For any pet owner in Edmonton, developing an effective strategy for purchasing pet supplies is an important task that affects both your pet's health and your budget. The pet supply market in Edmonton is incredibly diverse, offering everything from budget options at big box stores to specialty stores focusing on natural foods and raw diets. Understanding where, how, and at what price to buy food, toys, accessories, and other necessary items will help you save money while providing your dog or cat with the best possible nutrition and entertainment. This guide covers all the major shopping destinations in the city, from large chain stores to local independent boutiques, with detailed information on prices, product quality, delivery, and special services.
Local independent pet stores — the heart of Edmonton's pet community
One of the most valuable resources for pet owners in Edmonton is the network of local independent pet stores, which offer personalized service and special attention to the needs of each pet. Unlike large national chains, these stores often have a deep understanding of the specific needs of the Edmonton pet community and are built on a foundation of supporting the local economy.
Bone & Biscuit — a chain of natural pet supply boutiques
Bone & Biscuit is one of Edmonton's most respected pet supply chains, specializing in natural, high-quality products for dogs and cats. With ten or more locations throughout the city, including 50th Street Market in the northeast, Gateway Boulevard in the south at Southtrail Plaza, Choice Meadows in east Edmonton, Crestwood, and Keswick Square, Bone & Biscuit is conveniently located for nearly every resident of the city. The store specializes in boutique-style shopping, which means a curated collection of the highest quality products, rather than just a huge selection of everything.
Bone & Biscuit's assortment includes raw dog food (including frozen, dehydrated, and air-dried options), dry food, gently cooked options, and a large selection of treats. For dogs, the store offers brands such as Open Farm, Tilted Barn Pet Co., and Tom & Sawyer for cooked products, as well as Ziwi for air-dried options. Among dry foods, reputable brands such as Acana, Orijen, Fromm, Merrick, First Mate, and Carnivora are represented. For accessories and toys, the store offers brands such as Beco, BeOneBreed, Chuck-It, JW, Kong, Messy Mutts, Outward Hound, PLAY, Spot by Ethical Pet Products, and West Paw.
For cats, the store has a wide selection of dry foods from Acana, Canadian Naturals, Farmina N&D, First Mate, Fromm, Go! Solutions, Natural Balance, Now Fresh, Nutram, Open Farm, Orijen, Oven-Baked Tradition, Petcurean, and Taste of the Wild.
A distinctive feature of Bone & Biscuit is its commitment to animal health and well-being. The store takes pride in providing food and accessories designed to pamper your dog or cat, including even special culinary treats for birthdays and celebrations. The store staff is well-trained in pet nutrition and can give you detailed recommendations based on your pet's specific needs.
Homes Alive Pets — a local legacy in pet supplies
Homes Alive Pets is a local pet supply chain with roots dating back to 1976, when it began as Ropp's Pet & Hobby in one man's garage. Today, the company remains locally owned, with seven locations in the Edmonton area, including locations in north Edmonton, south-central, and northwest. Homes Alive Pets is located on St. Albert Trail and other convenient locations throughout the city, making it easily accessible to most residents.
Homes Alive Pets specializes in products for dogs and cats, but the store also offers pond supplies and some supplies for small animals. The store is known for its amazing selection, knowledgeable and helpful staff, and reasonable prices that compete even with large retail chains. Many locals praise Homes Alive for its service and staff knowledge of products. The store offers a loyalty program that includes discounts and special offers for regular customers.
However, it is worth noting that while the selection is excellent and the staff is extremely helpful, some shoppers report that prices at Homes Alive can be higher than at Pet Valu or other competitors for certain items. For example, canned cat food may be more expensive at Homes Alive than elsewhere. Even so, many pet owners feel that the price difference is worth it for the exceptional service and personalized assistance they receive.
Tail Blazers — Pet Health Store
Tail Blazers calls itself a “Health Food Store for Pets,” and the variety of quality health products at Tail Blazers fully supports that title. The company was founded in 2000 by two people with professional backgrounds in human health and nutritional supplements, which naturally led to the creation of similar products for pets. Tail Blazers emphasizes nutrition and health, believing that proper diet is the foundation of a long and happy life for your pet.
An important feature of Tail Blazers is its commitment to environmental values and sourcing from Canadian producers. The store carries many Canadian and eco-friendly products, believing that this is better for both your pet and the planet. You can find Tail Blazers in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario, including a location at Gateway in Edmonton.
Pet Planet — Specialty Store for Quality Pet Food
For over 25 years, Pet Planet has been providing people with access to a variety of quality pet food options. Pet Planet's philosophy is based on the belief that feeding your pet a nutritionally sound diet can prolong their life and allow them to live happier lives. The store is located in Namao Center and other locations throughout Edmonton, offering a full range of products for dogs and cats, including food, treats, toys, and accessories.
Pet Planet has a special “Value Days” program that offers great deals on products that pet owners love. The store also offers discounts on bulk purchases for regular customers who are willing to invest in quality nutrition for their pets. However, it is worth noting that Value Days and bulk discounts are only available in stores, not online.
Global Pet Foods on Whyte Avenue — a local hub for pet lovers
Global Pet Foods, located in the heart of Old Strathcona on Whyte Avenue, is an independent, locally owned pet store that serves as a community hub for pet lovers looking for quality supplies for their pets. The store has a typical neighborhood store atmosphere, where the staff is knowledgeable and ready to help you find the products you need. Its location on Whyte Avenue makes it easily accessible to people living in the south-central part of the city and the Old Strathcona area.
Poochie Moochie — Specialized Raw Food Studio
For owners who are committed to a food-based approach to feeding their dog, Poochie Moochie is the only store in Edmonton dedicated exclusively to raw pet food. The store specializes in a holistic approach to pet nutrition, offering a variety of raw diets designed to promote optimal health, digestion, and energy. Best of all, Poochie Moochie offers home delivery of their products within Edmonton and surrounding areas, with free shipping available for qualifying orders. This is a very convenient option for busy owners who want to invest in high-quality raw food without having to drive to the store.
G & E Pharmacy — a unique combination of pharmacy and pet supplies
G & E Pharmacy is a family-owned business that has been operating since 1959, making it one of the oldest establishments of its kind in Edmonton. What makes G & E unique is that it is both a pharmacy for people and a pet store, offering high-quality pet food, treats, and health products, as well as supplies for farm animals such as horses and cattle. The store offers products for dogs, cats, livestock, and small animals such as rodents, birds, and rabbits.
G & E Pharmacy is known for its exceptional customer service, knowledgeable staff, and quality products that customers have loved since its inception. However, it is important to keep in mind that G & E closes at 6 p.m. and is closed on Sundays, which may be inconvenient for some city residents, especially those with more flexible weekly schedules. In addition, some items at G & E may be priced higher than at other stores, but many local residents are committed to supporting local businesses that serve the community well.
Large national pet supply chains — convenience and variety
Alongside local independent stores, large national chains in Edmonton offer convenience, a wide selection of products, and often competitive prices. These stores are located in different areas of the city, making them easily accessible to most residents, and they often offer additional services such as grooming, training, and pet boarding.
PetSmart — a big box of fun and services
PetSmart is one of the largest pet supply store chains in North America, with several locations throughout Edmonton, including locations in South Edmonton and West Edmonton. The store offers a huge selection of food, treats, toys, accessories, and other equipment for dogs, cats, fish, small animals, reptiles, and birds.
One of PetSmart's most appealing features is its Treats Rewards loyalty program, which allows customers to earn points on every purchase and receive 2% back in savings on all future purchases. In addition, Treats Rewards members can earn up to 5X points on tier bonus days, providing significant savings on frequent purchases. PetSmart also offers special deals for new customers, such as $20 OFF your first bath or grooming and training packages at a higher discount.
For convenience, PetSmart offers free same-day delivery (15% off when spending $60 or more through February 1), free in-store pickup in 2 hours or less, and home delivery. In addition, the PetSmart Autoship program offers 25% off your first order and 5% off future orders, making it an ideal option for those who regularly purchase pet food. The price match guarantee means that if you find a product cheaper elsewhere, PetSmart will match that price.
PetSmart also offers comprehensive services, including grooming, training, adoption, and other services at many locations. Some locations offer adoption centers, where pets are placed in stores, ready to find a loving home.
Pet Valu — Experts in Pet Nutrition
Pet Valu is a large national pet supply chain with over 600 locations across Canada and the northeastern United States. In Edmonton, the store has several locations, including one at 5241 167 Ave NW. Pet Valu specializes in a variety of pet products, ranging from food and treats to toys, accessories, and health products. A great feature of Pet Valu is that its staff is trained through the University of California Davis Extension School, making them experts in pet nutrition. In addition, Pet Valu offers a loyalty program for regular customers, which often includes buy 12 get 1 free offers for certain brands, such as Acana. These loyalty programs can save a lot of money for owners who buy the same brand of food consistently.Pet Valu also has a free shipping program for orders over $49 for online shoppers, making home delivery easy and convenient. The store offers services such as self-service dog bathing and grooming at many locations.### Petland — A Canadian Favorite with a Loyalty ProgramPetland operates in Edmonton as a local institution, offering a wide selection of pet products. The store is known for its loyalty program, which offers 10 units of one brand of food for the price of 11. This means that if you buy a premium brand such as Orijen, the higher initial price will be offset over the long term thanks to the loyalty program.## Wholesale and grocery stores — a powerful alternative for your budgetFor owners on a tight budget, wholesale and grocery stores in Edmonton offer valuable alternatives for purchasing pet supplies.### Costco — a mega-store offering value and qualityCostco is a private membership club, but for those who are already members, the selection of pet products is comparable to specialty stores at very competitive prices. The Kirkland Signature brand sold at Costco consistently receives accolades as high-quality dog and cat food, ranking well on pet food review websites such as DogFoodAdvisor. What sets Costco apart is its unbeatable prices on higher-quality food and treats.
In addition, Costco offers bulk packages of dog treats, such as milk bones, at a price much lower than you'll find at any specialty pet store. For those who buy frozen beef liver and fish oil (heat-dried), Costco offers amazingly low prices, around $15 for 500 grams, which is more than half the price of other stores. The store often carries organic options, although they may be inconsistent in terms of stock.
Walmart — the cheapest alternative
Walmart, like most of its stores across Canada, offers a selection of pet products at the lowest prices in town. For owners looking for absolute savings, Walmart has a whole range of pet products, from food to treats and accessories.
It's worth noting that these cheap foods are often of lower quality, with inferior ingredients, which you can use less of per day. However, if you are looking for a budget option, Walmart's Great Value brand of wet cat food often costs around $0.50-$0.98 per can. Walmart also offers the Zoe brand, which receives higher ratings on pet food review websites but at a cheaper price than it costs in specialty pet stores.
In addition, Walmart often has competitive prices on pet health products, such as flea and tick preventatives. You can find brands such as NEXTSTAR, with a three-month supply priced at around $34.96.
Other Big Box and Grocery Options
Other retail options, such as Superstore (Real Canadian Superstore), Safeway, and RCSS, also offer basic pet supplies, although the selection is often not as extensive as at specialty pet stores. These stores work well for purchasing some accessories and basic supplies, but the quality of food is often lower than what you would purchase at pet stores or in bulk.
Online Stores and Home Delivery Services
For owners who enjoy the convenience of shopping from home or who want to compare prices before purchasing, online stores have become a significant alternative.
Chewy.com (Canadian) — Specialized Online Pet Store
Chewy.com is a large online pet supply store chain that delivers to Canada. The store offers free shipping on orders over $35 CAD with 1-2 day delivery to most areas of Southern Ontario, with expansion to additional geographic areas in the future. However, it is important to note that during peak demand periods, such as holidays or sales periods, order processing times may increase to 7-10 days, instead of the typical processing time.
Chewy.com offers a huge selection of pet products, from food (including premium brands such as Purina Pro Plan, Blue Buffalo, and Merrick) to toys, accessories, medications, and health supplies. The Autoship program offers significant discounts on regular orders, allowing you to save even more on your ongoing purchases. In addition, Chewy.com has a 365-day secure return policy, which means you can return products no questions asked if you are not satisfied, giving you peace of mind when choosing new products.
Amazon.ca — Huge Selection and Competitive Prices
Amazon.ca offers a very large selection of pet products, from food and treats to toys and accessories. For Amazon Prime members, many items are eligible for fast shipping, sometimes even next-day delivery in some parts of Edmonton. Prices on Amazon are often competitive, although it's worth comparing prices between sites as they can vary depending on the seller and timing.
Local online stores — personalized service with home delivery
Many local independent stores in Edmonton also offer online ordering options with home delivery or in-store pickup. For example, PetSmart.ca allows you to order online and choose between home delivery or in-store pickup. Similarly, Pet Valu.ca offers online shopping with free shipping on orders over $49. These options often allow you to save on shipping compared to Chewy or Amazon if you order larger quantities.
Money-saving strategies when purchasing pet supplies
Depending on the type of product you are buying, a smart purchasing strategy can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
Loyalty programs and buy 12 get 1 free discounts
Many stores in Edmonton offer loyalty programs for repeat customers. For example, Pet Valu offers a program where you buy 12 bags of one brand of food and get the 13th bag free. This is especially valuable if you already feed the same brand, such as Acana, as it allows you to save about 8-10% on your annual food expenses. Similarly, Petland offers a buy 10 + 1 free program for premium foods such as Orijen.
Buy in bulk at Costco for expensive items
For items such as dog beds and especially treats in the frozen food section, Costco often offers the best prices. Dog beds are much more expensive at pet stores than at Costco, making it an exceptionally good buy if you have a membership.
Look for deals at non-specialty stores for smaller items
For smaller items such as toys, treats, and accessories, Winners (part of the TJX Companies group) and HomeSense often have excellent discounts on pet supplies, available at slightly less than they cost at specialty pet stores. However, shopping at these stores requires a certain amount of searching, as the selection of items fluctuates. For waste bags and other consumable bags, Dollarama often offers the lowest possible price.
Compare prices on health and preventative care products
When it comes to high-cost items such as flea and tick preventatives, Walmart often has competitive prices compared to specialty stores. It's worth checking Walmart quickly when you're purchasing these items.
Special services and additional benefits
Many stores in Edmonton offer services that go beyond simply selling pet supplies.
Grooming and boarding
Both PetSmart and Pet Valu offer grooming services at many locations. In addition, many local independent stores can provide referrals to professional groomers in your area.
Dog Bathing Services
Pet Valu offers self-service dog bathing services at some locations, where you can wash your dog using their equipment and supplies. PetSmart also offers dog bathing services at some locations.
Training
PetSmart offers dog training programs at some locations.
Adoption
Both PetSmart and Pet Valu often have adoption centers in their stores where local charities place pets in need of homes.
Special Diets and Prescription Foods
For dogs and cats that require special diets (such as hydrolyzed proteins or urinary diets), the cost can often be cheaper at veterinary clinics than at pet stores. If your dog or cat needs a prescription diet, be sure to check prices at your veterinary clinic before purchasing from specialty stores.
A Practical Guide to Smart Shopping
Depending on what you need to buy, different stores offer the best value.
For food: If you're buying a premium brand of expensive food, such as Orijen or Acana, consider loyalty programs at Petland or Pet Valu. If you're buying basics or are willing to experiment with brands at Costco, then Costco offers the best value. For cats that need a special diet, compare prices at your veterinary clinic.
For treats: Buy frozen treats (such as beef liver and fish oil) at Costco, as the prices are unbeatable. For other treats, compare prices between Walmart, Amazon, and specialty stores.
For accessories and toys: Look at Winners and HomeSense first, as they often have the lowest prices. Dollarama for basic items such as waste bags. Specialty stores for more niche or unique items.
For services: Consult local stores for recommendations on grooming, training, and other services.
A survey of Edmonton residents shows that most mix and match between stores, depending on what they are buying. There is no one store that is best for everything, but understanding the advantages of each store will allow you to make smarter purchasing decisions and save money.