If you’re looking for a pet – go fish

– Shaun Inguanzo
DANDENONG is home to a new breed of pet shop that is sure to have pet owners wagging their tails with excitement.
The Mega Pet Warehouse opened two weeks ago at the Dandenong Plaza after 12 months of planning and construction.
Mega Pet Warehouse is the latest chain in pet superstores – but has one outstanding point of difference. It sells no pets, except for live fish.
Marketing co-ordinator Sean McGowan said the reason centred on the ethics of the family-owned company.
“We believe in responsible pet ownership and we promote to customers that they should be buying cats, dogs or birds from registered breeders,” he said.
The store lives up to its warehouse tag, stocking more than 7000 products, and containing its own deli that supplies fresh meat to feed hungry pooches or felines.
“The deli is particularly popular with breeders and greyhound trainers as they tend to feed their animals fresh pet meat,” Mr McGowan said.
The chain has outlets in Ringwood, Hoppers Crossing and Epping, and the Dandenong store is its first venture in the south east of Melbourne.
“It’s the fourth store and will probably remain that way for little while,” Mr McGowan said.
“(The market) is competitive but it is also a growing market.
“Australia is a little bit behind in parts of the pet supply market, and premium-brand pet food is a much larger part of the market in the US, UK and New Zealand compared to what it is here.
“So there is a lot of scope for that product and it’s just a matter of educating pet owners on the benefit of that product.”
Mr McGowan said premium pet food brands often came with money-back guarantees, making it a “win-win” situation for customers.
Other products include a comprehensive range of grooming tools, feeds, toys and other pet necessities, including housing.
The store has opening specials running until 27 May.