Making a difference for pets and their people

House of Paws owner Sarah Heyer shares how a love of animals grew into a thriving Rossland business

House of Paws has become a trusted stop for Rossland pet owners looking for quality products and personalized advice. — Photos courtesy of House of Paws

When Sarah Heyer took over a small pet store in Rossland in early 2020, she couldn't have predicted the challenges that lay ahead. What began as a way to spend more time with her beloved French Bulldog quickly evolved into a career, and ultimately a business of her own. Today, House of Paws Pet Boutique has become a trusted destination for pet owners seeking quality nutrition, personalized service, and expert guidance for their four-legged family members.

Rooted in the heart of Rossland, House of Paws has built its reputation on a simple philosophy: pets deserve the same care and consideration as any other member of the family. From championing fresh and raw food diets to supporting local rescues and community initiatives, Heyer has created a business that reflects both her passion for animal wellness and her deep connection to the community she calls home. We spoke with Heyer about her journey into pet retail, navigating a pandemic-era startup, and her vision for the future of House of Paws.

What inspired you to start House of Paws?

I originally began working at a pet store in Rossland in exchange for doggy daycare for my French Bulldog puppy. Within a year, I stepped into a management role so I could bring my dog to work with me every day. After four years of managing the shop, the opportunity to purchase the business arose. It was a life-changing opportunity I couldn't turn down, and I officially opened House of Paws in January 2020.

What were the early days like when you first opened?

The early days were quite intense, as COVID-19 began making headlines just as I opened. Within three months, we had to close our doors to foot traffic and pivot to a delivery service. Some of my fondest memories are from that time; my husband and I performed twice-daily delivery runs to our fantastic customers. It truly fostered a sense of community and made me feel very fortunate to be in Rossland.

Why did you choose Rossland as the place to build your business?

Rossland has been my home since I was two years old. I love everything about this town: the tight-knit community, the beautiful mountains, and our charming downtown.

What makes your business different from other pet stores or services in the region?

Our focus is on fresh food. We believe that food is medicine and that what you put into a pet's body directly impacts their well-being. We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service and treat every pet as an individual. If we can improve a pet's life even by a small fraction, we feel we are doing meaningful work.

What are some of your most popular products or services right now?

Our raw food is consistently a top seller. Additionally, we recently brought on an incredible groomer, Christine. She is one of the kindest, most animal-loving people I have ever met, and she has been a wonderful addition to our team.

How important is community support to your business?

We would be nothing without our amazing community of animal lovers. We feel incredibly fortunate to be supported by the people here.

Do you partner with any local organizations, shelters, or rescues?

We regularly donate to our local pet rescue, HEART, and we also support our local food bank. Pets are an essential part of people's lives, and we do whatever we can to help ease the burden of pet ownership for those in need.

What trends are you seeing in pet care right now?

The biggest shift is the "humanization" of pets. People are treating their pets more like family members than ever before, and that trend is driving everything from purchasing habits to how services are delivered.

What are your goals for the future of the company?

My goal is for House of Paws to be known for "better-for-your-pet" curation rather than just variety. I want to shift the focus from what pets can eat to what actively improves their health, behavior, and longevity. It is about choosing the right products with a clear purpose.