Pet Boutiques Offer Plenty Of Ways To Pamper Your Pooch

With nearly 3,000 dogs registered to local residents, it's no secret townies have a thing for their fury friends. Perhaps this is why more than one pet boutique has chosen to set up shop in Marblehead.

Gail Novack, 56, is the owner of the two-stories-high Worldly Pets Outlet and of four rescued pedigree dogs. The boutique celebrated its grand opening three years ago and has since had success marketing their products to local residents.

"I would do anything for my animal. It's not just a pet anymore, it's like a member of your family," Novack said. "It's like your own child."

Novack added, "The pet industry has grown greatly, and it is really taking off."

Having consideration for pets' health, Novack stated was one reason she chose to open her shop in town.

"Large pet chains don't seem to have the same selection of food," Novack said. "You get more quality here than when you go to a big chain store. Small pet chains do not sell foods with flour and by-products. Pets need the same nutrition that they would have in the wild."

Keeping it local is not just good for the town economy, but also for your pocketbook, Novack said. 

"A lot of our prices are lower than those of big chains," she said. "I wanted to open a store with good, quality foods without breaking the bank."

Nearby, Marblehead Pet Supply, a large pet shop owned by Joanne Cerasi, has been in business since 2001.

According to Kim Cerasi, daughter to Joanne and manager of the large, winding pet boutique, her mother had extensive pet grooming experience previous to owning their shop, which first opened on Elm Street on February 17, 2001.

Big Sellers

More owners this summer are buying  from the canine ice cream case. "It's hot weather," explained Novack, "People are walking their dogs and they want ice cream. Why not get one for your dog?"

Other big sellers have been the collars, "Because they have so many colors, with patterns for any season or holiday," said Novack.

At Marblehead Pet Supply, pet owners can go into the grooming room where there are two large porcelain tubs with water sprayers, and a grooming table is also available for the customers' use for their animals.

Cerasi believes that there was little competition when Marblehead Pet Supply opened its first shop. But now, there is plenty of competition around. According to Cerasi, pet owners have made the pet supply industry a $50 billion market.

"It's been recession-proof for the most part," she noted.

Cerasi believes their business differs from the large pet chains because of their customer service.  She said, "We are more knowledgeable of our products."

Cerasi's shop also offers frozen yogurt for dogs, which was used at the recent ice cream social fundraiser for the Marblehead Animal Shelter. Cerasi said they bought the freezer three-and-a-half years ago, and the frozen treats have been a hit ever since.

"We can't keep the treats in stock. It's amazing," she said, adding, "I have never sold as many as this year. We sold about six dozen this summer alone -- it has to be the heat."

On Saturday, Marblehead Pet Supply will hold its "Dog Wash Fundraiser." Donations are required, and all monies will go to the Marblehead Animal Shelter.