Page B14 · Richmond Review
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
5 Tips for choosing a pet supply store by Brenda Kozub 1 Seek out a store with knowledgeable, highly trained staff members who have a commitment to learning about and ensuring animal wellness. 2 Find staff members who ask the right questions about your pet. In order to make the right recommendations, they must start with right information. It is important to find a store where you are sold the best food or supplies for YOUR pet, not where you are sold the ‘product of the week’ or something that the company requires their staff to sell. 3 A store with a policy that allows you to return or exchange food or supplies that aren’t working for you or your pet. They should be willing to continue to work with you until you have found the right food or product for your pet. 4 The store must carry high quality foods and supplies at fair, competitive prices, every day, not just as a result of an occasional sale or promotion. 5 Find a store that is kept clean - we are dealing with food, so this is an important consideration.
Brenda Kozub with her husband (co-owner of Tisol), Henry Kozub, and their son, Russell Kozub.
Tisol helps pet owners make the right choice It all started with two German Shepherds named Tiger and Solomon, and a family of animal lovers with a commitment to providing their pets with the best in care and nutrition. The very first Tisol Pet Nutrition & Supply Store (named after the two beloved dogs – “Ti”“Sol”) opened in 1974, and now, celebrating 40 years in business (that’s 280 dog years), this BC family-owned and operated company has grown to nine locations throughout the Lower Mainland – two of which are in Richmond. Locally, the first Tisol store in central Richmond has been offering their two and four-legged customers the best selection of premium pet nutrition and high quality supplies for over 20 years. The newest location opened its doors in South Richmond at Richlea Square, in April 2013, and offers the same high quality of service and products. In addition to its great product selection, the staff at Tisol is dedicated to providing customers with the right information when it
comes to the health of their furry holistic veterinarians, groomers, family members; so much so, that trainers, rescue groups and more. they are referred to as advisors. All of this is in addition to continu“We’re pet geeks,” said Tisol’s ous training by the manufacturers co-owner, Brenda Kozub. “Our staff of the products they carry. makes recommendations based on If there’s something you’re lookthe needs of YOUR pet – we don’t ing for that you can’t find in-store, have sales targets or commissions Tisol’s advisors are happy to work – the goal is only to find the right with their suppliers to see if they product for your pet and for your can quickly find just what you wallet. While need. If a product we are diligent doesn’t work for Providing good value about selecting to our customers, in your pet, just only high quality terms of quality, price, bring it back with and knowledgeable, the receipt and items to offer friendly service, is at the they’ll happily our customers, foundation of all of our refund you, or we are also business decisions. very careful to better yet, work - Brenda Kozub with you until price fairly and competitively. you find the right Providing good product to meet value to our your pet’s needs. customers, in terms of quality, And it’s not just the pets of price, and knowledgeable, friendly their customers that Tisol strives service, is at the foundation of all of to help - this chain of pet supply our business decisions.” stores is heavily involved with a Tisol’s advisors are highly trained, number of animal rescue groups, and have a true love of animals. organizations and initiatives that They take part in on-going trainaim to improve the lives and ing seminars, up to 10 times per welfare of animals throughout year, featuring presenters such as, the Lower Mainland and in other
parts of BC. Through their Pet Food Bank program, generous pet lovers have the opportunity to donate food and supplies in-store. To date, the program has collected 145,000 pounds of food for pets in need. Tisol also supports and contributes to the fundraising efforts of the Kensington Foundation for Animals in Crisis, a BC-based registered charity that raises money and awareness for dozens of rescue groups and shelters around the province, including several in the Fraser Valley. Additional involvement throughout the community, including providing gift cards and prize donations for local school and community group fundraisers, is an important part of Tisol’s commitment to giving back. To find out more about Tisol’s great selection of pet nutrition and supplies, the company’s community involvement and any current events or promotions, visit www.tisol.ca or stop by or call either of their Richmond locations (see ad for location details).