Pet Valu is where pet parents go for a great variety of feed; supplies; services such as grooming, adoption, and dog wash; resources such as new pet guides, pet travel guides, and so much more. For Daniel and Shannon Homeniuk, owners of Pet Valu Mission Hill, helping pet owners get everything they need in one convenient location is the ultimate goal.
“When we established our business in 2015, one of our goals was to open a Pet Valu location in St. Albert because of our experience working and shopping in the community,” says Daniel. “Shannon had started her career years ago working in St. Albert, and I transferred to working in Morinville, all the while we lived in Northwest Edmonton. At that time an opportunity was already available to purchase the Sherwood Park, Baseline location and so that is how we got our start.”
While operating the Baseline location, Daniel and Shannon continued to search for a viable location for a Pet Valu in St. Albert. In 2021 they found the ideal location at Mission Hill.
“Prior to opening Pet Valu, Mission Hill, we were busy developing a team of animal care experts and most importantly, a leadership group at our Baseline store,” says Daniel. “Our leadership group is a small but expanding core that has grown with us since the beginning and remains as the foundation of our business because they are dedicated to their craft in the competitive and rapidly changing pet care industry. They are also dedicated to the culture that we have built together.”
He adds, “Our managers all excel in leading our team to deliver our high level of service, continuing education in the field of animal care, and maintaining high operational standards. The result of the talent that our management team brings every day is a group of very experienced, long-tenured animal care experts. We think that animal care retail and service is a highly professional vocation, so we dedicate ourselves to encouraging long-term meaningful employment. Our business, customers, and community benefit from this approach.”
Both Daniel and Shannon love their own pets and are community minded, which underscores their passion for providing customer care and giving back through their Pet Valu locations.
“The painted murals in our store are our own dogs and both of our stores have murals featuring local grain elevators as a salute to my growing up on a mixed farm in Central Alberta,” smiles Daniel.
It’s easy to see why Pet Valu Mission Hill has won first place in the category of best pet food/supplies for its second consecutive year in the Readers’ Choice awards.
“I felt so blessed to have a team that can have such an impact on the devoted pet lovers in the community,” says Daniel. “I know the team that we have is second to none, but we are the new pet store in town with Mission Hill and name recognition takes time. St. Albert is so fortunate to have several high quality pet store options available and I am so proud of our team that they can stand out in such company and impact enough people to take the time to vote for us.”
Daniel adds, “I wish I could thank every one of our employees individually, but that's quite a few names! Our company's core management group of Rachael, Paula, Nikki, Cass, and Jess are the ones that work as a close-knit team to bring a unique culture to our stores. We are grateful to them and everyone that works for us.”
They conclude with great advice for pet owners, saying, “The pet industry comes with many hardline opinions on animal nutrition and care. I find pet nutrition and care choices can be deeply held for many people because they want to take the absolute best care for their pets; and so, they do a great amount of research. The reality is, there are so many variables that contribute to making your nutrition and care choices. Personal research knowledge, as well as a great working relationship with your pet's veterinarian and your Pet Valu animal care experts, are great ways to ensure that you have the best information and that you stay updated on the changes and new products that may benefit you and your pets.”
Learn more about Pet Valu online and on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
