About Us
About Us – ANIMA Natural Pet Products
Welcome to ANIMA
Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia's Old City, ANIMA Natural Pet Products is more than a store—it's a community dedicated to elevating the lives of pets and their families. We focus on preventive, holistic nutrition, premium-quality products, and a profound respect for the deep bond between humans and animals.
The Meaning Behind ANIMA
"ANIMA" draws from its Latin roots, meaning "soul," "breath," or "life force"—the vital essence that animates every living being. Inspired by the ancient concept of *anima mundi* (the "world soul"), we embrace the interconnectedness of all life. Pets aren't mere companions; they are spirited beings with souls of their own, deserving care that nurtures body, mind, and spirit. This name reflects our holistic philosophy: honoring every soul on Earth—including our furry, feathered, and scaled friends—as part of a greater universal harmony. By prioritizing our pets' well-being, we contribute to the health of the world around us. If we are so in love with the welfare of our pets, I believe we can remember that cows, chickens, rocks, and trees are tied to the same soul, and that all deserve our gratitude.
Our Background and Motivations
As the founder of ANIMA, my lifelong passion for animal welfare deepened into a focus on preventive nutrition after witnessing how thoughtful, high-quality feeding can avert health issues and extend vibrant, joyful lives for pets. Before launching ANIMA, I spent years as a tech and business consultant for Fortune 500 companies around the world. There, I observed firsthand how many of the same corporations producing human food also dominate the pet food industry—often prioritizing profit over optimal health for pets or people.
I became increasingly concerned by practices in the conventional pet food sector: questionable ingredient sourcing, lenient U.S. regulatory standards (which lag behind those in some other countries), frequent recalls due to contamination, and aggressive marketing that can obscure what's truly in the bag. These issues—driven by large corporate players—often come at the expense of our pets' long-term well-being. I couldn't stay in that world. I left corporate life to build something different: a store committed to transparency, integrity, real advocacy for better pet nutrition, and real value for pet parents who want the best without breaking the bank (we're in the same boat—most of us are on a budget, and pet food margins aren't as lucrative as people assume).
The road hasn't been easy—challenging established giants requires persistence—but it's been rewarding. We diligently track recalls, review global pet health research, and stay current on evolving standards (noting that U.S. guidelines, while improving, remain less stringent than in some regions). When company representatives visit our shop or we attend national pet food expos, we ask the tough questions. If a brand cuts corners on quality or transparency, we choose not to carry it.
At ANIMA, we're here to support—not judge. Pet parents face tough decisions amid allergies, "prescription" diets (which aren't always necessary), conflicting online advice, and vet recommendations. With over 20 years of experience in non-pharmaceutical approaches where appropriate, our team helps navigate these challenges collaboratively. We also address modern hurdles like paid influencer promotions and subscription models that may lack full transparency. Our certified staff continually studies nutrition breakthroughs and brings vetted, innovative products to you through personalized guidance. Together—with staff, customers, and partners—we stay informed, adaptable, and united in putting pets first.
What We Offer
ANIMA specializes in natural, preventive nutrition for dogs and cats, featuring premium holistic foods, supplements, treats, and thoughtfully selected accessories. We know quality pet care can add up, so we've built ways to make it more affordable and accessible for every Philly pet family. Our in-store loyalty program gives you cash credits on your account for every $100 spent, plus frequent buyer perks—earn free bags of litter, food, toppers, treats, or toys after a set number of purchases (everyone loves a "bad day" freebie!). We offer 10% off cases of dog and cat food, combined with loyalty points, making our canned and bagged options some of the best deals in the city—often beating big online players like Chewy or Amazon when you factor in convenience and personal service. Plus, when you support local with your dollar, the money stays local in your community and in the pockets of those working for you in your communities.
Our certified team—trained in rigorous pet nutrition programs—provides tailored recommendations based on your pet's unique needs. In-store allergy and intolerance testing helps resolve even the most complex cases.
We go beyond retail with citywide delivery - to every neighborhood in Philadelphia (not just Old City), a DIY bath spa, and educational workshops, including our popular Gentle Touch sessions for calming anxious pets. Don't see it on our website? No problem—we special order almost anything! Supporting the foods *you* love and trust is core to us; special orders make up a big part of our business because we want to meet you where you are, not limit you to what's already on our shelves. In 2026, we're expanding our focus on raw pet food research to introduce even more cutting-edge, safe options.
Our Community Impact
2025 was a remarkable year for ANIMA, fueled by the incredible support of our customers and the Philadelphia community. We hosted joyful events like monthly Caturday gatherings, adoption drives, fundraisers, and nutritional seminars with partners such as Farmina Pet Foods. We proudly participated in local traditions—including Old City's Holiday Stroll, First Friday, and Wedding Stroll—and sponsored the Old City Farmers Market.
Our commitment to giving back extends to supporting rescues like PAWS and Kitten Snatchers, as well as citywide food pantries including those in Germantown and the Friends Quaker House in Old City. As we step into 2026, we're excited to deepen our role in Philly's vibrant fabric, building connections that celebrate every soul—pets and people alike.
We look forward to meeting you and your beloved furry family members and helping you with any questions, big or small, as we navigate the everchanging pet space together.
