Whiskers Holistic Pet Care is much more than a quirky pet store.

Whiskers Holistic Pet Care is much more than a quirky pet store. Owners Randi and Phil Klein opened the shop on E. 9th St. in 1988 and have been on a mission to educate pet owners about alternatives to mainstream pet care practices ever since. Whiskers focuses primarily on cats and dogs, but they also provide information about caring for birds and other small creatures. Neither Phil nor Randi are veterinarians, but their consultation is based on the work of folks like veterinary guru Dr. Marty Goldstein. In general, holistic pet care emphasizes homeopathy and herbal remedies over pharmaceutical options. Over the years the thriving operation expanded, annexing the much larger space next door in 1998 and a new outlet in Astoria, Queens in 2008. The Kleins know personally the manufacturers of the products they carry and also stock a “Whiskers’ Own” line of products. Whiskers also hosts events like vet consultations, offers free nail clipping services, and is involved in finding homes for shelter animals.                        –Alex Crowley