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Most days, when I walk into work, the first thing I notice isn’t the paperwork or the noise. It’s the look on people’s faces: the nervous excitement of a couple, a kid already in love and a family picturing life with a new dog. Pets aren’t just companions anymore — they’re part of the family.
Three years ago, I didn’t expect this to become my daily reality. When I left the insurance industry, I wanted work that felt more personal and made a lasting difference in people’s lives. I found that managing pet stores in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
Our team of nearly 60 is deeply woven into our communities — bringing puppies to colleges to ease student stress during finals and hosting elementary school field trips to teach animal care. This work goes far beyond retail; it’s about connection, education and making a positive impact.
But for businesses like ours and the families we serve, that impact is at risk.
Across the country, local governments are banning pet stores from selling pets, even when those stores are operating responsibly. One Oklahoma locality, Midwest City, has already done so. These bans don’t reduce demand, but they do reduce access to safe, regulated sources. Families are pushed toward online sellers, scammers and unverified breeders with far less transparency, while small local businesses are forced to close.
On Wednesday, Feb. 11, the state House will debate House Bill 4335, which would stop these “pet prohibition” laws and preserve choice statewide. At its core, HB 4335 asks a simple question: Should families have clear, consistent options when bringing a pet home, or should choices depend on their ZIP code?
Today, families looking for a dog generally have three options: humane societies, private breeders or regulated pet stores. Humane societies do important work, but they often have limited breeds, which can make it hard for families to find a dog that fits their lifestyle. Private breeders are another option, but transparency varies widely, and information on health histories or opportunities to meet different breeds may be limited, if offered at all.
Regulated pet stores provide visibility and accountability. Families can meet dogs in person, ask questions, compare temperaments and see how animals are cared for. If something goes wrong, there is a clear system of responsibility.
In our stores, we partner with licensed, inspected breeders, host a consulting veterinarian on-site each week and send puppies home with comprehensive homecoming kits and health protections, giving families peace of mind rather than unexpected surprises.
Bringing a dog home without proper preparation can have serious consequences. These include unexpected veterinary costs, behavioral issues caused by a lack of proper care or training, and stress for both the family and the animal. Too often, those challenges end with pets being rehomed or surrendered to shelters.
When families are properly supported, outcomes improve. Pets are healthier, bonds are stronger and the transition into pet ownership is smoother. That’s why we offer health warranties, training aids and lifetime guarantees — to reduce uncertainty and help ensure a puppy remains a source of long-term joy and stability.
HB 4335 makes sure responsible businesses aren’t caught in a constantly shifting set of local rules that make it harder to do right by animals and the families bringing them home.
Last year alone, we helped more than 1,600 puppies find homes. My hope is that we can continue this work with confidence and transparency, and that Oklahoma families can keep making one of the most meaningful decisions of their lives with clear information and real choice.
Clay Bunch is the regional manager for Petland stores in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, where he oversees local teams focused on responsible pet sourcing, consumer education and long-term outcomes for families and animals.
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