Ferndale Resident Opens New Pet Boutique on Woodward

A new pet boutique is now open in Ferndale specializing in organic pet food options for cats and dogs.

Pet-n-Paw, located at 23233 Woodward Avenue, only carries products that are made in the U.S. and aims to appeal to residents in Ferndale and surrounding areas.

Owner and operator Kristen Schmitt, who lives in Ferndale, is also the founder of local pet care company PetCare AuPair, which offers dog walking and pet sitting.

She says she loves "all things pets" but has a special interest in nutrition - a topic that had come up often with her PetCare AuPair clients when their pets were sick. She started asking what type of food they were eating incase of allergies.

"I was kind of seeing this trend a lot," Schmitt said. "We started recommending more organic and holistic food to our clients and they were thanking us."

Since she was already looking for office space for PetCare AuPair, she decided to find a retail space instead so she could offer the food so many of her clients were seeking.

She says she isn't looking to compete with the big pet supply stores. "They carry everything. We carry very thoughtfully selected [products]," she said.

Working only with U.S. companies is important to Schmitt for a variety of reasons, including concerns over recent pet food recalls from China.

"I'm choosing to align myself with those companies that choose to keep their production in the United States," she said.

Customers are welcome to bring their pets into the boutique (on leash only, for safety reasons), and Schmitt says she wants it to be a fun place where customers can also find unique items like locally-made pet-themed jewelry and be able to chat with knowledgeable employees.

The shop also carries leashes, collars and Michigan-made items and treats.

Grand opening on Friday

Pet-n-Paw had its soft opening Jan. 5 and is planning a grand opening event from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 11. Guests can meet the staff, learn about pet nutrition, enter a raffle to win a $100 gift certificate, and mingle with Ferndale Chamber of Commerce members and local residents.

Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit www.pet-n-paw.com.