Valley Pets Store in Buellton Goes Out of Business

Valley Pets in Buellton is closing its doors for good according to the owner of the shop.

The pet store garnered the anger of some area residents and animal activists in early April, who claimed Valley Pets’ grooming practices led to a dog getting injured. Around the same time, a Buellton couple claimed the pet store sold them a Siberian Husky puppy with kennel cough.

The owner, Matt Snyder, spoke with NewsChannel 3 on April 11, and offered his side of the story. He admitted a customer’s dog was hurt at his shop. “Things can happen. Dogs twist and turn. They’re not like you and I when we get our haircut the hairdresser can tell you ‘sit there. Stay there. Don’t move.,'” said Snyder.

He also added, “I have put everything on the line to have this. And for people to be out there ambushing me with the media, coming and making up lies, spreading lies on Facebook about me. I’m not going to respond to those things unless people want to talk to me as a human being and as a person,” when referencing a group of protesters that had gathered outside his shop.

Snyder posted the following statement on his business’ website:

A huge THANK YOU to all of our customers and supporters over the past 5 years!!!

I will be closing my store in the next two weeks. It is time for me to move on to bigger and better things. I am disappointed that we are going out this way, especially as much of it was the result of several uninformed, mean-spirited individuals and a news media that could care less about accurate reporting.

The campaign against Valley Pets and me was about eliminating pet stores that sell puppies in order to limit buyers’ options. They fail to appreciate that many families want the experience of raising a puppy and watching it grow with the family. The rescue advocates believe that forcing buyers to take their dogs will make more money for the cause. And that makes them feel better about themselves and the rescue animal society. That misguided passion somehow justifies their actions as they try to destroy, shame and bully people (and their families) whose livelihoods do not agree with their politics. Shame on them!

My hope is that people will take the time to get the real facts before judgments are made. Remember, not everything you read online, in the newspapers or see in on the news is true. There are always two sides to a story, so make the effort to learn about both.

The welfare of animals has been, is and will always be a passion of mine. I will continue to speak and share the truth. As I have said from day one, “I love each and every animal in my care and at my home, and I love what I do.” That creed has made me a better human being and encouraged my family and friends.

Thank you once again and Goodbye!

Everything in the store will be 50% OFF
(excluding Dog & Cat Food, all bags will be $2 OFF)