The idea of having a pet supply store with a drive-thru came to me 12 years ago. My first store in northeast Portland was established, and yet I noticed everyday that customers struggled with parking.  Lifting heavy bags of pet supplies was very inconvenient, especially if they had a small child in tow.   

My idea was put in motion after I wrote a business plan, hired a business coach to help me work out the kinks, and took out a loan with a local community bank. I researched areas that lacked a local pet supply store from Vancouver to Salem, and finally found the spot in Tigard that checked all my boxes. I was so excited!  

The Filling Station Pet Supplies in Tigard was born 7/15/2015.  

The response from the community was very positive. Deep relationships were cultivated quickly. I watched your pets grow up and older. I cried and privately grieved beside you when you’ve lost your animals. My team and I worked hard to create an open atmosphere to help with anything you need. I have been deeply committed to the community of which I serve and I have loved that you have trusted us to work with you.  

Like many businesses in the past couple of years,  I lost managers and key employees to cross-country moves and new jobs. These were the people who played integral roles in supporting me and helping the businesses run. I was now experiencing significant staffing shortages that restricted my ability to be present in a meaningful way. I dug deep. I tried everything I could think of, including promoting employees.  But a gap still wasn't being filled, despite my new 7-days a week schedule.  

I had to get more creative.  

Sell.  

Sell the Tigard store?  

I mourned the idea at first. But as I saw it, I had three solutions to my staffing shortage:  

1). Change nothing  

2). Close the store  

3). Sell the store  

Selling the store would be the best solution IF I could find someone I trusted to carry it on.  

Let me introduce Kayla Roberts and her wife Kristin. Kayla and Kristin have over 20 years of combined experience in the pet industry. Kristin is an experienced groomer, and Kayla managed a local, holistic pet supply store in Beaverton for over nine years. Together, they own Goat & Bear Grooming Salon in the same building as the Tigard store. Kristin runs the grooming shop and Kayla has been helping Kristin get it off the ground for the past two years. Knowing Kayla’s background, I approached her as I thought she would be a perfect fit to take over my business.  

“Our pets are our children and we treat them that way. We want to help others give their pets the best care and products they need so they can live a long, healthy and fun life”, said Kayla.  

I have 100% confidence in what’s to come. Services such as drive-thru, our online store with auto-ordering capability, delivery and the famous bags of chocolates handed out at the cash wrap in Tigard will all remain! I am also happy to report that every member of the TFS Pets team will be staying and understand that changes like these may bring many questions. They are ready to help you. Kayla and Kristin firmly believe in the products we carry and will not stray from our high standards. You will see some additional items, especially with toys and treats, so this will be exciting for you to explore the store with new products to choose from.   

What about the name?  

I continue to own the name and the Portland location of The Filling Station Pet Supplies. In the next several months, you will begin to see a new name in Tigard as they make this transition. I hope you will tell all your friends and neighbors to help reduce any concerns. I expect Kayla to take this business to the next level with even greater success!

I want to thank everyone who has supported my store and my dream, especially my parents, Karrie and Marshall Amiton and my partner Laurie Radmacher. I also want to thank every employee past and present who has worked at The Filling Station Pet Supplies Tigard for their dedication and hard work. I am very proud of them and am grateful for their support while working with me.  And I especially want to thank you. I will cherish the relationships and encourage you to embrace Kayla and Kristin as they embark on this new and very special adventure.  

Please join me as I more formally welcome Kayla & Kristin at our Meet The New Owner Open House on Sunday, September 10th from 12pm-2pm. I would love to see you and thank you in person!  

Warmly,  

Laura Amiton  

Founder-The Filling Station Pet Supplies in Tigard  

Owner-The Filling Station Pet Supplies in Portland