In our ‘Spotlight On’ series, we’re showcasing the many things Woodingdean has to offer, through profiles of local business owners.
This week, Woodingdean in Business features Fiona of Paws with a Cause, a new shop selling quality pet supplies with a conscience.
Shop owners Luigi and Fiona
It’s amazing feeling this excited about something. Setting up a business is scary, but we’re passionate about Paws with a Cause and it feels great to be actively making a difference. High-welfare pet food and ethically sourced products are very important to us, so it’s wonderful to have the opportunity to introduce them to other people.
I spend a lot of time on the phone, checking and cross-checking brands’ credentials. Sometimes it can be a daunting process, but I have to know exactly what I’m selling. We check each brand’s philosophy very carefully and we only stock those we agree with.
Just because a hen isn’t in a cage doesn’t mean it’s had a good quality of life. A few years ago there was a lot of media attention on battery hens, and the government was under pressure from the public to change things. Now it’s illegal to keep hens in cages in Britain, but many are still intensively farmed in cramped conditions. We’re determined to support the brands that choose to use free-range in their wet foods, and we don’t stock products that claim to contain ‘free-run chicken’ unless we know exactly what that means.
Inside Paws with a Cause
A tight budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing principles. Although not everyone can shop organic, there are still ways to make sure that the pet products you buy are ethical and sustainable. As well as organic and free-range, there is also ‘Freedom Food’, which has been farmed according to the RSPCA’s strict animal welfare standards and is often more affordable. That said, I do believe that the high-welfare market needs to expand and have even more options for those with less money to spend.
It’s great to see the Woodingdean community embracing the shop. We’ve had a lot of local interest and support, with many people saying how glad they are to see new businesses coming into the area. I hope that as time goes by people will continue to visit Paws with a Cause and that we’ll be able to give back by giving people yet another reason to do their shopping in Woodingdean .
Our dogs are rescue pets from Raystede, one of the three charities we support. Their names are Worzel and Bimla, which suit them perfectly. I am a strong believer in adopting dogs from rescue centres like Raystede; of course people like a young puppy, but when there are so many dogs without a home out there, it’s important to remember them too. At Paws with a Cause we’re committed to donating a small percentage of our profits to Raystede, as well as our two other charities: the Dr Hadwen Trust, which supports alternatives to animal research and Compassion in WorldFarming, which campaigns for the welfare of animals in agriculture.
Paws with a Cause are now in business at 82 Warren Road! Drop in or call them on 01273 602870.
For more information about local businesses and what’s on in Woodingdean, head to www.woodingdeaninbusiness.co.uk