Stamford Patch was hanging out with STARelief Thursday at the brand new PetValu in the High Ridge Shopping Center, collecting donations and raising funds for the non-profit that helps keep pets with homeowners in need of assistance.
While Patch was helping raise funds and boxes of canned food for STARelief by collecting from concerned and giving community members, we also got to check out PetValu's new digs at 1131 High Ridge Road.
Store Manager Phillip Castaneda gave a tour of the shop, which had a soft opening Saturday, July 20, but has a big grand opening ceremony scheduled for early August.
The store has lots of great, quality products available, from food to toys to pet equipment, and three self-serve dog washing stations. But Castaneda said the thing that sets PetValu apart from other stores is customer service and knowledge.
"All employees have to take a college course online through the [University of California - Davis,]" he said. "We have to be really knowledgable about what we're selling, so we complete a course on pet nutrition so we can help with any animal. Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, fish."
Castaneda also said PetValu would have a groomer on staff during regular business hours for people to have all their pet needs taken care of in one stop.
Currently staffed by five employees, Castaneda said PetValu is still looking to hire and will be hiring for other locations opening up in Fairfield County in the near future. Those interested in a position were recommended to stop in and ask to speak with Castaneda.
Those interested in helping STARelief can find their listing on the new Patchworks hyperlocal community fundraising page to donate.
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