New pet store is for the dogs – and local animal rescues

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This article was published 08/06/2022 (1310 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

ST. JAMES-ASSINIBOIA

The possibilities are endless for a new St. James business owner.

Chelsea Fitch, 25, opened the doors of pet store Endless Pawsibilities (1695 Sargent Ave.) on April 1. Her approach is a little different than other pet stores you may be familiar with, though. While Fitch carries the same products as larger chain operations such as Pet Valu, PetSmart and Petland, her goal is to also support animal rescues in Winnipeg and the surrounding areas.

Each month, Fitch partners with an animal rescue and plans two fundraising events. She sometimes has adoptable animals in-store and often hosts bake sales and sells other locally made goods, such as jewelry, candles or honey, with proceeds going to the rescues. She also sells Scentsy, Mary Kay and Pampered Chef products, so her commission from those sales also goes to the rescue.

While the pet supply sales of Endless Pawsibilities is Fitch’s livelihood, she also donates $1 from every transaction during the month to her chosen organization.

“I wanted to give back somehow,” Fitch said.

“I definitely found working with rescues was a big part of my passion. The amount of stuff people go through in our community to make sure animals are taken care of is incredible.”

Opening the store was somewhat of a snap decision, Fitch admitted, but it has turned out well. She has quite a few months planned out and rescues selected. Over the last two years, while moving from being a non-profit to a pet store and non-profit, Fitch has raised several thousand dollars for local animal rescues.

Before opening Endless Pawsibilities, Fitch was a manager with Pet Valu for four years. She’s now studying to become a veterinarian (she’s currently doing her vet assistant portion of schooling) and has her undergraduate degree in animal sciences from the University of Manitoba.

“Growing up, I knew I loved animals, but never understood I could make something of myself in the pet industry,” Fitch said.

“When I started making those connections that’s really when my passion started. I liked working for Pet Valu, but knew I could do a lot more if I was my own boss. I wanted to do this for myself with the opportunity to expand, grow and give back to the community in my own way.”

Fitch also runs a recycling initiative at the store. Customers receive store credit when they bring in clean aluminum pet cans. This gives Fitch peace of mind that she’s doing her part to ensure aluminum is being recycled properly.

“I tried to figure out a way for everyone to win,” Fitch said.

“It’s super-fun. It’s hectic a lot of the time, but it’s good chaos.”

Endless Pawsibilities will be hosting its grand opening celebration on Sat., June 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1695 Sargent Ave.

For more information, visit www.endlesspawsibilities.shop