Homegrown Business: Discover Dogs

Discover Dogs offers many goods and services to help keep your dog happy, healthy and full of life! They offer a variety of foods to cater to all diets, toys, supplies, advice and so on. They also carry some items for cats as well. We spoke with Hannah, administration and marketing manager of Discover Dogs to learn more about them.

What is your business called and what does it do?

Discover Dogs is a local dog shop, with some cat supplies as well. Our focus is top-quality service and products, alternatives to kibble, and positive nail trims.

What made you want to do this work?

The owners Jake and Tanya started by selling raw food to dog-walking clients out of their house because they believed in the benefits of feeding fresh food.

What problem did you want to solve with the business?

We wanted to offer a variety of diet options for dogs, so that pet parents could find the right food for their dog’s health and lifestyle. We also wanted to have highly educated and helpful staff, and be a supportive space for pets and their families.

Discover Dogs

Who are your clientele/demographics?

We serve families with pets living throughout Vancouver and surrounding areas. We are lucky to have a base of regulars who live around our Mount Pleasant shop, as well as people who travel or order from as far as White Rock. Our clientele is quite varied, and we try to have something for everyone.

How does your business make money? How does it work?

We sell products in-store as well as online. Clients can come into the shop or order for delivery or in-store pickup.

Where in Vancouver can we find your profession?

We’re located at Fraser and Kingsway.

What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.

How do you choose the products you sell?
For us, we aim for ethically sourced products, meaning the vendors consider animal welfare, worker’s treatment, environmental effects, quality of the product, and of course whether it’s good for the dogs who are the end-user.

Discover Dogs

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

It’s a dog store – so, we see a lot of dogs! It’s so amazing to have regular clients and get to see their families grow and change, and see them around the neighbourhood.
We also see people who are struggling with their pets. Either with health issues or behavioural challenges, being a pet parent can be challenging and affect your whole life.

What is your favourite joke about your own profession?

We often joke that dog trainers have the worst behaved dogs.
It’s a combination of taking on the more difficult dogs and just being burned out on training by the time we get home, or maybe our standards are too high 🙂

What are your social media channels?

We’re most active on Instagram and Facebook

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Vancouver business that you love?

Ba Le Deli next door to us is a local Vietnamese sandwich shop. Local family-owned spot with delicious stuff, and their vegan menu is great too!