce but I must've screwed up. I've already emailed about it, asking for that to be corrected.

- Elle