Twenty years ago, Weruva wasn't a household name.
It was an idea inspired by three beloved cats, Webster, Rudi, and Vanessa, and a simple belief that pets deserved food made with ingredients people could actually recognize. David and Stacie Forman set out to create the kind of pet food they wanted for their own family, beginning with the recipe that started it all: Paw Lickin' Chicken.
But great pet food doesn't find its way into pets' bowls on its own!
Long before Weruva could be found in pet bowls across the country, it first found a home on the shelves of independent pet stores. These neighborhood retailers took a chance on a brand no one had heard of yet, introducing Paw Lickin' Chicken to local pet parents and helping spread the word one recommendation at a time.
Twenty years later, many of those same stores are still part of the Weruva family. While it's impossible to recognize every independent retailer who's been part of our journey, we're excited to highlight just a handful of the longtime partners who have helped shape our story.
Long Leash On Life
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Serving pets for 20 years
Long Leash On Life has built its reputation around carrying transparent, high-quality brands that put pets first. After meeting David and Stacie at a trade show nearly two decades ago, they quickly recognized that Weruva shared those same values.
"Twenty years ago, we were building our business on reputable brands of superior quality that demonstrate transparency. The next year, we were fortunate to discover the owners of Weruva, David and Stacie, at a trade show, and the rest is history. Their charm was endearing and their pet food passion was contagious. Soon, we had nearly the entire line in our store. Over time, and lots of line extensions later, we've reconfirmed what makes their brand so great. It's a combination of the company's integrity, innovative strategies, and consistent brand support. Besides clever product names, they make real food for pets; you can actually see the ingredients. At Long Leash On Life, we've been thrilled to grow the Weruva brand to nearly 150 items, with space being our only true limitation. We send our heartfelt congratulations to Weruva for 20 years of doing pet food right."
– Ken & Norm, Owners
The Big Bad Woof
Washington, DC
Serving pets for more than 21 years
Known for its commitment to quality nutrition and exceptional customer service, The Big Bad Woof has carried Weruva since nearly the very beginning. Their team has watched the brand grow from its earliest trade show days into one of the strongest lines in their cat department.
"We 'Ruv' Weruva!!! The Big Bad Woof has been in business for over 21 years and Weruva has been a mainstay in our shop from the first year we met them. We have to say it is the strongest line in our cat section. At probably the first Global show Weruva attended, Anthony gave us a discount on a show order. We wrote an order, and when he looked at it, the color drained from his face. Weruva honored that order anyway (it was a BIG order), and we've been fiercely loyal customers ever since."
– Pennye Jones-Napier, CHPHC & Julie Paez
Pet Supply Center
Sarasota, Florida
Serving the community for 35 years
Pet Supply Center has been helping Sarasota pet parents find trusted nutrition for their pets for over three decades. They've carried Weruva since the early days and continue to recommend our recipes to even the pickiest eaters.
"Weruva is our go-to pet food. If a pet is picky, we know that most customers will find something within the line that their dog or cat will eat. It's a food we trust and feed to our own pets. On a professional note, since the very beginning Weruva, has had the most wonderful manufacturer reps and it's been a pleasure working with them over the many years."
– Kathy Kurzydlo, Owner
Pet Mania
Raleigh, North Carolina
Serving pets for 40 years
Family owned and community focused, Pet Mania has spent four decades helping Raleigh pet parents find products they can trust. Since bringing Weruva into their stores nearly 20 years ago, the partnership has grown alongside both businesses.
"Nearly 20 years ago, we brought Weruva into our stores because we believed in the quality of the product. What we didn't know then was that we were beginning a relationship that would become such an important part of our story. As a family-owned business serving pet families since 1987, we've always valued partnerships built on trust, shared values, and a commitment to doing things the right way. Weruva embodies all of those qualities. Thank you for growing with us, supporting independent pet retailers, and helping us provide the very best for cats in our community. Your success has contributed to ours, and we are grateful to have been part of each other's journey. We look forward to continuing that partnership for years to come."
– Jackie Myers, Owner
Food For Pets
Manchester & Amherst, New Hampshire
Serving pets for 46 years
Food For Pets helps New Hampshire pet families find trusted nutrition with exceptional customer service. Their commitment to quality products and lasting relationships has made them a valued independent pet retailer and a longtime member of the Weruva family.
"It is unusual to find a company like Weruva that flawlessly matches product quality and customer support. Each of our reps, Chris, Candice, Derek, Regan, and Natalie, has been available and present whenever we need them, and sometimes when we didn't know we needed them... but did! Thank you for an excellent product, and excellent friendships! What I typically tell people when showing them the brand is, 'You're going to hate me for recommending this product line, because after you see it, you're never going to be able to go back to brown goo again!"
– Jack Carey, Owner
Pet Food Shoppe
Lakeville, Massachusetts
Serving pets for 46 years
Pet Food Shoppe has been helping local pet families find quality nutrition for their dogs and cats for over four decades. Their longstanding partnership with Weruva reflects a shared commitment to supporting pets through thoughtfully made food and trusted customer relationships.
"We have a great partnership with Weruva and the support to help grow the product line as new items are added. Weruva has a great lineup of products that focus on the pets' needs for dogs and cats. I have been in the pet industry for over 52 years, working in pet retail from 1974 to 1976 and with a pet wholesale distributor for more than 30 years. Since 2008, I have continued serving pet families through retail, and we're proud to continue our partnership with Weruva."
– Bruce, Owner
Healthy Tails
Las Vegas, Nevada
Serving pets for 20 years
Healthy Tails is dedicated to helping Las Vegas pet parents find quality nutrition for their furry family members. Their partnership with Weruva has grown alongside their business, built on a shared commitment to keeping pets happy and healthy.
"At Healthy Tails, we're proud to partner with Weruva for 20 years. The quality of the food has shown in the health and well-being of our furry friends, and you've been a great asset to our business."
– Michael Lay, Owner
Thank You to Our Partners
For 20 years, independent pet stores have been more than retail partners. They've been educators, advocates, and trusted voices in their communities, helping pet parents discover better nutritional options.
To every retailer who has believed in Weruva, whether from the very beginning or somewhere along the way, thank you for being part of our story. Your passion, expertise, and dedication have helped us reach countless pets and the people who love them. Here's to the next 20 years of helping pets live Awesome Happy Awesome Healthy lives together!
Want to support your local independent pet store? Use our Store Locator to find a retailer near you and shop the stores that continue to make a difference in pets' lives every day.
