Holistic pet store Whiskers and Wags opens

Taking care of a pet with special needs can be tricky, but it is something Kim McCulla is familiar with. 

The Chelsea resident has worked with animal rescues for several years and in turn has taken in animals that need additional attention, special food or innovative toys.

“I have a border collie that has cancer, I have a golden [retriever]-Aussie mix with fear issues, and those are both high-energy breeds and very smart,” McCulla said. “That leads me to really understand nutrition, what types of food they need, what types of situations not to put my golden-Aussie in, but it also leads me to discover puzzles and toys like that to keep them entertained.”

That experience, coupled with her love of animals, led McCulla to open her Chelsea pet boutique, Whiskers and Wags, in November. The store caries holistic pet food and treats as well as healthy and helpful toys and puzzles.

“One of the nice things about being locally owned, and me owning this, is that I get to hand pick the products,” said McCulla, who formerly worked at a pet boutique in Atlanta. “Either my staff – their animals – will test products, or my animals will test products.”

While there are other pet boutiques in the Birmingham area, McCulla said she thinks her location is a convenient destination for people who don’t want to battle U.S. 280 traffic. They also aim to offer different products, she said, which aren’t found at other shops. 

As she looks for items, McCulla said she looks for high quality materials. For example, all treats and chews are 100 percent digestible, she said, and all items are things McCulla would or does give to her animals.

“I look for the best, but that doesn’t mean that everything is expensive,” McCulla said.

The store also carries “boutique” pet clothing, including items like wool coats or bomber jackets for small dogs. 

As a shop that carries some more unique or harder-to-find items, McCulla said she also aims to help families solve “problems” they may face. These can include a hyperactive dog that needs a way to drain its energy or being in the “puppy stage” where it’s chewing on everything.

“We just want to help you bond and help you solve those problems with your pets and become that trusted adviser [for pet owners],” McCulla said.

If customers come back with happy stories, like telling McCulla that their pet has stopped chewing up items, seems to be better behaved or has fewer health issues thanks to a new food, McCulla said she will feel they are fulfilling their goal.

“We really want people to also think our staff is knowledgeable and our customer service is out of this world. Because, to me, that’s the key to business anyway,” she said.

McCulla also hopes to give back through the store. This month, they plan to host a Mardi Paws event on Feb. 17 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The event will include food, prizes and adoptable dogs, as well as photo shoots to benefit Peace, Love and Dog Paws Rescue. McCulla said she  plans to make events such as this a regular occurrence.

Whiskers and Wags is located at 16618 U.S. 280, Suite 100. It is open from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, go to facebook.com/WhiskersNWagsPet.