Pet Planet will celebrate the grand opening of its fifth Arizona store on Saturday, Oct. 20, with a family-oriented community fair, beginning at 10 a.m., at Zahara Center, located behind Walgreen’s, at Power and Thomas roads.
A true highlight of the event will be an Adopt-A-Thon of pets rescued by Phoenix Animal Care Coalition (PACC911), as well as free pet companion photos, free gifts, discount coupons and a free pet self-wash.
Las Sendas resident Laura Leah English, chief executive officer and co-founder of Pet Planet, is joining with local businesses in Zahara Center, such as Victory Energy Wellness Center and the women’s entrepreneurial group Support and Empower the Vision of Entrepreneurial Networking (SEVEN), to offer giveaways, shopping discounts and activities, such as face painting and doggy games, for families and pets.
During the day, Victory Energy Wellness Center will host 12 free seminars, which will inspire, motivate and inform, according to center owner Jolene Victor. Topics will include how to eliminate toxins in your home; P-R-I-O-R-I-T-I-E-S for the entrepreneur—10 things you need to know; retirement has changed—your next move; healing your money wounds and making the money you desire; how free radicals and stress damage our bodies; and healing methods for you and your loved ones. There also will be acupuncture demonstrations by Natascha Hebell-Fernando, as well as drawings and giveaways.
Members of SEVEN will have more than 30 vendor booths offering giveaways and discounts on such items as jewelry, skin care products, eyelash extensions, coffee, candy, cookies and chocolate. The same is true for insurance, home and financial services, weight loss and health products, candles, gifts and much more.
“We are excited to expand into the East Valley, as residents here have a strong commitment to health and lifestyle,” said Laura Leah. “Animal guardianship is strong in Arizona, as it is a very family-oriented state, which translates to a high pet population. As a low-price leader in quality pet health food and nutritional products, we will save the consumer money.”
Unique to Pet Planet is its adaptation of the Guardianship Movement, a campaign to encourage responsible adoption, and the spaying and neutering of animal companions. “These initiatives are very timely, with the overwhelming animal overpopulation in Arizona,” Laura Leah explained.
Nearly 15 years ago, when Laura Leah and her mother, Joan Bauer, opened their first Pet Planet store, the two had a vision to be more than just a store. They had a dream. “We want to encourage a global society where all pets are loved, respected, protected and kept in good health—a society without pet overpopulation, homelessness or abuse,” Laura Leah said.
Pet Planet promotes the use of the term guardianship instead of owner when referring to our animal companions. “More than just semantics,” explained Laura Leah, “we believe this instills a more compassionate relationship between an individual and animal.”
Pet Planet’s four other Valley locations are in Phoenix, at Tatum and Cactus Roads; Scottsdale, at 90th St. and Via Linda; Ahwatukee, at 40th St. and Chandler Blvd.; and Ray and Dobson roads in Chandler. These stores also will offer discounts, giveaways and pet-friendly activities in celebration of the Mesa store opening.
For more information about Pet Planet and the Guardianship Movement, visit www.PetPlanetHealth.com. For details on the free seminars, call (480) 422-7022. For information regarding SEVEN, visit s-e-v-e-n.org.