Josh and Stephanie Gilmer’s The Pet Shop of Fondren is officially open for business in Fondren Village (next to Quiznos).

The couple is celebrating their opening with the neighborhood’s Fondren’s First Thursday tonight.

“We’ll be handing out dog treats, so bring your pets,” Josh says. “We’ll also offer some refreshments and there will be food trucks in the parking lot.” Local twangers Young Valley will play outside.

The “upscale modern” pet store offers dog food that is “90% holistic and grain free, suitable to dogs with food allergies and stomach issues,” Josh explains. Base brands of Science Diet and Eukanuba are offered for pet owners who want quality but “don’t want to go too high end.”

In addition, The Pet Shop will carry medicated shampoo, joint supplements, dental treats and flea and tick medication. The Gilmers will sell vaccinations and dewormers to the public, a product you can administer to your pet at home yourself. “These are veterinarian recommended by Animal Medical Center,” Josh says.

Coarse Threads handmade leather collars and leashes are in stock as are versions from Blue Pine and Up Country. There are toys, kennels, cages and beds, and one more product line many have been surprised to find: chicken supplies. “More people have come in about chicken stuff,” Josh says. “We have veterinarian made Mississippi  organic chicken feed and electrolytes, and organic feed in bulk.”

The Gilmers say they are already feeling a hearty welcome from Fondren. “People are very welcoming, and that’s what we wanted: to be welcomed, to be a part of the neighborhood. Fondren is awesome, probably the best place in Jackson.”

The Pet Shop is open 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m, Monday-Friday and 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m on Saturday.