Family-run pet store creates jobs and doubles floorspace in less than 12 months
A family-run pet store based in Sowerby, Thirsk has seen such demand for its services that it needed to move to a unit double the original size just three months after opening, creating eight jobs.
Yorkshire Feed & Country Store opened in December 2023 offering a range of products for small animals, reptiles, fish, birds, equine and smallholders.
The business is owned by Matt Wright and Jason Smallridge, both experienced animal owners with a background in agriculture.
Wright said: “We have always had to travel further afield to get what we needed for our own animals, and identified a gap in the market for a sort of ‘one stop shop’ here in Thirsk. Unlike many big brand name equivalents, our focus is on animal welfare and making sure our customers are confident in making informed purchases, rather than the bottom line.
“We’re adding products and services that we ourselves want and use, and also that our customers are asking for – it’s all about making it easy to have happy, healthy animals.”
The company recently launched a small animal boarding service, enabling customers to take holiday or spend time away from home safe in the knowledge that their animals are being looked after by an experienced team, and also ran a canine first aid course to teach dog owners the essentials.
They plan to launch a grooming service in the coming months and further down the line, open another store based on the same model.
The company supports local charities including Lucie’s Animal Rescue, and held a charity event raising funds for Long Acre Owl Sanctuary which currently cares for over 90 owls.
