PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Pet Food Experts has entered a partnership with Earth Animal, West Paw and Open Farm to provide care packages to new pet owners through local, independent retail partners. New pet owners will receive free products from each company involved, as well as a gift card to the independent retail store.

“With the onset of COVID-19, unprecedented challenges and uncertainty came quickly to us all – especially small businesses,” said Stephanie Volo, chief marketing officer at Earth Animal. “We felt that partnering with brands who share our vision would have the biggest impact in supporting our neighborhood pet supply stores and their new pet parents in the most effective way.”

The New Pet Parent Packs will include a bag of Open Farm dog food, a training and treat toy from West Paw, a rawhide alternative chew from Earth Animal, and a $25 gift card for a participating independent pet store. The effort aims to create loyal pet specialty customers out of new dog owners.

“At Open Farm, everything we do is guided by our values, and, now more than ever, it’s important to us that we give back, build up and support our communities,” said Isaac Langleben, co-founder and chief executive officer of Open Farm. “This is an exciting opportunity to come together with fellow brands dedicated to the independent pet channel to help retailers and new pet parents during this challenging time.”

Through this partnership, participating retailers will also gain access to Pet Food Experts’ arsenal of content and promotional resources to guide email and social media marketing for their stores.

"At West Paw, we envision a world where business success is friendly to people and the planet, so we are beyond thrilled to partner with these like-minded brands in launching the New Pet Parent Pack program,” said Spencer Williams, chief executive officer of West Paw. “We see this as a way to support our community of retailers and ultimately be a part of creating wellness and positive connections with pet parents and their new best friends."

Pet owners who have recently adopted a dog can fill out a survey to receive a digital coupon to redeem the care package at a local participating retailer. Pet Food Experts will distribute the New Pet Parent Packs as part of their normal weekly shipments.

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