It's Pet-tacular At All For The Pet

Story By Dylan Roche
Photo By Brian Lancione

All For The Pet opened in 1977 when Lee Morris moved from the Eastern Shore to Severna Park and opened a grooming shop, then called “All For The Dog.” Prior to then, Morris worked for various kennels, groomers and professional dog handlers while breeding and showing her dogs.

After 10 years, the business expanded to become “All For The Pet,” a full-line pet supply store. In addition to pet supplies, they offer services such as dog training, acupuncture, small animal and bird boarding, and their just-opened “Self-Serve Dog Wash Stations.” All For The Pet carries live animals including birds, fish, small animals, reptiles and occasionally recued kittens. “You won’t find any puppies here, but we will help our customers find the right breed for them through referrals or adoption groups,” Morris said.

Today, the shop is a joint effort between Morris and Mark Young. The couple, who are partners in life as well as business, met in 1993. Young retired in 2004 from an Anne Arundel County government position and started working full time in the store, while enjoying his hobby of raising miniature donkeys.

Pet owners will find a knowledgeable staff that truly cares about animals. All For The Pet works closely with Anne Arundel County SPCA, making donations and inviting rescue groups to the store. Recently they partnered with Animal Control to display their kittens in the store for adoption. Together Morris and Young can claim 60 years of experience in grooming, handling and breeding show dogs. “When you own, raise and care for animals, you get to really know them,” Young explained.

Morris and Young, along with all their employees, live in and near Severna Park. Many of their suppliers and merchandise are from Maryland, or as close as Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Young feels Severna Park has proven to be a great environment for a pet supply store because, as he put it, “People in this community consider their pets as part of the family. The lifestyle, family structure and close-knit community makes Severna Park a pleasure to run a business in.”

Those interested in contacting All For The Pet can visit their website at www.allforthepetstore.com or call 410-647-0339.