LYNNWOOD—If you missed Neighborhood Pet Store Day last weekend, you missed a tail-wagging, treat-filled extravaganza for pets and their owners! This fun, nationwide event—spearheaded by Mud Bay—turned pet stores into a haven for our four-legged friends with discounts, freebies, and a whole lot of love. Held annually, this year’s celebration was bigger and better than ever, with over a thousand independent pet retailers across the country getting in on the action.
A Celebration of Community and Care
We stopped by one of Mud Bay’s Lynnwood locations, where Eric, the Social Media Manager for the company, gave us the inside scoop. This year marked the second anniversary of Neighborhood Pet Store Day, and Eric shared the excitement.
“This event is all about saying thanks to our loyal customers and highlighting what independent pet retailers bring to our communities,” he explained. “It’s not just about the deals—it’s about building relationships and offering a knowledge-based, personalized experience for pet owners. Plus, we’re celebrating the importance of supporting independent businesses.”
For two days—September 28th and 29th—customers enjoyed 25% off on treats and toys and got free pet food just by downloading the Mud Bay Frequent Buyer app. But it wasn’t just about the discounts: the event was an opportunity to connect with the community, show appreciation, and celebrate all things pet.
Heartwarming Moments at the Store
Chris, the Store Manager of Mud Bay in Lynnwood, has been with the company for an impressive 14 years. For him, Neighborhood Pet Store Day holds a special place in his heart, not just for the business but for the relationships he’s built with pet owners over the years.
“Helping people through issues with their pets—whether it’s not eating their food or dealing with itchy skin—is really rewarding,” Chris said. “Last week, a customer came in with a card to thank us for helping her dog. That kind of stuff makes it all worth it.”
Chris also shared one of his most memorable—and emotional—experiences. “A guy came in recently and told me he had to put his dog down. We had a good hug and a cry together. It’s moments like that that show how important our relationships with pets and their owners really are.”
But it’s not all tears and touching moments—Chris also has his share of laughs. He told us about the time a mini horse came to visit one of his stores on Mercer Island. “It was a therapy horse, and it came out of a little cart in the back of their car. We were all like, ‘Wait, what just happened?’ It was hilarious!”
Furry Friends and Freebies
The store was buzzing with excitement, and the staff made sure there were plenty of treats to go around. Katlyn, one of the sales associates, shared how they prepped for the event.
“We made sure to have lots of delicious treats, and we even made little toppers for the ‘sundaes,’” she said, adding, “It’s always fun to have balloons and decorations around the store, too.”
One of Katlyn’s favorite parts of the job is getting to know the pets that come in. “I love seeing all the dogs and cats and spending time with them,” she said. “Helping dogs warm up to people is one of the best feelings.” She also shared a funny story about a regular customer named Badger, a Pitbull who has a particular obsession. “Every time Badger comes in, she runs straight to the chicken food and rubs her entire body on it. It’s hilarious!”
Of course, working in a pet store isn’t all fun and games. Katlyn, like many pet store employees, has felt the pain of saying goodbye to furry friends who have become part of the family. “The hardest part is when the dogs pass away. You get so close to them, and it’s like losing a friend,” she said.
Tail-Wagging Fun for All
We were lucky enough to witness some adorable moments while visiting the store. Aspen, a particularly energetic dog, was thrilled to get his free treat, and Kona couldn’t wait for her sundae to be prepared. She scarfed it down in less than 10 seconds flat!
Neighborhood Pet Store Day has become a much-anticipated event for pet lovers and their pets alike, and it’s already set to return next year for its third edition. So, if you missed out this time around, make sure you mark your calendars for next September—it’s sure to be a tail-wagging, treat-filled weekend you won’t want to miss!
Bonus Tips from Mud Bay Staff
- Get Your App: Download the Mud Bay Frequent Buyer app to snag those sweet deals and freebies during next year’s event.
- Be a Regular: The best way to get insider info and early notifications of events like this? Make sure to visit and chat with the experts—they’re always ready to share helpful tips for your pet’s health and happiness.
So, here’s to the next Neighborhood Pet Store Day—where pets and their people come together for fun, food, and all the love a pet store can offer!
Author: Gerti Katro
