As our community continues the process of opening back up for business, The Shore Update is excited to start its woman of the month feature back up! This month’s winner is Helen Bennett, owner of the Pet Shop on Kent Island. You might also know “The Pet Shop” as The Grooming Place. The shop, which has been here on the Shore for decades, has pretty much everything you can think of for your pets-whether they’re a furry friend on four legs or fabulous fish- the Pet Shop is bound to have whatever you need to take care of them. I sat down with Helen Bennett to learn a little bit more about her and “The Pet Shop.”
How did you get involved with The Pet Shop?
The Pet Shop has been in my family for 25+ years – I married my husband 10 years ago and moved to the island -I took over the family business and fell in love with the place and the people!
I’m guessing you’re an animal lover, do you have any pets of your own?
I have 2 cats and the Pet Shop has a guinea pig. I’ve always loved animals and love them even more since I took over The Pet Shop. Our pets count on us to take care of them and that is exactly what I try to do!
What makes the Grooming Place unique/ better than the rest?
There are SO many things that I think set us apart- I think the easiest way to say it might be to make a list. 1. The Pet Shop team is so passionate about proper care towards our pets. 2. We are a rescue pet shop– we get many of our small animals from rescues-you’ll not only be getting a new furry friend from us, you’ll also be helping an animal in need. 3. We have a pet food pantry anyone can use when they need it. 4. We do free aquarium water testing to ensure the wellbeing of your aquatic friends 5. We do small animal pet sitting. 6.We are a huge supporter of nonprofits and fundraisers in QAC. 7. We match prices and offer a return guarantee!
How have you and the Pet Shop been dealing with “the lockdown?”
I am so blessed to have been deemed essential – so we remained open – with a modified schedule to minimize exposure for staff and customers. We have always offered delivery and curbside pick up, so it has been a pretty easy transition. However- some of our fellow small businesses have not been able to open and I think if they can demonstrate a plan to open with procedures in place to protect their customers and employees- they should be able to.
If you would like to learn more about the Grooming Place you can go their website here: https://