Hey folks,
Kaelo Gallagher here from Menagerie Pet Shop. A lot of you may be wondering what the status of our beloved neighbourhood pet shop is. Well, it’s been an interesting few years (as all of you surely know) and while we thought we survived the pandemic, we’re not out of the woods just yet. A combination of factors – including supply chain issues, debts acquired to survive those many months of limited revenue, and increased costs of business – have left Menagerie under great financial stress. As a result, we’ve made the decision to condense the store into its original single unit at 549 Parliament St by the end of September.
A bit of Cabbagetown trivia for you – Menagerie Pet Shop began in 1980 on the corner of Parliament & Winchester. In 1985, the shop moved just up the street into 549 Parliament St. Over the next decade, the shop would expand into 553 and then 551 Parliament (weird, right?), opening the walls into the space everyone knows today. A popular destination for pet lovers, we have also been the backdrop in many TV shows, movies, and music videos over the years. Menagerie even once got a shoutout as a Jeopardy answer!
It’s safe to say that Menagerie has earned its reputation as a neighbourhood & cultural icon, which ought to be preserved. So, after careful consideration, we’ve decided to let go of the extra space in 551 & 553 Parliament and focus on a fresh start in the spot where it all began. And when we say “fresh start”, we mean new paint & fixtures, a new sleek layout, creating an open & inviting atmosphere. But you can still count on us to be the place to get your favourite dog food, take the family to check out our live fish & reptiles, say hi to Pinky the goffin, and get advice from our fantastic staff.
We want to thank you, our customers, for your continued support over the years. It means more to us now than ever. Please continue to visit during this transition so we can share our exciting progress!
Kaelo & Team Menagerie
