Bringing home a new pet is a milestone moment for many families, but owning a pet can come with plenty of questions. At All About Dogs and Cats, Leigh and Dennis Daniels have built their business around helping pet owners start these moments off on the right paw. From guiding owners through a wealth of pet food choices to supporting local rescue adoptions, the couple has created a store that is as much about education and community as it is about dogs and cats.
After careers spent working for other people, the Daniels found themselves asking a question many professionals in the corporate world eventually face: What’s next?
As they began to explore available opportunities, they discovered that All About Dogs and Cats was for sale. The opportunity almost felt tailor-made.
Leigh is a Springfield native, and Dennis has lived in the area for three decades. Both have always been passionate about animals, in particular about what they feed to their own pets. So, they took a leap of faith and purchased the store in 2020.
Today, the store has grown far beyond its original footprint and relocated into an 8,500 square-foot destination for pet owners across southwest Missouri. And when customers walk through the doors, they notice something different: an intentional focus on the customer.
The Daniels note there is a difference between a franchise and a locally owned independent retailer, one that comes with pressure but also freedom. This freedom allows the Daniels to be selective about food, treats, and products that they offer to their customers, ones that meet their quality standards.
Whenever possible, the Daniels also look for American-sourced ingredients and small-batch production.
Nutrition education is paramount to the Daniels’ mission, while community involvement and helping rescue animals find homes are also driving forces. With shelters and rescues in the community at capacity, the Daniels have made concerted efforts to support area rescues.
Today, that commitment shows up in multiple ways, including several adoption events hosted at the store throughout the month. But one of their favorite initiatives is a passion project for Leigh; an adoption support program called Sharing the Love. This program partners with nonprofit rescue organizations in southwest Missouri to help new pet owners offset the cost of bringing home their newest addition. Families who adopt through participating rescues receive coupons redeemable at the store for complimentary pet essentials.
Beyond food and adoption support, the Daniels also work with local artisans who sell pet-themed merchandise in their store, several whose proceeds benefit local rescue groups.
A key focus for the Daniels is to keep the business in Springfield and connected to local pet families. They are committed to being an active part of the community, and it is that sense of commitment and connection that resonates with so many.
To learn more, visit https://allaboutdogsandcats.net/
For the Daniels, local ownership means choosing products carefully, supporting rescues and helping pet families feel informed.