Recently in pet industry Category

Read our story today on the new Lotus microcannery that opened up in Torrance.

Daron Matsuura, President of Lotus Pet Foods in Torrance, in the lab where he explains the human-grade ingredients and high nutrition of his canned dog food products.

(Brad Graverson / Staff Photographer)

Lotus Pet Foods, a brand of natural pet foods carried by Centinela Feed in Southern California along with other independent stores, is opening a new manufacturing plant at 2727 Maricopa St. in Torrance.

A grand opening and ribbon cutting will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday (April 7).

Maybe not.

But if you live in -- or visit -- snow country, this might be nice.

The K-Rosco Dog Walking Utility Jacket ($250) is made by Let's Go Design and features special pockets for bags and treats, reflective trim for night-time safety, and a leash holder around the waist for hands-free walking.

 

And it works in warmer weather, too -- the fleece lining is removable and the sleeves come off if you just want a vest.

 

OK, so I don't really follow basketball all that closely. 

 Petco Animal Supplies Inc., accused of overcharging consumers and improperly caring for animals, agreed to settle a $1.7 million consumer protection lawsuit today without admitting liability, said Deputy District Attorney Leslie Hanke of the Consumer Protection Division.

The district attorneys of four California counties, including Los Angeles and San Diego, filed the civil complaint in San Diego Superior Court.

The investigation into pricing accuracy revealed that Petco failed to remove some expired price tags from store shelves, resulting in actual or potential customer overcharges. The company had also failed to adequately instruct its employees on weighing and charging for bulk sale items such as dog biscuits and other pet treats.

An investigation also revealed that Marine County stores did not adequately clean and maintain animal habitats as required by California's Pet Store Animal Care Act.  Animal welfare inspectors also found that in some instances, sick animals were not identified and removed from sales floor habitats.

Under terms of the judgment, the pet supply retailer agreed to pay civil penalties and legal costs incurred by prosecutors and investigators.

Petco also agreed to initiate and maintain pricing procedures and policies to ensure that consumers are not overcharged for their purchases. The company also agreed to institute methods for the proper care and maintenance of animals and the retailer will be suject to annual, third-party audits to ensure compliance.

The San Diego-based corporation reached a settlement involving similar allegations in 2004. Under the terms of that settlement, the company paid more than $850,000.

 

The 21st annual America's Family Pet Expo, held earlier this month in Costa Mesa, drew a crowd of more than 37,000 people and set a new record for the number of animals adopted into new homes, it was reported today:

The show featured more than 1,000 animals, shopping, pet experts and entertainment ... Throughout the three-day event, America's Family Pet Expo was responsible for the adoption of 668 animals from local animal shelters, which broke the show's previous adoption record of 560 animals. Adoption numbers inclulded 538 dogs, 105 cats, one rooster, 21 rats, one mouse and two rabbits placed into new homes.

Among the more popular booths was one for the Long Beach volunteer organization BARK (Beach Animals Reading With Kids), a group that has noticed an increase in volunteers and website visits -- www.ReadingDog.org -- after the past couple of expos.

 

Deborah Davidson Harpur of Harbor City has scored quite the coup this month: Her champion agility dog Rickie Roo made the cover of the current (May 2010) edition of Dog Fancy Magazine. For dogs, is that kind of like being on the cover of the Rolling Stone used to be for rock bands?

Rickie Roo clearly rocks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

But that's not all.

Rickie Roo and Deborah's other champion dog, Gigi, also are the cover shot of the 2011 Browntrout Rat Terrier breed calendar. (Photo credit to Pam Marks of the Pawprince Studios)

It's that time again. One of the largest pet vendor events will be presented this weekend (April 16-18) at the Orange County Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa.

 

 

If you've never been to America's Family Pet Expo -- and you love pets -- it's worth your while. But be prepared: There are more demonstrations, equine events, shows, and booths than you'll probably be able to get to in a single day.

There are rescue groups; demonstrations from Splash dogs to K-9 units; educational seminars; a cat show; free samples; and hundreds of new products to check out.

Among this year's is the Wisdom Panel Do-it-Yourself Doggie DNA Test; handmade and eco-friendly collars and accessories by Daisy Couture; and the Drinkwell 360 Fountain for pets (shown below):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hours for the expo are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday (April 16); 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday (April 17); and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday (April 18).

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (those 60 and older), $6 for children 6-12 and free for children 5 and under.

You can get $2 off the admission price at Ticketmaster.

No pets are allowed at the expo (aside from those participating in the event).

But just think of how happy they'll be when you come home with a bag full of goodies for them.

 

Kimberley Foley, who founded Peninsula Dog Parks in 1998 and spearheaded the establishment of San Pedro's off-leash dog park that opened in 2002, is the new owner of the Kritter Korral Pet Shop in Harbor City.

The independent store -- at the corner of Palos Verdes Drive North and Western Avenue -- has been a mainstay in the community since it was opened in 1983 by Donna Holick (it was originally in the Park Plaza shopping center in San Pedro).

Dave and Melissa Jones bought the store from Donna in 2003 and now are moving on to prepare for overseas Christian missionary work (see the jump for more details on their plans).

With the sale of the store finalized on Feb. 1, Kimberley's already hard at work this week tearing out the carpet and preparing to re-do the self-serve dog wash tub and grooming area.

"I want it to be more of a day spa for dogs," she said, adding that two groomers are set to come onboard when the remodeled facilities are expected to be finished March 1.

Look for other changes to come, including a transition to a new store name, events and free gifts from time to time.

Anyone who's known Kimberley can testify that she's a whirlwind of creativity and hard work when she takes on a project that's close to her heart.

"She's definitely got the drive," Melissa said of their successor. "She's changing a lot of things, which sometimes is good. She's got a lot of great ideas."

She's also a keen watcher of the latest pet industry trends.

Kritter Korral at 1724 Palos Verdes Drive North will remain open while the remodeling continues (hours are 9-7 Monday through Friday, 9-6 Saturdays and 10-5 Sundays).

So stop by and offer your encouragement. Operating an independent store in an age of chains isn't an easy challenge. The store's phone # is 310-514-4924.

And if you're interested in Melissa and Dave's future plans, check the jump.  

 

So how about a warm and stylish winter scarf for your dog?

Very sporty.

It comes in two sizes (small/medium, 15"; and large/X-L, 18"). $24