Since opening Critters & Co. in 2015, Nathan and Debbie Wilkie have continued to expand the pet supplies and services offered at the store. In addition to all of the items offered in the retail store, they have become known for providing a place to find animals in need of re-homing. Now, they have an additional description for the business: They are a non-profit animal rescue operation.
The store specializes in creating an environment that encourages families to come by and visit with the animals. 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.” She adds, “We have over 70 rescue animals in our care at any one time.”
As part of their animal rescue operation, they do feral cat trapping with Trap Neuter Release. They have two current locations where the animals are kept. They are in the process of building a small kennel to house animals that are in immediate need. They plan to see this program grow in the future.
They do community outreach and invite members of the community to learn more about what they are doing. Debbie says, “With the major increase in the animal rescue industry, and animals needing homes, it is our goal to give them a second chance.
All our rescues now come with spay and neuter certification, are microchipped, vaccinated, and all health issues have been cared for with the help of the awesome South Whidbey Animal Clinic.”
Critters & Co. still runs a full line dry good pet store that helps to support the animals, and an amazing groomer that helps get the rescued animals groomed if needed.
They also provide some pet sitting services.
Critters & Co. now has three full-time employees, as well as many volunteers and young apprentices. In the future, they plan to grow their spay and neuter programs, have larger spaces to hold more animals, build their foster program with more volunteers, and provide additional fencing for the kennel areas.
The Mission Statement for Critters & Co.
It’s our mission to improve and save animal lives by promoting quality care and compassion through adoption and education. We focus on current medical needs, including spay and neutering, rehabilitation and re-homing of many animals. These animals include but are not limited to dogs, cats, reptiles, birds and small animals. We ensure healthy pets through education, advocacy and finding affordable services.
Although Debbie operates as the store manager most of the time, she is often assisted by her family as co-managers and sales specialists.
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 over 600 animals in the years they have been open. They also have a giant tortoise, Raja, who is often seen coasting around the store and up and down the sidewalk in the front.
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 Facebook page to see what critters are currently available: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?&mibext
