A new independent pet shop is set to open in Kenilworth this weekend.

'It's a Dog's World and Friends' will be opening on Saturday, April 9 in Talisman Shopping Centre in the old Charles Ager unit by former Kenilworth School pupil and animal-lover Lauren McDonnell, from Baginton.

The shop will feature a range of products for a variety of pets, including homemade toys and cakes for pets made by Lauren herself.

Lauren, 24, had originally worked in a pet shop in Cheylesmore in Coventry, and found her entrepreneurial streak during the first lockdown in 2020 when she baked cakes for dogs and sold them online under the name 'It's a Dog-Eat-Cake World'.

An owner of two dachshunds, Rex and Rolo, Lauren knew there was a good market for homemade pet products, especially when so many people bought a pet during the pandemic.

She then branched out into making further items for dogs with her sister business 'It's a Dog's World'. Both proved to be very successful.

With her experience at the pet shop in Cheylesmore and business success under her belt, Lauren decided to take the plunge and open her first shop in Kenilworth – for all pets rather than just dogs.

She said: "I've loved pets all my life – I've owned just about every animal you can think of – and my work in a pet shop made me realise just how much I'd like to run one of my own.

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"I had looked at places in Leamington and Warwick to open it, but I'm a bit of a home bird, so Kenilworth was the place where I really wanted to open my first shop."

Property agent Wareing & Co marketed the unit and was able to complete the deal quickly for Lauren.

"I started looking just before Christmas 2021 and found the unit in Talisman Shopping Centre for sale. I knew not long after viewing it that it was the right place for my business," she said.

"Wareing & Co were brilliant to deal with. They ensured all the paperwork was sorted quickly so I could get on with fitting out the store.

"Kenilworth is such a friendly place, and the residents really love to support independent businesses. I've already had support from passers-by and other businesses in Talisman as I've been getting my shop ready for opening.

"I've made sure there'll be plenty of room in the shop for people to visit with their pets, and I'll be looking forward to getting to know Kenilworth's wonderful pets over the coming months - as well as their owners of course!"

Bill Wareing, founder of Wareing & Co, added: "Talisman is a fantastic site with plenty of regular footfall, and Kenilworth is home to plenty of animal-lovers, so we think Lauren's business will get off to a flying start.

"As a dog-owner myself, I'll certainly be popping in to take a look at the products and treats for sale at the shop."

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