In most families, pets are no longer just pets—they have achieved beloved-family-member status. Accordingly, spending on veterinary care, food, treats and toys is going up, up, up. We pet people are especially picky about how we feed our pets. At local pet stores like PetStop, Bow Wow and Woofs and Hohl Feed and Seed, the dog and cat food sections are growing by the day, to accommodate every possible dietary need. Whether Max or Bella needs grain-free, gluten-free, free-range, organic, raw, high-protein, joint support or wild venison formula (or a combination of them all), then he or she shall have it! And food isn't all you'll find at Whatcom County's pet stores. They stock everything you need to take the best possible care of your furballs.
PetStop has made Sehome Village its home for 23 years. The shopping center (also home to REI, Haggen, restaurants and lots more) has seen plenty of changes over the years—and so has PetStop.
To cater to customers' ever-more-specialized needs, PetStop carries 30 brands of dog and cat food—all natural, premium and formulated for dogs and cats of all sizes, shapes and needs. They will also special-order anything they don't already have on the shelf. If the four flavors of Lotus dog food in stock won't do, then they'll happily get the one you want.
They also have a nice assortment of supplies for birds, turtles, rabbits, rats (<<!!) and other small scale- or fur-covered critters.
[caption id="attachment_23997" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Top: Proper walking harnesses and CalmingCaps. Bottom: Everything you need for going swimming or backpacking with your buddy. Even doggie sleeping bags and life jackets![/caption]
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Treats 'n toys. My dog expects an armadillo (bottom right) each time we shop at PetStop. Of course, she gets one.[/caption]
PetStop focuses on big selection, special orders and great service. That explains why they've been doing what they do for 23 years!
PetStop, 326 36th St Bellingham, Washington 360-738-3663
Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00.a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
PetStop on Facebook
Bow Wow & Woofs is in the north end of Whatcom County, in Birch Bay Square in Blaine. Getting there is easy—just a quick exit off of I-5, and you're there!
Inside the lovely store, you'll find all the essentials, and then some; Bow Wow & Woofs is definitely a store for people who like to spoil their doggies. Need to make your little princess look spectacular when she meets her public? No problem! Choose from dozens of cute coats and fancy collars. Or do you want your four-legged Seahawks, Mariners, Huskies or Canucks fan properly attired on game day? Bow Wow & Woofs has you covered.
They can even help you find the perfect gift for your dog-loving friends, including keychains and "whine" coolers.
You'll also find a full line of premium dog food, treats and toys, as well as specialty wear like dog boots and non-slip socks. Check out Bow Wow & Woofs next time you're heading to or from Bellingham. It's only 20 minutes from downtown Bellingham, and even closer to Ferndale. You and your spoiled pooch will be glad you did!
Bow Wow & Woofs, 8115 Birch Bay Square St., Suite 111 Blaine, WA 360-332-DOGS (3647)
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday noon to 5:00 p.m.
Bow Wow & Woofs on Facebook
Hohl Feed and Seed has been in business in Whatcom County since 1901! Located in downtown Bellingham since 1922, the company's history is as interesting as the colorful people they've been serving all these years. And while the sales focus has changed from flour and bulk seed for farmers, to pet and garden supplies for urban dwellers, the company's tradition of old-fashioned service has not.
The aisles at Hohl's are filled with dog and cat food of every type imaginable—again, they're fulfilling their customers' needs for premium foods that take good care of their pets. They also have all the grooming, sleeping, feeding and cleaning supplies a pet owner could want.
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Top: Super-premium dog food; plush toys without the stuffing (genius!) Bottom: Tons of dog bowls, leashes and collars.[/caption]
Hohl's is the only place in Downtown Bellingham to buy your baby chicks, and everything you'll need to raise them into healthy hens (or roosters, as the case may be).
[caption id="attachment_24002" align="aligncenter" width="550"]
Can you stand the cuteness? I cannot.[/caption]
If caged birds are more your style, you'll find parakeets, cockatiels, lovebirds, doves and more at Hohl's, ready to come home with you. Of course, you can pick up a cage, food and toys for your feathered friends here.
On the lookout for a guinea pig, hamster or bunny? (Or rat!) Hohl's has you covered. They even have bulk food and toys for your small animal friends.
How cool is it that you can ride your bike into town and pick up some scratch for your backyard hens? Extremely cool. That's why I'm happy to support Hohl Feed and Seed, a real Bellingham institution.
Hohl Feed and Seed,322 Railroad Ave., Bellingham, WA 360-734-0300
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Hohl Feed and Seed on Facebook
