You can help the Wilkies pay for all they do to help animals in our community
Debbie Wilkie’s love of animals is the major theme of Critters & Company in Clinton. All of the animals sold at the store are rescue animals. And, it does cost money to care for these rescue animals until they find a home. Many of the friends of the Wilkies want to help provide more funding for all that Critters & Co does. They have created a Gofundme campaign to help. If you would like to contribute: gofundme.com/f/first-annual-critters-co.
Critters & Company now has more room at its store in Ken’s Corner in Clinton to provide more supplies, rescue animals needing new homes, pet grooming and other services.
Critters & Company has been owned by Nathan and Debbie Wilkie since December 2015. The store specializes in creating an environment that encourages families to come by. It’s a common sight to see young children holding kittens or bunnies or talking to some of the exotic birds. Debbie says, “We are known to many as the Clinton Zoo. We know animals want to be petted and loved.”
The shop now has nine employees: six part-time and three full time (including Debbie, who is there most of the time). They plan to expand the fish area and pet supplies even more by the end of November.
In addition to a diverse selection of animals, fish and supplies, Debbie Wilkie says, “We now have a full grooming area with three groomers.”
Walking through the door of Critters & Company is the beginning of an adventure. Besides the kittens and bunnies that are usually at the front of the store to welcome visitors, there is a macaw on a branch facing out the window who glances around at the people coming in. Walking further into the store, there is a large area with tropical fish, a space for some impressive large and small reptiles, assorted small mammals, birds, and of course, all of the supplies needed to care for the various pet possibilities.
Debbie Wilkie is usually at the register at the front, ready to answer any questions. She is quick to notice the children who come into the store and encourages them to pick up the baby animals and make friends with them.
Soon after arriving on Whidbey, Debbie applied for a job at a pet store called Critters & Company that was a few doors down from where the store is located now. Debbie comments, “I always wanted to own a pet store.” It took several times of approaching the previous owner, before he agreed to sell the business to her family.
The Wilkies were able to make the purchase with help from Whidbey Island Local Lending (WILL). They have a desire to find ways to give back to the community in appreciation for being able to achieve their dream.
One of the ways the Wilkies enjoy being involved in the community is by providing an apprentice program for South Whidbey High School students where they get credit for learning how to handle a job (and get to have fun with many of the furry folks and fish there).
Although Debbie operates as the store manager most of the time, she is often assisted by her family as co-managers and sales specialists, including her husband, Nathan, and daughter, Melody, who is 19.
In addition to selling pets and pet supplies, Critters & Company offers a pet sitting business, and it’s not unusual to learn that a particular reptile or a bird is at the store while the owners are away on vacation. Nathan is also doing K9 dog training. They also offer an apprenticeship program for children nine and over to help them learn the responsibilities involved with owning a pet.
Critters & Company is maintaining a partnership with WAIF (Whidbey Animal Improvement Foundation) and with South Whidbey Animal Clinic. Most of the animals sold at the store are rescue animals, rather than animals obtained from breeders. Any animal purchased there comes with a health guarantee and a working relationship with the store and the vet. As Debbie explains, “It’s about finding the animal a forever home.”
The Wilkies take some of their animals for visits to schools, the Whidbey Island Fair, and to various other animal shows on Whidbey Island. Through their “Banjo Fund” (there is a donation jar at the front desk) they have rescued 27 dogs within the last three years. They also have a giant tortoise, Raja, who is often seen coasting around the store and up and down the sidewalk in front of the store.
For more information about Critters & Company, visit their Facebook page, or give them a call at (360) 341-1456, or stop by the store in Ken’s Corner, Clinton. Hours are Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Check their Website or Facebook page to see what critters are currently available.
