Pet World Experience

- 711 W 23rd St #26, Lawrence, KS 66046

Introduction / Overview

In the heart of Lawrence, Kansas, there is a place that redefines what a pet store can be. Pet World Experience, a cherished local institution, is much more than a retail space for pet supplies; it is a multi-licensed animal shelter, an educational center, and a community hub. Owned by Tim and Sherry Emerson since 1988, this small, women-owned business has built a reputation for its deep commitment to animal welfare and community service. Unlike big-box pet stores, Pet World offers a truly unique and engaging experience for visitors of all ages. It combines the sale of pets and supplies with a hands-on, interactive environment where people can get up close and personal with a variety of animals, from hamsters and bunnies to birds, reptiles, and fish. This approach is not just for entertainment; it's a core part of their mission to foster affinity and respect for nature and all living things. They believe that providing positive human-animal connections lays the foundation for a life-long appreciation for the environment. The business is so highly regarded that the state of Kansas even uses it as a training site for new Animal Health Inspectors. For residents of Kansas, Pet World Experience represents a place where you can find everything you need for your pet while also supporting a business that actively contributes to animal rescue and the education of the next generation of animal lovers.

The "experience" in Pet World's name is well-earned. As highlighted in customer reviews, the store provides an opportunity to interact with animals, such as feeding fish and turtles, and holding hamsters and bunnies, turning a simple shopping trip into a delightful outing. The staff are consistently praised for their extensive knowledge and helpfulness, especially for first-time pet owners. Their commitment to responsible pet ownership is evident in the time they take to educate customers, ensuring each animal finds a suitable and loving home. This focus on education is a priceless part of the experience, as one customer noted. The prices are also a major draw, with reviews pointing out that their products are "priced well below the big box pet stores." This combination of fair pricing, knowledgeable staff, and an engaging atmosphere makes Pet World a beloved local gem. Their dedication to rescuing and rehoming exotic animals further sets them apart, as they operate a licensed shelter directly within the store. This unique model means that a portion of every sale goes to support their animal rescue work and free community programs, providing a compelling reason to "shop local." Pet World Experience is truly a testament to what a passionate and community-focused business can achieve.

Location and Accessibility

Pet World Experience is conveniently located at 711 W 23rd St #26, Lawrence, KS 66046, USA. Its position on a major street makes it easily accessible for residents of Lawrence and the surrounding areas. The store is designed to be a hub for pet care, and its location ensures it is a central and quick stop for anyone needing supplies or services. The business offers a variety of service options to cater to different customer needs, including in-store shopping and curbside pickup. This is particularly convenient for customers who are short on time or prefer a fast and efficient way to get their supplies. The store is also committed to physical accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and a dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot. This ensures that all members of the community can access the store and its services without any barriers. The business’s approach to payments is also modern and convenient, accepting credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions quick and seamless. Pet World Experience's focus on a "quick visit" model, combined with its accessibility features and central location, makes it a highly practical and user-friendly destination for all pet owners in Kansas. The business also runs its own online store, allowing customers to extend their personalized service with online booking options, shipping, and delivery for those who cannot visit in person.

The commitment to convenience and accessibility is deeply ingrained in the business's philosophy. As a locally owned, small business, they understand the importance of making their services available to the community in a way that is both welcoming and efficient. The store’s layout is designed to allow visitors to find what they need quickly, while also inviting them to explore the various animal exhibits. This duality is part of the unique experience they provide. The business also makes special accommodations, such as allowing senior citizens to shop 30 minutes before regular opening hours for their safety and convenience. This level of community-minded service is a hallmark of Pet World. The store’s public-facing animal rescue and shelter, which is open during regular business hours, is another key feature that highlights their dedication to animal welfare. By integrating their rescue work directly into the store, they provide a transparent and educational view of animal care, making it a unique stop in the Lawrence area. The combination of a convenient location, a user-friendly shopping experience, and a deep commitment to accessibility and community service makes Pet World Experience an exceptional local resource for Kansas pet owners.

Services Offered

• Animal Rescue and Adoption: As a licensed animal shelter, Pet World rescues and rehomes a variety of exotic animals, including birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. All proceeds from pet supply sales support this work.
• Pet Supplies: The store offers a vast selection of supplies for all types of pets, from food and toys to habitats, including a variety of plants, wood, and rock for aquariums and terrariums.
• Interactive Experience: Visitors can engage with animals through hands-on interactions, such as petting bunnies and hamsters, and feeding fish and turtles.
• Educational Programs: Pet World offers a wide range of educational programs for all ages, including free weekly events like 'Storytime LIVE!' and 'Feature Creature' for children, as well as educational programs for local schools.
• Boarding: The store provides boarding services for small mammals, reptiles, and birds.
• Grooming and Dog Wash: They offer a dog wash service designed to be a "loving, less stressful bath time experience" for dogs.
• Children's Parties and Camps: The store provides unique birthday party packages and camps that offer a hands-on animal experience for children.
• Curbside and In-Store Pickup: Customers can choose to order online and have their purchases delivered to their car or ready for quick pickup inside.

Features / Highlights

• Locally Owned and Women-Owned: As a small, women-owned business, Pet World is a pillar of the Lawrence community, with a strong focus on local support.
• Unique Business Model: The store operates as a pet shop and a licensed animal shelter and educational center, with proceeds from sales directly funding their rescue work.
• Competitive Pricing: Customers consistently review that the store's prices are well below those of big-box pet stores, making it a cost-effective choice for pet owners.
• Exceptional Staff Knowledge: The staff is praised for being super helpful, knowledgeable, and patient, providing invaluable education to new and experienced pet owners alike.
• Interactive and Educational Environment: The store is a destination in itself, offering a "children's amusement center" feel with its hands-on animal exhibits and educational programs.
• Community-Minded: Pet World is known for its outstanding community service and a mission to promote environmental conservation and a connection to nature through pets.
• High Standards: The state of Kansas uses Pet World as a training site for new Animal Health Inspectors, highlighting their commitment to setting the industry standard for animal care.

Contact Information

Address: 711 W 23rd St #26, Lawrence, KS 66046, USA

Phone: (785) 841-7476

What is worth choosing

For any resident of Kansas, choosing Pet World Experience is a decision that extends far beyond a simple retail transaction. What makes this store truly worth choosing is its profound dedication to its mission of fostering a positive human-animal connection and its role as a vital community resource. Unlike a corporate chain, Pet World's very business model is designed to give back; a portion of every purchase directly supports their licensed animal rescue and shelter work. This means that by shopping at Pet World, you are actively contributing to the welfare of animals in need. The store's commitment to education is a major differentiator. As reviews show, the staff goes above and beyond to provide a priceless education to customers, ensuring they are well-prepared for pet ownership. The story of the hamster owner, who received invaluable advice on their new pet's care, is a perfect example of this. The fact that the store offers a hands-on experience, allowing you to pet bunnies and feed turtles, makes it a fun and interactive destination for the entire family. This unique feature turns a routine trip into a memorable outing. Moreover, the business is lauded for its competitive pricing, offering high-quality products at rates often lower than those of larger chains. This makes Pet World an excellent option for both your conscience and your wallet. In a world of impersonal big-box stores, Pet World Experience stands out as a genuine, compassionate, and community-focused business that truly puts animals and people first. It is a place where you can find the perfect pet, receive expert advice, and know that your money is supporting a fantastic local cause.

The worth of choosing Pet World is also tied to its exceptional reputation and the wide variety of services it offers. The fact that it has been recognized as the "Best of Lawrence" every year since the contest began is a powerful testament to its consistent excellence. The business provides an incredible array of services, from boarding for small mammals and reptiles to a specialized dog wash and educational programs for children. This makes it a one-stop-shop that goes far beyond just selling products. The store's commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment is also worth noting; it is a space where both animals and people are treated with respect and care. This is a business that not only operates on a high standard of ethics but is also recognized by the state of Kansas for setting a positive example for the entire industry. The existence of a licensed exotic animal shelter within a retail store is a rare and admirable feat, and it speaks volumes about the owners' passion and dedication. For all these reasons—from the competitive prices and knowledgeable staff to the direct support of animal rescue and community education—Pet World Experience is an unparalleled choice for any pet lover in Kansas. It is more than just a place to buy pet supplies; it is a place to learn, to connect, and to feel good about your contribution to a worthy local cause.

Pet World Experience

711 W 23rd St #26, Lawrence, KS 66046, USA