The Royal Treatment For Your Pet

Denise Wolin-Gore is a woman on a mission. She steers her way through aisles of neatly stacked pet toys, treats and colorful bags of pet food, deftly navigating around boxes and ladders.

"Things are going quite well, and we are on track for our opening," said the energetic proprietor of Royal Pets Market and Resort in Northdale, which opens in early August.

When asked about the location, the Palm Harbor resident said demographics show that the average Carrollwood family has two pets.

“That seemed like a good fit,” said Wolin-Gore.

In these final weeks of construction and fine tuning, her attention to detail is obvious. 

There's the special flooring she chose to accommodate pets. At the far end of her 7,000-square-foot emporium is an indoor dog park, including a pastoral mural recently completed by local artist Victor Arias.

The park also has self-flushing, synthetic turf specially treated with germicidal chemicals. That innovation helps maintain cleanliness in a place that feels more like a pet paradise than a business.

For the past 18 months, Wolin-Gore and her husband, Joe Gore, have been sketching and poring over designs. The result is a blend of high-tech and high comfort for pets and their owners. The store also features an outside dog park.

Wolin-Gore, who began working in a Merrick, N.Y., pet store at age 14, said designing her own store is a dream come true.

“We offer the royal treatment and options that differentiate us from the pack," she said, adding that she is confident customer response will be strong.

Offerings include:

• A selection of premium, organic, natural, raw, freeze-dried and holistic dog and cat food
• Grooming services, including blueberry facials
• Pet daycare options

Wolin-Gore, who has vast experience with pet boarding facilities, says she is a stickler for professional customer service and individual attention. She says her newly-hired staff of 29 have been taking certification classes.

Their attention to detail is evident throughout the store. Shelving is found at lower than normal heights, so animals can sniff items and staff can see owners browsing, said Wolin-Gore.

The result is an expansive feel. A walk-up counter adorned with sparkly platters and tiered serving trays will showcase tempting pet treats and owners can order pet birthday cakes in a section called The Barkery.

In the middle of the store is the entrance to the grooming area and reception are for the pet hotel.  Pet hotel suites include plush bedding, flat-screen TV and private dog runs with pet doors leading outside.

"All the different choices we have ensure the right room is available for every dog or cat,” said Wolin-Gore, citing boarding nightly fees ranging from $29 to $55. 

Staff will be on site 24 hours, seven days a week at the pet hotel, which accommodates up to 100 cats and dogs. Owners can keep tabs on their furry friends in the dog park or hotel via internet pet cameras. Cats will be housed in soundproofed rooms ensuring any barking from their canine neighbors isn't audible.

For stimulation, they can view fish in bowls placed behind glass walls. While at the store, human visitors can sample coffee and use Wi-Fi.

"We want to encourage pet owners to bring their pets into the store and to stay awhile," said Wolin-Gore, who has two dogs she plans to bring to work daily.

Along with business partner Joseph G. Shapiro, the couple has even bigger plans. By spring, they hope to open a veterinarian facility next door. Wolin-Gore, who recently joined the Carrollwood Area Business Association, says she offers competitive pricing and comprehensive services under one roof.

"We want to be a one-stop place for pets," Wolin-Gore said.

She also envisions adding a second shop in south Tampa and a third in Pinellas County.

A soft opening may be held on July 30, Wolin-Gore said.

A grand opening is slated for Aug. 5–7. Events include a royal pet wedding, raffles for humans (including a TV and barbecue grill) giveaways and discount certificates for services.

Royal Pets Market and Resort is located at 16010 Mapledale Blvd. Its phone number is 813-448-6744.

Hours: Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Weekday grooming/daycare drop-off begins at 7 a.m. For more information, go to royalpetsmarket.com.