Creature comforts: pet food warehouse celebrates two decades of fulfilling needs.

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Alaska Business Monthly 106 Lions and tigers and bears ... oh my! Don't expect to see any of those ferocious animals at any of the PetZoo or Animal Food Warehouse locations, unless they happen to be a part of the store's inventory of stuffed toys.

What customers will find are small pets, running the gamut from various species of birds, cute and cuddly rabbits, reptiles and fish, to supplies and merchandise-including accessories of clothing and jewelry; bags, cans, packages, bottles and buckets of pet food; ... and more pet food. Warehouses full of pet food. You get the picture.

Their name says it all.

"We sell approximately 500,000 to 600,000 pounds of food monthly, in addition to the pet supplies at all our stores combined," said Larry Tallman, who is the majority owner between the three principals of PetZoo.

"This all started in Tim's (Sonnentag) garage," said Tallman. "It began as a feed store venture and grew from there."

The idea for the pet store endeavor was the brainchild of Sonnentag in 1986, but wasn't actually launched until a year later. The company is celebrating two decades of supplying Alaskans with their pet needs and wants.

The dual-concept stores, both named PetZoo & Animal Food Warehouse, are now Alaska's largest, locally owned and operated pet food and accessory suppliers in the state. Tallman connected with the venture in 1996 to team with Sonnentag and with Nicci Slack, who joined the ownership team last year. Its parent company is Sunny Day Distributing LLC.

TO THE RESCUE

PetZoo believes every animal deserves to have a home. They've matched hundreds of pets with new homes. It supports the adoption and rescue of ANY animal. PetZoo & Animal Food Warehouse has gone a step farther when it comes to animals that they sell. If you're a Top Dog Rewards card member, the pet you purchase from them has a "home for life." If for any reason you cannot keep your healthy pet, it can be returned to them (no refund) and they will find it a qualified home. They support local animal rescue and adoption groups and match your donations each month, up to $500.

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"Because Alaska is the center of our universe," says Tallman, "we concentrate all of our efforts on serving fellow Alaskans. We are not a big conglomerate company or chain store; instead we are an Alaskan-owned and -operated company, which is passionate about pets and passionate about Alaska.

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"We get involved with the community through charities and other activities."

Tallman points to longevity and several other factors as being keys to their successful run. "We've been in existence for all this time, and we are continually re-investing in our company and the community. It's our key to growing."

PetZoo & Animal Food Warehouse has five locations, two in Anchorage, including a new facility, which opened its doors this past spring. The latest addition in Anchorage is located on the corner of Dimond Boulevard and Old Seward Highway (next to Morrison Auto Mall South). It features approximately 10,000 square feet of retail space, including a live pet section with small animals, reptiles, fish and birds, as well as an adoption center.

"We enjoy being a part of the rescue. It's a good feeling to see an animal that is in need of a new home, be accepted into a new family. Our adoption centers are open to ALL rescue groups, even ones that are trying to find homes for the same types of animals that we sell. We would rather see an abandoned animal rescued first," said Michelle Delaney, spokesperson for PetZoo & Animal Food Warehouse.

"We have chosen not to sell dogs and cats, but we'll be working with local adoption agencies to help match orphaned animals with new owners," said Tallman.

The PetZoo store on Brayton Drive (in Anchorage) has been converted to solely be an Animal Food Warehouse facility and distribution center. Its focus is on being a supplier for pet, livestock and dog-mushing needs. The three other facilities-in Palmer, Wasilla and Eagle River, along with the new location on Dimond Boulevard, are varying operations of pet warehouse-style stores.

The five stores employ nearly 70 workers. "We also treat our employees well," Tallman said. "Even our part-time help has health insurance benefits, which not all businesses can claim. It has a positive effect and is another ingredient in our drive toward success."

LET PAWS DO THE WALKING

Fido, Rover, Mittens and Spot, as well as other family pets, are more than welcome to come in to help their owners shop for snacks and merchandise, provided the pets are leashed and/or under proper supervision.

Tallman, who has been around pets all his life, says PetZoo doesn't necessarily cater to the customer who is looking for the very unusual or exotic pet.

"Our philosophy is to stick close to the mainstream type of pets. We would have to stock enclosures that fit that particular (exotic) animal's needs going forward and we don't think its fair to the animal or the owner to be outgrowing its environment."

GOING THE EXTRA MILE

PetZoo employees and Williwaw Elementary School have formed a partnership, which includes Northern Lights Veterinary and Laser Center and local rescue/adoption groups to help educate students on responsible pet ownership and the important roles pets play in everyday life.

PetZoo has committed to provide animal treats, tips for pet owners and information on the low-cost vaccination clinics. The Williwaw students, parents and staff also are welcome to participate in field trips to PetZoo to learn about animal care products and careers with animals.

In June, PetZoo held its second annual Alaska K-9 Cutie Pageant. Proceeds from the pageant benefit local pet rescue and adoption groups. Categories included Miss Spay, Mr. Neuter-Verse, Best Dressed and Cutest Rescue.

It's a jungle out there. But at least at PetZoo & Animal Food Warehouse, it's a tame one.

BY BEN GRENN

ASSOCIATE EDITOR