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Aberdeen Pet Valu Active in Community Service

Pet Valu gives back to its customers and the surrounding community.

There’s rarely an employee behind the counter at the Aberdeen Pet Valu. 

There's a reason.

"Our managers and staff are always building relationships with our customers and their pets," Pet Valu Director of Marketing Amy Depaoli said. 

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Depaoli continued, "It blows me away, when I go into the Aberdeen store and someone will come in with their dog or cat and our store managers or staff know the customers pet's name, what their pet's allergies are, or what toys they play with."

The staff understands the importance of pets to their customers and are constantly recommending what products are best for the animal.

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In order to do this, the store requires all employees to obtain a Certification of Nutrition from the University of California Davis, which happens to be a well-recognized veterinarian school.

The company has had huge success at its Aberdeen location, especially with its recent remodel and addition of "Groomingdales," the store's new grooming service.

“It’s really an awesome opportunity because you can take your dog to one of the big box stores and have your pet groomed at a great price, but you’re not going to develop a relationship with a specific groomer,” Depaoli said. “At Pet Valu when you bring your pet in, you are still getting a great price but your developing a great relationship with a specific groomer.”

Along with the stores “top notch” employees and new grooming services, Pet Valu is always giving back to its surrounding communities. 

The company was recently given the “Seven Seals Award” from the Department of Defense for its efforts in raising money for the United States War Dogs Association. 

Over the last three summers Pet Valu, with the help of the Aberdeen location, raised over $100,000 from Jul. 4 through Sept. 11. 

“It’s purely the generosity of our customers,” Depaoli said. “The program has really taken off and every year customers are donating more and more money. It is really fantastic.”

The money has been able to provide state of the art cooling vests, doggie goggles, and protective boots, which provide protection from the hot asphalt. 

The program really hit home when Depaoli received a letter from an Aberdeen mother whose son was saved by a war dog.  

“Had that dog not have been there, he would have been killed,” Depaoli said. “It’s the generosity of our customers that give back and help us with these causes. It’s pretty amazing.”

Currently, the Aberdeen store is working with BARCS – Baltimore Animal Rescue Care Shelter and the Show Your Soft Side campaign, which raises awareness of animal cruelty.  

The Aberdeen store will be selling calendars created from a customer pet photo contest for $5 with all proceeds being donated to both causes. 

“One thing we’ve learned about our customers is that they are so generous, very loyal, and so passionate about their pets. They’re a part of their family. There are so many needs out there for these animals and we are just scratching the surface on anything we can do to give back, especially with these homeless pets,” Depaoli said. 

“We want to help who ever we can and our store managers and staff do a great job in getting involved and working with local shelters and building that relationship.”

Pet Valu is located at 1016 Beards Hill Road in Aberdeen and open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 410-297-9147 for more information.

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