Pensacola Petland provides education, service

There’s nothing more profound in this Petland philosophy than the simple observation which Petland perceives to be basic among all pets and their owners.

And according to Pensacola’s Petland General Manager Ryan Hamel, the organization’s belief in this policy is so strongly rooted that it can only basically perceive of two kinds of people:  those who already know the fun and joy of pets and those who are looking for the fulfillment that a pet might bring to their lives.

Second only to its basic function of providing and complementing the care of pets, Petland’s mission is the provision of community service programs designed to entertain and educate the public on a host of various issues in addition to providing plain fun and games for kids and adults alike.

 As part of its community service, Petland also provides information on issues such as those concerning spaying and neutering as a way to halt pet overpopulation, adoption programs for placement of homeless puppies and kittens, and  Petland therapy, a natural extension of its retail environment in which Petland counselors visit such places as schools and nursing homes.

“Our community service programs are some of the most unique anywhere,” Hamel said. “We have three or four that are the most popular with kids and adults alike.”

Number one among them, he said, was the birthday party. “We have probably three or four each week, and they are extremely popular with both the kids and the parents.” He explained how the kids enjoyed the parties while the parents shopped in the store.

“I haven’t seen a better birthday place anywhere in Pensacola,” he said. Although there are other places where they have them, he said he was sure those at Petland were the best! “They are not so much about business as they are about having fun.”

Next among the community outreach programs is the Safari Club, a club that accommodates kids of all ages, held in the store every weekday, Monday through Friday. “It’s a unique program, and it’s free, something that parents are surprised and really happy about,” Hamel said. “It happens at 6 p.m. each weekday evening

Of the some 150 kids enrolled in the club, about eight or twelve participate each night enjoying something different each night, from reptiles to puppies. “Kids learn about pets, play fun games, win great prizes, and it’s for kids of all ages,” Hamel said. Other fun games and crafts are also part of the activities, and kids earn pet points through their participation in various events which can be redeemed for a ferret, a bunny, or perhaps a reptile in due time.

Component three, Hamel said, is the field trips into the store. Once each week, a field trip to the store is conducted. “Those attending include groups from schools, churches, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, day care centers, or other places where ever it may be,” Hamel said. “We’ve had two groups this week, although we average only about one.”

Those who come get the full tour and are taught about pets. And get to enjoy them, hands on. They get to play with almost everything in the store, including birds, reptiles, puppies, cats, ferrets, and so on. “The only thing we don’t let them play with is the fish,” Hamel said. “They only get to look at the fish.”

The fourth component of the community service program is the trips which are made outside the store and conducted by the Community Service Director. Outside trips are made to schools, day care centers, pre-school centers, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers, among others. These are usually once each week. Others are done periodically

Other community outreach activities are held from time to time, the last of which was the Escambia County Easter Egg Hunt. Hamel said Petland was the only sponsor the county had ever had, and they got to pass out coupons, do raffles, and participate in other ways. There were over 850 kids involved in that Easter activity.

Hamster races are coming up where kids can come and race their hamster against others. If a kid doesn’t have a hamster, he or she can use one from the store, Hamel said.

And coming up on Saturday, May 14th, Petland will be having its first ever dog breed reunion, which this year will be a Chihuahua reunion at the store. “We have sent out invitations to everyone who has ever bought a Chihuahua here to bring them back,” Hamel said. It will be a chance for owners to meet and greet each other, to interact with each other and have a reunion and a lot of fun. There will be contests, like who has the longest nose, who has the prettiest face, or who has the longest ears, and everyone will have a great time, Hamel said.

While explaining the various aspects of the community outreach performed by Petland, Hamel emphasized the fact that Petland takes its obligation to be part of the community very seriously. They not only help raise public awareness, they are aimed at teaching kids and families to be responsible pet owners.

Petland in Pensacola is a corporate store. The company is a privately held Ohio corporation founded in 1967. In the 1980s the corporation went international and now has stores in almost all parts of the world.

Petland is located at 6235 North Davis Highway in the shopping center situated on the west side of Davis Highway where it intersects with Langley Blvd. The telephone number is (850) 637-1123. That’s the number to call if you wish to discuss the various activities they sponsor and also get the schedules when they take place.

If you are looking for your next pet, you will find the best selection at Petland. They have puppies, kittens, tropical fish, marine fish, birds from the smallest finch to the largest parrots and macaques, hamsters, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, lizards and more.

And you won’t find a better stocked store to shop for food for any of your pets. It is also well stocked with pet accessories that fit the need of most any pet owner.

Hamel and his helpful and courteous staff will be happy to show you around. Give them a call if you have a question or better yet, visit for a firsthand look at what they have to offer. They will be happy to see you and discuss your pet associated issues with you.