By George Anderson
Any dog that owns a human will tell you that they're nice to have around. That's why when they go for a walk or a ride in the car, they usually take at least one of the two-legs in the household along for the fun.
Sometime in November, dogs in the Dallas, Tex. area will have another excuse to take their humans out as a new three-in-one store, City Pet Supply, opens that includes a pet food bar selling holistic nutrition (Whole Pet Café) and unique pet accessories not found everywhere else. The new store also has something for a dog's best friend - a coffeehouse known as Urban Dog Coffee.
Co-owner, Veterinarian Chip Cannon, thinks dogs will want to take their humans out to let them relax with a cup of coffee after shopping for the latest in canine chic.
The store will legally be able to serve food to both dogs and humans, Mr. Cannon told the Dallas Business Journal, because, "The preparation areas will be fully enclosed in glass and separate from the animals."
Mr. Cannon also has plans to open Whole Pet, a holistic clinic that will offer treatments including acupuncture, chiropractic and natural medicines for pet. The facility, scheduled to open in December, will also include a second City Pet Supply location. A web site, CityPetSupply.com, will also go live in December.
Tracy Dowdy, a certified veterinary practice manager and owner of Management Resource Group, which provides veterinarians with consulting services to help them improve their businesses, believes Mr. Cannon is on the right track with his new concept.
"The veterinary profession has begun to understand the pet owners want more from their vets," said Ms. Dowdy. "Cannon is progressive in what he's offering his community. It takes a certain amount of risk, but there's a real possibility it will be successful."
Moderator's Comment: What do you think of the City Pet Supply concept? What will it take to be successful? - George Anderson - Moderator