A dog jumps after a toy during competition in 2023 at Youngblood’s Natural Animal Care Center & Massage in Wilkinson. The business was recently recognized as one of America’s coolest pet stores.Tom Russo | Daily Reporter file photo
WILKINSON — More than a decade of hard work paid off for a mother/daughter team when their Indiana business was named one of “America’s Coolest Pet Stores” on Aug. 13.
The award was presented to Samantha and Kim Youngblood, owners of Youngblood’s Natural Animal Care Center & Massage, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
PETS+ magazine promotes the contest, now in its ninth year.
“The magazine’s annual America’s Coolest contest celebrates the best in independent pet business,” said PETS+ Editor-in-Chief Pamela Mitchell in a press release.
Located in what used to be a church in Wilkinson, Youngblood’s has been in business since 2013.
“We desired to provide a natural approach to animal health for cats, dogs and horses after dealing with health issues with our own animals, to which traditional medicine had failed,” Samantha Youngblood said. “We wanted to turn pet owners into advocates for their animals. Knowledge is power, and we want all our customers to feel empowered to make the best decisions possible for their animals.”
Nearly 40 entries were judged in six categories: exterior, interior, online presence, marketing, individuality and story. A panel of judges then chose eight winners.
“This store is definitely unique — your heart and dedication show in every word on your entry,” said Georganne Bender, Kizer & Bender, who served as one of the judges for the contest.
Judge Matt Aldrich, Pet Engine Marketing, said, “This store has a truly unique identity, combining retail with dock diving, holistic therapies, training and massage. It’s an incredible offering.”
Youngblood’s offers more than just pet food and supplies. The business has a vibrant dock diving presence and hosts several dock diving contests each year. The business also offers a variety of dog training classes. Visitors can often find cats waiting for adoption, as the store also fosters cats.
“We pride ourselves in supporting other small businesses and never carry anything from China (except our Chinese herbs) and love doing the research for our customers, so they don’t have to,” Samantha Youngblood said. “We support our customers and love to share our knowledge with them.”
Several of the judges remarked on the unique character of the store.
“I am head over heels that you have chosen to repurpose a church as your location. The amazing stained-glass windows are beautiful, and how wonderful that it aligns with the values and beliefs you have built your business upon. Just adds to your uniqueness,” said Alison Schwartz, All Pets Considered.
Samantha said the award “means everything to us.”
“This business has not been easy, but seeing it evolve and grow into what it is today is life-changing,” she said. “Being able to work as a mother and daughter team is an amazing gift, and we are incredibly blessed to run YAMT together with God at the forefront.”
As part of their award package, Samantha and Kim received three nights at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas by SUPERZOO, North America’s largest annual pet retail trade show. They were also given VIP buyer benefits to SUPERZOO as well as education passes for retail and grooming sessions.
The business is located at 310 S. Main St., Wilkinson. For more, visit www.youngbloodanimalmassage.com or call 765-785-4035.
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