SEPTEMBER 2023 -- Pet Food Experts today announced an impactful partnership with Pets in the Classroom, a national nonprofit committed to enhancing children's academic and emotional well-being by facilitating the presence of pets in educational environments. Their joint mission is to expand the pilot program of 'Dogs in the Classroom,' which aims to introduce certified therapy dogs to over 350 elementary schools, delivering brain-boosting benefits to young learners.

“Pets have a significant impact on the development of young minds,” said Michael Baker, President and CEO at Pet Food Experts. “We are excited to play a pivotal role in expanding the life-changing benefits of the Dogs in the Classroom program. Together, we can make a measurable difference in students' lives by bringing therapy dogs into even more classrooms, nurturing their education and overall emotional well-being,” continued Baker.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Pet Food Experts for their exceptionally generous donation, which has enabled us to expand our Dogs in the Classroom reach and equip teachers with an innovative teaching tool — one that not only fosters academic growth but also instills compassion, responsibility, and emotional resilience in our children,” affirmed Melinda Thomas, Executive Director of Pets in the Classroom. “Together, we are shaping the future by nurturing young hearts and minds.”

The impressive advantages of therapy dogs in educational settings go beyond mere academic improvements. A multitude of studies has substantiated the profound influence that the presence of these affectionate companions can exert on the growth of children, demonstrating tangible results such as diminished anxiety, heightened concentration, and overall enhancement of classroom dynamics. Educators have observed that these reassuring canine allies nurture empathy among students and contribute to a more harmonious learning environment.

Since 2010, Pet Care Trust has made an indelible mark on the educational landscape of the United States through its Pets in the Classroom grant program, extending financial support and the companionships of pets to an astounding 230,000 classrooms, impacting an estimated 9.1 million students across the nation — an experience that can help shape their lives for years to come.

In 2021, Pets in the Classroom solidified a nationwide collaboration with Pet Partners, a leading nonprofit in the animal therapy sector. Together, they initiated the Dogs in the Classroom pilot program, aimed at introducing certified therapy dogs to 100 elementary schools. This preliminary study proved immensely successful, leading to a sudden surge in grant requests from teachers.

To learn more about their transformative program and the benefits of becoming a retail partner or to apply for a grant, visit www.petsintheclassroom.org.

Pet Insight highlighted the women in the pet industry who are pioneers in change, innovation, compassion, and professionalism. 

The leading provider of human-grade gently cooked dog food announces its expansion in the Mountain region of the United States.

In recent years, the pet industry has undergone a massive change. From booming sales to industry-wide shifts during the pandemic, company leaders have been forced to adjust their focus, consistently reevaluate, and steer their respective ships through sometimes turbulent waters. On the other side of sweeping change comes a phase of rebuilding, readjusting, and recalibrating what it means to be a successful, and thriving, business. Because of this, Pet Age, a media brand that has served the pet industry for 50+ years, recognizes 50 industry leaders to spotlight their dedication and passion for all things pet. Among those listed, our CEO and President, Michael Baker, earns a spot for the second consecutive year. The inaugural Pet Age 50 list was published in 2021.

Pet Age has fairly simple criteria for the leaders they choose; they look for those who positively influence the pet community, and who value both the people and pets their companies serve. To be included among industry veterans, heads of organizations, and community officials who advocate for the retail pet community is an honor. You can read an excerpt from Michael’s mention below:

Pet Food Experts announced today three key appointments to its senior leadership team. Among the new executives, James Martin has joined as Chief Financial Officer and Seth Mayers as Chief Technical Officer. In addition, industry veteran Jim Alden, Executive Vice President, will now oversee the customer experience team. The growth of the leadership team further positions Pet Food Experts as a community leader and service innovator.

Litter boxes are a great indication of your cat’s health. The size and frequency of urination and the smell and color of feces can tell you a lot about the health of your pet. Keeping an eye on your litter box can clue you into your cat’s gut health, level of hydration (or level of dehydration) and even show early signs of urinary tract issues. All too often, cats stop using their litter boxes to the confusion and dismay of their human counterparts. They could be urinating in the sink or tub, defecating in the bed sheets, or going to the bathroom anywhere but the litter box.

PAWTUCKET, RI — Pet Food Experts, along with fellow industry leaders Phillips Pet Food & Supplies, American Pet Products Association, Pets Around the World, Matrix Partners, Animal Supply Company, Central Garden & Pet, and Southeast Pet, has partnered with Greater Good Charities to support the Save Pets of Ukraine initiative spearheaded by Kormotech, the largest pet food manufacturer in Ukraine. The emergency initiative provides pet food and critical supplies to Ukrainian animal welfare organizations and pet parents devastated by the Russian invasion beginning February 24, 2022.

Across industries, the past two years were marked by rapid growth and transformation, even in the face of global supply chain challenges and widespread staffing shortages. The pet industry is not excluded from these challenges or tremendous growth. According to the APPA, an estimated $109.6 billion will have been spent on pets in the U.S. in 2021.

Dot Family Holdings Joins Pet Food Experts in Igniting the Future of Pet Specialty Distribution

PAWTUCKET, RI — Pet Food Experts (PFX), a leading distributor of pet food and supplies, announced today an investment from Dot Family Holdings (DFH), the investment office of the Tracy Family, owners, and operators of Dot Foods, Inc., the largest human food industry redistributor in North America. 

There is one thing all pet parents know is true; our pets love receiving a good treat. For pet owners, switching up treats and chews is a fun opportunity to spice up the life of their four-legged friends, which is why it is no surprise that pet treats are one of the highest-grossing product categories in the pet space. At Pet Food Experts, our carefully curated brand portfolio offers pet specialty retailers and the communities they serve trusted brands and high-quality products that keep consumers happy and their pet's tails wagging.