Hero’s P.E.T.S – Company with a Conscience

Hero's P.E.T.S. (Planetary & Ecologically Trusted Supplies), located in Littleton, Colorado, is the epitome of a socially and ecologically responsible company. I met Chelsea Kent, the owner of Hero's P.E.T.S., at the Denver Earth Works Expo 2009. I was initially surprised to find a pet store among the many exhibitors, comprised mostly of building and household product companies. I was interested in how the store fit in with the 'green' theme, and naturally excited to go shopping for my dogs (in hopes that coming home bearing gifts after my five-day vacation would allow me to skip the need to beg for my dogs' forgiveness). In typical fashion, I sorted through the table full of products, reading labels for nutritious and ethically sourced ingredients, testing the durability of toys, and looking for shapes, sounds, and smells that would appeal to my pooches. After a couple of minutes, it occurred to me that every item on the table met my requirements! The treats I examined were from free-range animals, had all-natural ingredients, and no hormones or antibiotics to speak of. While I was very enthusiastic about my find, I became a little frightened for my wallet – I do not typically have that many choices!

Intrigued, I managed to strike up a conversation with Ms. Kent, who walked me through the products, described the companies that supply them, and pointed out the social and ecological benefits that give her a reason to sell and support the companies' products. I was thoroughly impressed with the amount of knowledge that Chelsea had about not only the products, but also the suppliers and the entire supply chain. I am the type of pet parent that does all of the research prior to purchasing a product, and I was ecstatic to finally find a store owner that did the research for me! Chelsea has over eight years of experience in the pet supply industry. Prior to opening the doors of Hero's P.E.T.S. in April 2007, she worked as a pet store manager. Chelsea used her position to become familiar with the many products and companies in the pet supply market. She was inspired to research alternate companies and suppliers after being routinely disappointed in the quality of standard pet products and the companies' general lack of concern over their ecological impact. Six years later, her efforts culminated in the opening of her very own pet store.

Hero's P.E.T.S. mission is to help change the world for the better, by educating consumers and providing them with the highest quality products from companies that are dedicated to eco-conscious and sustainable business practices. In addition, Chelsea ensures that her staff is knowledgeable and can educate people about the products, suppliers, and the local, global, and ecological reasons for which they carefully select the companies that they work with. Through partnerships with small businesses and other like-minded companies, Chelsea is able to deal directly with the majority of her suppliers. Direct communication enables her to gain accurate information about each company's process, including sourcing, manufacturing, and transport, as well as the ecological impacts of each step. Chelsea also inquires as to the suppliers' corporate values and mission, employee relationships, and other ways in which they give back (e.g. through donations to non-profits). Further, Chelsea reexamines the companies that she works with on an annual basis, to ensure that their business practices continue to meet her strict threshold.

As a result of Chelsea's dedication and research, Hero's P.E.T.S. offers a wide variety of products that customers can feel good about purchasing. Most of their inventory is made of recycled and recyclable materials, hemp, organic cotton, fleece scraps, and/or durable materials. Further, the majority of the companies that make these products also make an environmental commitment to reduce carbon emissions and waste, and to donate money to other beneficial organizations like the Service Dog Fund, the Dog/Cat Cancer Research Funds, and The Conservation Alliance. The pet food they sell is made of the highest-quality, human-grade ingredients, and are supplied by companies that have a history of quality control and cleanliness. Their supplements are the highest quality and potency available, without a high price tag to match, and the toys and beds are generally durable, recyclable, and guaranteed. In addition, the store carries organic, biodegradable shampoos & enzymatic carpet cleaners. For examples of some of their products, refer to my previous reviews of Fart Busters (from Bark Stix) and the Orbee Tuff toys (from Planet Dog).

Chelsea believes, as I do, that consumers hold the power to influence change in current business practices. An educated consumer is a powerful ally in the betterment of our environment and our health, but the reality is that the everyday consumer does not have the time to research each and every company or product prior to purchase. Thus, I was ecstatic to hear Chelsea embrace her responsibility as a business owner to do the research for her customers. She firmly believes that the onus lies with every business owner to be knowledgeable about both their company, and the products that they sell. "Just because a product can be sold, doesn't mean that it should", said Chelsea, "My goal is to get customers to realize how each thing they purchase impacts the world around them, and to be more conscious and ask more questions before they make purchases at other stores. Thus, increasing demand for better products from better companies."

In a business environment where Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has transformed from a tell-tale sign of a forward-looking, social- and eco-conscious company, to a buzzword on nearly every corporate website, it was refreshing to find a business that we can really count on. Hero's P.E.T.S. is a rare gem, a company that is sincere in its efforts to make a positive social and ecological impact, and one that I hope will inspire others to do the same. For more information, please visit the Hero's P.E.T.S. website (www.herospets.com) or drop by their store to speak to a knowledgeable sales associate.