For more than three decades, pet owners in Bend, Oregon, have relied on a local gem dedicated to enriching the lives of both pets and their human companions: Bend Pet Express. Established in 1993, this beloved institution has been more than just a pet supply store; it’s a community hub where expertise meets genuine care. The team at Bend Pet Express understands that every pet is unique, offering tailored advice on nutrition, exercise, play, and leisure. With a steadfast commitment to education and a passion for pets, Bend Pet Express has become synonymous with peace of mind for dog and cat lovers, built on a solid foundation of experience and trust.
Bend Pet Express (BPE) has not only witnessed the growth of the Bend community but has actively evolved alongside it. Maintaining its core mission of prioritizing pet health and happiness, BPE has also embraced sustainable practices and deepened its community engagement. Through charitable initiatives and strong customer relationships, Bend Pet Express stands as a cornerstone of Central Oregon, fostering connections between people and their pets, and strengthening the very fabric of the community. It’s more than a business; it’s a fur-family.
The Heart of Bend Pet Express: A Family Story
The story of Bend Pet Express began with a personal quest. Founder Julie Hunter, struggling to find suitable dog food for her ailing pet, recognized a gap in the market. She envisioned a place where pet owners could access specialized, high-quality nutrition beyond standard grocery store options.
Julie’s firsthand experience with her dog’s positive response to dietary changes ignited her passion. She firmly believed that a diet rich in natural ingredients was key to extending and enhancing pet lives. As Julie herself stated before her passing in 2021, “I filled my garage with premium dog food, and I decided that my new career goal would entail educating the public and helping our four-legged friends live longer, healthier lives.”
From a garage overflowing with pet food, Bend Pet Express expanded rapidly. The first retail store opened in Sisters, Oregon, built upon a foundation of family values and community spirit. This approach redefined the bond between pets and their owners. Bend Pet Express embraced the idea that pets are integral members of the family. Further expansion saw two Bend locations opening in 2001 and 2003. As the business transitioned into the future, the family ethos remained central. In 2019, Julie Hunter passed the leadership to her nephew, Ryan Kwaterski, who continues to honor the original mission while steering Bend Pet Express toward a bright future.
Image: The Bend Pet Express dog wash station, showcasing a clean and convenient space for pet owners to groom their dogs.
Ryan Kwaterski is deeply involved in all aspects of Bend Pet Express, from daily operations to community support initiatives. He collaborates closely with his team to curate product selections and enhance the company’s sustainability efforts. Every product considered for Bend Pet Express shelves undergoes rigorous vetting, often including direct consultation with industry experts and in-house feeding trials, underscoring their commitment to pet nutrition.
“BASS, a massive pit bull, comes by Eastside multiple times a week with his person to pick out a treat and say hi. Every time, BASS makes a point to find each member of staff to ask for love. We always look forward to his sweet face and wiggly butt.” – Kiyta, BPE Employee
Nutrition and Well-being: Cornerstones of Bend Pet Express
Pet health remains at the heart of Bend Pet Express’s mission. Just as it was for Julie Hunter three decades ago, quality nutrition is paramount for Ryan Kwaterski and his team today.
Stephanie Wright, Director of Procurement, reflects on the founder’s dedication: “Julie always did her research. She wanted the best of the best and solutions-based formulas. We’ve kept that true to form here. We go through a pretty intensive process to bring in products. We don’t carry food just for the sake of brand name recognition or because of a marketing campaign.” Bend Pet Express proudly stands behind every product on its shelves. Kwaterski, Wright, and their team prioritize understanding both pet and owner needs through continuous learning and a genuine desire to share their knowledge.
Educating customers about the benefits of raw diets and their impact on canine longevity is a key focus. “We focus on the benefits of raw diets, and are following the science and the studies behind them,” Wright explains. Bend Pet Express engages in ongoing dialogues with industry experts and pet owners alike. Only premium, quality-tested pet foods and products make it to their stores. “If it’s something that we don’t believe in, we won’t use it on our pets, and we won’t sell it,” Wright emphasizes, highlighting their unwavering commitment to quality and trust.
Image: A happy dog, Oban, showcasing new toys and a harness purchased from Bend Pet Express, highlighting the store’s diverse product range.
Exceptional Care and Convenient Services at Bend Pet Express
The team at Bend Pet Express are more than just retail staff; they are passionate pet people. They serve as invaluable resources, listening attentively to customers and guiding them to the perfect products for their pets’ unique needs. This dedication extends across all channels – in-store, online, and over the phone. Bend Pet Express is committed to making quality pet care accessible, offering convenient pickup and free delivery services within a 500 square mile radius (approximately 12 miles) in Bend, five days a week. Orders placed are typically delivered the same or next day, ensuring pets never miss a meal. This white-glove, complimentary delivery service exemplifies Bend Pet Express’s dedication to customer convenience and pet well-being.
“I remember meeting Baron, a gorgeous long-haired German Shepherd, and his amazing mom who was looking for help. Baron was strong and was almost able to pull his human right off her feet! They became some of my favorite visitors at the store – watching Baron and his mom work together with new tools and ideas made my day every time they stopped by.” – Stephanie, BPE Employee
A Sustainable Vision for Bend’s Future
Bend Pet Express goes beyond simply stocking shelves with health-promoting pet products. They ensure that every product aligns with their core values, with sustainability being a guiding principle. Ethical and sustainable sourcing is a critical part of their product vetting process. Bend Pet Express believes that caring for pet families extends to caring for the planet.
To address waste in the pet food industry, Bend Pet Express implemented a practical recycling program. Partnering with TerraCycle, a national zero-waste solutions company, they provide in-store drop bins at each location for clean pet food packaging – boxes, bags, and cans – diverting waste from local landfills and repurposing materials.
Community: Pets, People, and Partnership
Bend Pet Express’s 30-year legacy as a pillar of the Central Oregon community is built on a foundation of healthy lifestyles for both pets and people. Ryan Kwaterski and his team continue to uphold three core beliefs:
- First, Bend Pet Express believes every pet deserves a healthy and fulfilling life. This isn’t about high costs, but about informed choices regarding quality, life-extending products.
- Second, they champion informed decision-making for pet owners, free from marketing hype and jargon. They provide unbiased, clear information to empower customers to make the best choices for their pets’ daily health and long-term well-being.
- Finally, Bend Pet Express is deeply committed to strengthening the community, extending support to those in need.
These principles guide every decision at Bend Pet Express, ensuring they contribute to a healthier, happier life for pets and the community they serve.
Bend Pet Express Dog Wash: Pampering Your Pet
Image: Three adorable pugs enjoying the dog wash facilities at Bend Pet Express, showcasing the fun and ease of pet grooming at the store.
Central Oregon’s active, outdoor lifestyle often leads to happy but dusty pets. Bend Pet Express provides the perfect solution with their in-store Dog Wash. Each retail location features self-service dog wash bays equipped with a range of grooming products. Whether it’s a quick rinse after a riverside adventure or a regular coat cleaning, the Bend Pet Express Dog Wash makes pet grooming convenient and enjoyable. For those seeking extra pampering or time-saving solutions, concierge groomer appointments are available, offering VIP treatments like soothing mud baths. From muddy paws to full spa treatments, Bend Pet Express ensures every dog leaves clean, happy, and refreshed.
“While working in the dog wash, a regular became like a second mom to me. She even remembered my kids’ birthdays, since I’m terrible with memory. For that first Christmas, she gave me a homemade card with a photo of Maggie, her dog. 10+ years later, I still have that card in my new office.” – Kim, BPE Employee
A Charitable Business Rooted in Community
From humble beginnings in Julie Hunter’s garage, Bend Pet Express has grown into a multi-faceted service provider for pet families across Central Oregon, always remaining deeply committed to the community.
Beyond offering a wide selection of pet products, Bend Pet Express prioritizes sourcing locally whenever possible. They actively participate in community fundraisers and auctions, and consistently contribute to charitable causes. Their support for nonprofits and pets takes many forms, including providing kennels at the High Desert Museum, allowing visitors to explore the museum knowing their pets are safe and comfortable.
Looking Ahead: The Next 30 Years for Bend Pet Express
Bend, Oregon, frequently recognized as one of the most dog-friendly cities in the U.S., and even dubbed “DogTown U.S.A,” owes part of its pet-loving reputation to businesses like Bend Pet Express. For 30 years, Bend Pet Express has been an integral part of Central Oregon’s pet paradise, supporting both pets and their people.
Here’s to Bend Pet Express and their continued celebration of our furry friends, every day of the year, for many years to come! Click here to discover more about Bend Pet Express.
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