10159 Old Olympic Highway (Rock Plaza), Sequim
477-4388
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Voted “Best Pet Store on the Peninsula” for Jefferson County nine times, Bonita’s Pet Supplies, long a staple in Port Townsend, now has a new store in Sequim at Rock Plaza, conveniently located for north-side residents.
Owner Craig Dotson had a soft opening in the mall across from Hardy’s Market on Dec. 15 and plans a grand opening from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 3 after he’s amassed more inventory. There will be goodie bag giveaways and raffles.
At Bonita’s Pet Supplies, you’ll be greeted by “doorbells” Audrey Hepburn, an 11-year-old lab mix, and Asterix, an 8-year-old Corgi mix, both of whom Dotson rescued.
“I have had so many requests over the last few years from Sequim customers that I decided to try it here,” Dotson said.
“I’ve always had animals. In 1991, I was hired at a pet store and just fell in love with helping people with their loved pets,” Dotson said.
Dotson considered the clinical aspect of the animal care business but decided he liked the pet food and supply side better and now has more than 25 years of education and experience in pet nutrition.
He began working at Bonita’s Four-Legged Friends in Port Townsend, owned by Bonita Flagg, in 2003 and soon became store manager.
After she died in 2011, Dotson purchased the business from her estate, renaming it in her honor as Bonita’s Pet Supplies.
The bright and airy store in Sequim carries cat and dog foods that are all North American-made, Dotson stressed, citing melamine-infused foods from China that killed a number of U.S. pets in the mid-2000s.
Pet food brand names from U.S. and Canadian suppliers customers may know are Orijen, Acana, Wellness, Natural Balance, Taste of the Wild, Fromm, Primal and Stella and Chewy. Cat foods include the aforementioned plus Premium Edge, Canidae, Pure Vita and Precise.
“Most are corn-, wheat- and soy-free and all have no byproducts and no dyes,” Dotson said.
“Pets really can’t digest grains — they are cheap fillers and are the cause of many skin allergies. By going grain-free, you can see the results in 2-4 weeks in the pet’s skin and coat.”
Dotson said his selection of cat food is particularly large to appeal to fussy felines.
“I try to guide people to what I think would benefit their pet the best and if I believe a little less expensive food will, I’ll recommend that. I will not always recommend the most expensive one,” Dotson said.
“All our foods are 100 percent guaranteed — if your pet doesn’t like it or it doesn’t agree with your pet, please bring it back for a full refund and we will donate that food to the food bank,” Dotson said.
“I look at it as if we can keep pets in a (low-income) home, there will be fewer at the shelter and happier families, too. We stand behind the products we carry because the companies stand behind their products.”
If your tastes in pets are more exotic, Bonita’s carries products for reptiles, birds, fish and small animals such as guinea pigs, rabbits and rodents.
Dotson also strives to stock as many American-made supplies as he can, including bedding, toys and treats because he believes in supporting the U.S. economy.
Dog toys include throw balls, slingshot balls, chew toys and chicken no-rawhide chews. Cats will enjoy plush mice, flickers and catnip by the pint.
Congenial and welcoming, Dotson said Bonita’s customers will appreciate his knowledge of the store’s products, great customer service and a willingness to make special orders. Polite pets always are welcome to browse.
Another benefit is Dotson’s commitment to keeping owners up to date on pet food companies, suppliers and their mergers and takeovers as an essential part of ensuring the quality standards maintained at the store.
“I love to talk with people about their pets and share photos,” Dotson grinned. “I’m here for the pets — they’re our furry family members.”
