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Featured Tenant: Doggie Style

Pet Supply Store Philadelphia

Caring for animals is second nature to Howard Nelson, co-owner of Doggie Style Pets, the popular chain of pet stores around Philadelphia. “Growing up we always had cats and dogs, and even a few wild animals”, Howard says. His sister rescued raccoons and other wildlife, and that nurturing environment influenced the future direction of Howard’s life.

After studying business in college and receiving an MBA in Finance from Temple University, Howard started a career in mortgage finance at Fannie Mae. But about ten years ago, the founding owners of Doggie Style asked this animal-loving businessman to manage their company. Before long, Howard and his business partner, Ken Karlan, purchased the business and began expanding and improving the beloved stores.

The first Doggie Style Pets location, at 1635 Spruce Street, owned and managed by Solo Real Estate, underwent a store redesign under Howard’s leadership. Doggie Style Pets acquired space on the second floor in order to meet rising customer demand for more products and grooming services.

Pet Store Manager
Rittenhouse Square Doggie Style Manager Kevin VanRenterghem

Kevin VanRenterghem, the manager of the Spruce Street location, says “It’s wonderful being here. The customers are great and we’re busy around the clock.” The store stocks a vast supply of products for dogs, cats as well as more niche products for smaller animals. In addition to the retail and grooming services, all locations offer store-to-door delivery of their products. Quite a draw in a neighborhood like Rittenhouse, where hauling a 30lb bag of dog food up to a 4th-floor apartment can present quite a challenge.

Corner Pet Store, Doggie Style

However, Howard sought to offer the community more than just supplies and grooming services. In 2014, Howard and Ken acquired their first animal hospital, the Pet Mechanic. The veterinary center offers an impressive array of fairly-priced high-quality medical care.  The Pet Mechanic gives back to the community by providing care for homeless animals in need of adoption at Saved Me Animal Rescue. In 2015, they added a second location at 920 South Street and are now serving both the  Midtown and Northern Liberties neighborhoods.

In addition to operating nine Doggie Style Pets locations and two animal hospitals, Howard also devotes time towards animals in need of rescue. Doggie Style Pets is a principal supporter and partner for Saved Me, a Philadelphia-based animal shelter and adoption center. Each Doggie Style Pets location features an adoptable pet, helping to connect nearly 1,200 animals to loving homes every year. We’re so thrilled to have such a compassionate and inventive business owner operating our space at 1635 Spruce Street and hope them much continued success in the years to come.

Pet Store Window, Doggie Style, Philadelphia
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