New North Hills Area Boutique Sells Second Hand Clothes to Give Pets First Class Treatment

It was from her deep passion—and deep concern—for homeless animals in the area that Nancy Lee founded WearWoof Inc., a non-profit that saves pets with style.

“I love animals and just wanted to do something,” said Lee of Ben Avon Heights, executive director of WearWoof.

“I’m not the person who should be fostering or going to work at the shelter because I get too emotionally involved, but this is definitely something I can do without crying myself to sleep every night.”

WearWoof Inc. is a North Hills-based animal welfare organization that is using second-hand fashion to end pet homelessness through its support of the many local shelters and rescues in the region. 

The WearWoof Shop in Ross officially opened for business Thursday at 1105 Rochester Road with a soft opening. A grand opening weekend of events and sales is being planned in May. 

WearWoof is a designer boutique with basement bargain prices. The best part is when someone donates clothing or makes a purchase, the proceeds go to support local rescues and shelters, along with programs and activities such as adoption and spay-and-neuter events.

Lee said about half the partners are 501c3 shelters with actual facilities while the other half are independent rescues that are big on heart but that tend to operate with low resources.

“We support both,” she said.

Gently worn and new women's fashion items that are acceptable include current or classic designer label or better-mall brands that are in style.

Lee said store merchandise generally falls in the category of the four C’s: casual, career, cocktail and cruise. The store also accepts canine fashion and accessories, such as gently used doggie sweaters, dresses, collars and fashion carriers.

Sale proceeds are also used in four different ways: for grants, an emergency fund, contest prizes for shelters and rescues, and other educational and outreach activities. 

At the end of the year, if there are any undistributed funds, Lee said the money is divided between the partner rescues and shelters.

As a bonus, donors who drop off items now through the end of August can designate a portion of the sale proceeds to their favorite shelter or rescue partner. The items are entered into the system and tagged. Once sold, Lee said 30 percent of the final sale price goes to the designated beneficiary.  

“We wanted to encourage people to, first of all to come in and also to donate so they know the shelter they care about the most will directly benefit,” Lee said.

Lee said one woman recently brought in a giant bag of items for the Butler County Humane Society.

"They’re one of our partners,” she said. 

In addition to about 20 partners, Wear Woof is supported by a team of volunteers and an active six-member board.

Shop volunteers are needed and an upcoming orientation is planned. To learn more about the mission or to get involved, visit wearwoof.org, email info@wearwolf.org or call 412-956-1788.

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