Dog Mart LA is a must-try for Los Angeles locals. This shop has the most unique approach to what it meant to be a pet store. From their borrow-a-book library to their unique speakeasy-like location, they are truly one-of-a-kind. Their Instagram is pretty awesome too! Say hello @dogmart.la !
The interview below gives our readers a look behind the brains of this LA gem.
Why should Dope Dogs shop at Dog Mart LA?
Dope Dogs should shop at Dog Mart LA because we have created a more personable experience for dogs and their people. We are the only store specializing in quality CBD products for dogs (and other small animals). Our space is small and unique, with a lot of heart and soul put into it. Each product/brand is hand selected by us, sourced from wholesome and family-run businesses.
Do you have any pets / special store mascots?
Yes! We have two rescue dogs named Lucky and Flash. Lucky is about 5 years old, he is a dachshund mix that was found as a stray and we took him in. Flash is about 3 years old, he is also a dachshund mix that we foster failed. They are the light of our lives. We consider them our mascots because they were our true inspiration in creating the ideology behind Dog Mart.
What's your go-to lunch spot in your area?
Right up the street at HMS Bounty.
What makes the pets/customers in your city unique?
Koreatown is a unique neighborhood in itself. Its full of niche-y stores and great restaurants. We live nearby as well, so it's all about the community for us. We have a lot of neighborhood dogs that come by the store on their daily walks just to say hi (and get a free snack of course). They will pull their owners into the store and then refuse to leave. We love that!
What products/trends have your customers been really into lately?
Recently, pet owners are learning more about CBD and trying these products for a wide variety of reasons. Since those are our specialty products a lot of our customers are interested in it when they come in. We also find that most of our customers are into limited ingredient options. Our best selling treats are simply dehydrated sweet potato fries. People like transparency in ingredients and knowing where the goods are sourced.
What is your go-to play list for the store music?
We bounce around Apple Music a lot, mostly jazzy instrumentals.
Pumpkin Spice everything this fall- yay or nay?
It's a nay for us. We love a good pumpkin pie though. :)
What inspired you to get into the pet business?
We have always been dog lovers, especially after our two dogs came into our lives. We have found that many pet stores can be a quite overwhelming with the amount of options available. Also, We really wanted to simplify things and help fellow pet owners find quality items easily, with CBD products being our specialty. We have personally seen the benefits of CBD with our own dog, Flash, who has neurological deficits from a likely head trauma when he was 5 months old. We watched him go from paralyzed to walking when he was still just a puppy. He is so resilient despite all he has been through. He was a big inspiration for us to take this path.
What's the one piece of advice you would give a fellow business owner?
Write everything down! Always stay true to yourself and your goals.
Tell us more!
Apart from the retail side of the store, we also offer concierge-style services for dogs. We can book you a dog walker, a dog sitter, a trainer, or a groomer. We offer grooming services on select days here at the store with our partner, Reese's Rainbow Mobile Pet Salon. Lastly, We also have a little library of secondhand dog books for rent or purchase. :)
