Taking care of a pet is hard work. No matter what type of friend you decide to take home, there’s always a ton to consider. If dog questions arise like: What food? What water? What kind of bowls for the food and water do I need? Do I want to feed my pet organic or store-bought? Am I going to let it drink from the tap or make sure it’s one of those stuck-up types that only drink mineral water from its Diamond encrusted bowl? And we haven’t even talked about the poop issue! The list goes on and on, depending on what animal you have but you get the gist.

There are so many factors to consider you might as well keep some Tylenol on hand just in case. It’s pretty much like taking care of a baby.

Luckily for you, however, much stress can be alleviated by going to one of these locally owned pet supply stores in Buffalo Niagara on the accompanying list. They’ll make sure you’ve got all your bases covered whether you’ve had a pet for a while or are looking to get one. On top of that, you’ll be supporting your community directly!

It’s a magical thing, taking care of an animal. Every day your bond with it grows a little bit stronger, and as a result, you want the best for it because he or she is a member of your family, but you don’t want to break the bank. Pet food and supplies are expensive, so you’re going to have to reach some middle ground where you don’t have your animal eating and looking like a street urchin, but you don’t have them looking and eating like their Richie Rich’s pet either.

That’s why it’s essential to keep in mind the keyword of “selection” when going into one of the many pet supply stores in Buffalo Niagara because the more of those you have, the better. It’s common knowledge that store owners, whether it be a million-dollar clothing store or a locally owned pet shop, will instantly try to sell you the most expensive item on hand and pass it off as nothing short of essential (that’s just good business).

Still, when we’re talking about pets, the recommended top-of-the-line item might not be necessary for your pet’s needs (why are you trying to sell me the ten-thousand-dollar fish-tank? I said I had a goldfish). Therefore, it is genuinely crucial to consider the other possible options available.

I would go into Elmwood Pet Supplies from time to time to buy dog food or one of those big bones that the dog seemed to love and cherish with a protective glee every time I brought him one. In all those times I walked through that door, they presented me with their available selection. They’d recommend some things, maybe this bone had chewy marrow inside or was bacon flavored (thinking back it’s incredible the weird aromas we tolerate for the love of our pets). But they never played the role of an auctioneer trying a mix of fast and sweet talk to get me to the checkout counter as fast as possible. Instead, it always felt like a meeting of the minds, where the employee would first listen to what I have to say, then think on it for a few moments, then proceed to bring me whichever products he or she felt would best suit me.

The thing that got me, and I’ll admit it took me a while to realize and fully appreciate it, was that the employees at Elmwood Pet Supplies always thought a few moments before proceeding. It’s a small thing, but how many stores have you been to, pet stores or other, where it feels like the employees are giving automated responses out of some list they had to memorize from training? Having a pet in this situation makes you a bit hypersensitive because you’re not shopping for oneself (personally, I don’t like the taste of kibble).

I was going for this remarkable creature I cared for day in and day out, and I wanted the best for him, so it’s no fun feeling like I’m being perceived as just another customer instead of a pet owner with specific needs. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that Elmwood Pet Supplies had dog collars with Buffalo on them. It’s a small thing, but it had the effect of endearing that place to me even more.

What can I say? A pet needs to have hometown pride too.

Having an animal at home is a gratifying experience, with the highs being companionship, loyalty, security, and with the lows being poop. Add regular life into the mix, and you’ve got yourself a bonafide full plate. So, it’s nice to know that many of the local pet stores in Buffalo Niagara can ease the load a bit when it comes to nutrition, toys, and the like because to be a good pet owner, you need to be able to have your ducks in a row as frequently as possible and local pet stores can help you with just that.

Hopefully this list has awakened a curiosity in you to shop at one of the many locally-owned pet supply stores in Buffalo Niagara. I can’t promise you’ll get the same experience as I tended to have, but I can promise you that if the employee at the counter closely listens to what you have to say and then takes a few moments to think on it, you’re in the right place.