Retail Store Spotlight
Wellness Pet Supplies is located in the historic town of Ashland, OR. Owner Billie Jo Vinson's primary mission is to provide the highest quality natural and holistic pet supplies in order to improve the health and well being of cats and dogs. By providing exemplary customer service, product information, lectures by pet care experts and referral services to the best pet care professionals in our area, she strives to be the trusted partner of choice for all pet parents.
If you are in the neighborhood, make sure to stop by and say hello.
Why did you open an Independent Pet Store? Is it something you always wanted to do?
The story behind me opening up an independent Holistic Pet supply store is that I have a herbal degree and have gotten away from working with Healing herbs to begin a professional pet care business. After 14 1/2 years I knew I needed a change, but I still wanted to work with animals. A friend told me that she saw me with a holistic pet supply store. It was that light bulb moment and I knew that’s what I needed to do.
What do you feel is unique about your store?
We are unique in several ways. We don’t import any products from China. Any food and treats are guaranteed hormone and antibiotic free. We are an apothecary for cats and dogs. We have one-of-a-kind items that only sold to small stores like mine. And I’m an herbalist with some nutrition background so I can help guide pet parents and understanding and navigating to the right formulas and foods.
What seems to be the main concerns of the pet parents that walk into your store?
The main concern that pet parents come into the store with are anxiety, allergies. skin itchiness and arthritis pain.
Do you have a success story to share about how the GPH Pet Wellness Life Stress Scan and/ or products have helped a dog or cat get back into balance?
Yes I do have several success stories of how the Glacier Peak Holistic Pet Wellness Life Stress Scan has proven to be beneficial. One that stands out specifically to me as a customer is Scott and his dog Sebastian who had itchy skin. He had tried everything from switching foods two different herbal formulas to Veterinarian recommendations.
When he got his scan results back and removed all the items that were irritants his dog stopped itching within a very short period of time. And now when he wants to try out a particular food that he tested sensitive for, he knows at the moment he sees itching that that’s a food to stay away from. Now his dog is so much more relaxed and so is his owner.
Do you have a Holistic Vet that you refer people to if needed?
The holistic vet that we recommend around here is Dr. Jeff Judkins. He is very generous with his time and even came to do a lecture at our store during our wellness Pet fair lecture series.
Do you work with any local animal charities?
Yes we do work with local animal shelter’s. Several times a year we hold fundraisers for Fotas (Friends of the animal shelter) humane animal shelter. We just had our one year anniversary that involved a wine tasting. Proceeds from that day will go to Fotas.
(Billie Jo emailed me and let me know
they raised over $500 for FOTAS
from their event.)
What are your plans for the future?
Our plans for the future or to grow into a bigger store and also to create a physical therapy facility for injured and aging animals.
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