When supply meets demand, money is made, and in this town, some businesses are trying to meet the demand generated by a plentiful supply of pets.
Pets are often treated almost like people, and several shops around Durango have taken the opportunity to cater to the pampered pets as well as their human companions.
In fact, many local stores around town will let you bring your dog inside. Home Depot almost always has several pets walking about.
Pet stores, though, always will welcome your friendly critter, as their products cater to Fluffy’s and Fido’s specific needs.
The Pet Haus has been a Durango fixture for pet supplies for about five years. Store manager Sarah Guinther said the store specializes in selling holistic dog and cat foods. It also focuses on carrying American-made pet products.
Some local brands the shop carries are: Sister Root Medicinals, Colorado Catnip toys – made in Dolores – and Turtle Lake Refugee products.
Guinther, who has a passion for animals, began as a saleswoman, but she soon became involved the health and nutrition of animals. In addition, she became an advocate for pet-adoption. The store works closely with the Humane Society in encouraging pet adoptions, she said.
And in a town that has plethora of pet-related business, Guinther said community desires are being met.
“I’m a proponent of local business,” she said. “Local pet stores have provided Durango with what we need.”
Not only are there several pet shops, including Petsense and Creature Comforts, but there is almost every pet service imaginable. They range from dog grooming, dog sitting, dog washing and veterinary care to behavioral modification and training.
Durango Dogs and Cats (formerly Durango Dogs) is a service that offers group classes and private in-home training sessions for dogs and cats. The service also offers different levels of “good manners” group classes for dogs of all ages. The price for an hour-long, four-week session is $110.
Marcy Eckhardt, a partner with Durango Dogs and Cats, said the business specializes in behavioral modification for cats and dogs. It’s rare to find a facility that is certified for both species, she said.
Behavioral modification for cats is a fairly new trend, she said. With shows on the Animal Planet channel like “My Cat From Hell,” cats are seen as less disposable and training is being sought, she said.
There are plenty of training services available to fit the customer’s individual needs.
Durango’s abundance of pet-focused shops has not saturated the market Eckhardt said.
”There’s more than enough business to go around because we all have different styles and different personalities,” she said.
Having more trainers means the town has a more robust source of business expertise for the community to choose from to address different needs, she said.
Classes are offered through the Durango Community Recreation Center several times a week, spring is the busiest time of the year because people are adding new puppies, and they want to be outside with a well-behaved dog, she said.
The company plans to offer trail classes, hiking classic and other Durango-specific activities for dogs and their owners, Eckhardt said.
“It’s a serious business,” she said.
Caregivers also are booming.
Britt Cook has her own dog-sitting business in Durango. Some of the services she offers include dog-sitting, dog-walking, daily visits and in-home services.
She charges a varying rate depending on the service, and she prices upon consultation. Cook described her business as profitable, but it’s a lot of work and responsibility. She spends a lot of time caring for animals in other people’s homes.
“It’s not for everyone.” Cook said. “I live out of two travel bags, and sometimes I’m not home for weeks at a time.”
There might be only one day a month when she might not have a dog with her, she joked.
“It’s been a part of my life since I’ve moved to Durango,” Cook said. “It makes me very happy that I care for other people’s animals, and they have such a good experience with me.”
Up-and-comers are sprouting, too.
Ruff Puppies Collars is one of the start-ups working under the guidance of the Southwest Colorado Accelerator Program for Entrepreneurs.
Co-owners, Bryan and Jess Hargett, make handmade leather collar leads and sell them locally and nationwide. Initially, Bryan Hargett, a skilled leather worker, previously worked making belts and accessories sold at retailers around the country. Now, he’s leveraged his skill and knowledge to create a company focused on pets.
“We plan on being the leading provider of leather collars in the U.S.,” he said.
Tim Walsworth, owner of several pet fish and executive director of the Durango Business Improvement District, doesn’t think Durango is oversaturated with pet shops.
With the upcoming Four Corners Pet Expo, several pet venders will meet June 21 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds to offer their products and services for pets and owners, Walsworth said.
“I’m a firm believer that the market will support what the people want,” he said.
vguthrie@durangoherald.com
