Todd Dittman: All My Children Wear Fur Coats "Paw-Cast"

Peggy interviewed Todd Dittman, Executive Director of IndiePet, a trade association representing independent and neighborhood pet stores. Todd explained that IndiePet was formed about 5 years ago to help small pet stores compete against mass merchandisers like Chewy and Amazon, currently representing 150 supplier members and 400 retailers with 1,600 store locations. They discussed the benefits of shopping at independent pet stores, including personalized product knowledge, ability to test products with pets present, and enhanced customer experience through services like grooming and self-bathing. Todd highlighted their annual Neighborhood Pet Store Day event happening September 25-27, 2026 which expects over 3,000 participating stores across the country, and mentioned that membership for retailers is only $50 per store per year. The conversation also covered upcoming trade shows like Global Pet Expo and SuperZoo, where new product innovations are showcased, and Todd shared his personal passion for working in the pet industry after previously working in retail and store fixtures.Support the show