Following the recent controversial report on puppy mills I was pretty concerned about large retail pet store chains.

So I want to clearly state here that this is a report on the Petland website and not a witch hunt.

So when I found out I was going to do a report on Petland my initial ideas were “ok let’s see what you have!”

So let’s get started.

Well I surfed over to the Petland on-line location

For me if I am looking at shopping or browsing for anything including a pet info site, several key areas really ought to be in place.

I actually have a dislike for klutzy, slow to load, websites that simply make the whole process too drawn out.

Let’s face it, we shop online for speed and ease because of the crazy speed of living we have to cope with in today’s society. So whatever it is that slows us down is truly painful, even more so if we are intending to hand over hard earned funds there as well.

First feeling… Nice slick design. Quick load. Fresh and tidy graphics. Not exactly cutting edge but very functional.

This is a reference and information site not a specific online store so it really does what it is supposed to really well.

Some great features too. Like:

Kids Korner. Great puzzles, games & Fun Facts!

Petcare information.

Store Locator for Petland’s 500 stores.

Adopt a Pet…….more of us should do this.

Another area I like to check out when I’m reporting on a site is I like to see what the company are about.

Are they concept based or is it only about diversifying and “cashing in” on the online business potential.

Ok, as you would expect, it’s not surprising that Petland do really value what they do.

Refreshingly another site to include in the good guy list.

In my recent experience I find now that on-line shopping and/or reference websites and Petland are no exception, do take a genuinely distinctive policy to customer relations than virtually all traditional stores.

A retailer is really only ever a click off from turning off the client.

Here’s a few more special mentions at Petland.

These stories and more and a big reference to Adopt A Pet Day were available on the homepage:

WSAZ awards Hometown Hero to Petland owner

Petland offers responsible holiday gift giving advice

Petland opens new format store

Taking Holiday Portraits of your Pets

Petland promotes Winslow to Director of Animal Welfare Education

Well enough about the online shopping concept, how about the workings of the Petland site itself.

I found the site to be very user friendly. Not totally perfect but what is? Definitely a slick and trouble-free browsing experience.

Love the whole Petcare atmosphere of the site. The vibe here is so animal friendly I think I’d give it a big thumbs up just based on that.

Another thing, I consider that in dealings with all reputable websites nowadays, the whole issue of credit card security is a non issue. Now I know this doesn’t apply to the Petland business model but it needs to be clearly stated that things have progressed in this area greatly.

You really can shop with confidence.

I’m not saying just hand over your details anytime anyone asks but with this grade of online store and virtually all online shopping sites, the risk of credit card fraud is pretty much zero.

Then my view on Petland:

Petland is a cool on-line site.

User friendly

Terrific selection of pet information, features and more..

Smooth to navigate, choose etc.

Overall evaluation is a BIG 10/10 of course.

Be sure to check out all the pet info at the Online Shopping SupaMall. Avoid an unsatisfactory online shopping experience. Online Shopping SupaMall at Crazy Sales Info Maria De Rota is a Senior Online Marketing Analyst.