3 Smart eCommerce Moves for Pet Retailers

Pet retail isn’t like other industries. 

You’re not just stocking shelves — you’re helping pet parents care for furry family members. There are giant bags of kibble to move, last-minute “uh-oh-we’re-out-of-food” moments to handle, and loyal customers who make shopping part of their weekly routine (often with their dog in tow). 

So when it comes to eCommerce, the right setup isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about finding practical ways to serve your customers better, without burning out your staff or your budget. 

Here are three eCommerce strategies that independent pet retailers are using to grow smarter, not just bigger. 

1. Show what's in stock — and Bring People In

Let’s say a customer wants to know: “Do they have that food my dog likes?” 

With real-time in-store availability, your website gives them an instant answer. No calls. No uncertainty. Just a quick check that helps them plan a trip — or decide to swing by after work. 

This isn’t a full eCommerce site. It’s a simple, customer-friendly way to connect your inventory to your website. And it works. 

Why it matters: 

• Boosts store visits without needing full online checkout 

• Cuts down on phone calls asking, “Do you have this in stock?” 

• Builds confidence in your store as a go-to resource 

This is a great first step into eCommerce — especially if your team is small but your foot traffic matters. 

Above: Real-time inventory means no more manual data entry for your team.

2. Offer Buy Online, Pick Up In Store (BOPIS)

The pet parent finds what they need on your site, buys it, and picks it up curbside — no shipping, no stress. 

BOPIS has become a staple for retailers because it delivers on convenience and keeps the local store relationship alive. Your staff are notified automatically when an order comes in, and they prep it for pickup. Done and done. 

Why it works for pet stores: 

• Secures the sale right when the customer is ready 

• Skips the shipping headache (especially on those heavy bags) 

• Serves busy shoppers who still want to support local 

If you’ve already got solid inventory visibility, BOPIS is a logical next move. 

3. Go Full eCommerce and Expand Your Reach

If you’re ready to reach beyond your local market, a full eCommerce store can open new doors. 

Your website becomes more than a digital flyer. It’s a fully functional storefront where customers can browse, buy, and get products shipped to their door. That matters if you’re competing with big-box retailers or trying to serve customers who prefer to shop online for their pet essentials. 

Of course, it’s not something you switch on overnight. A full eCommerce operation takes coordination — real-time inventory, order fulfillment, customer communication — and it all has to stay in sync with what’s happening in your stores. 

But with the right systems in place, it’s entirely doable. And when it’s done right, it gives you: 

• Reach beyond your ZIP code 

• A way to serve digital-first shoppers 

• A new revenue stream that runs while your doors are closed 

If that’s where you’re headed, we’ll help you get there with a unified platform that keeps your operations connected — and keeps the customer experience seamless, online or in-store. 

Above: eCommerce tools make it easy for customers to shop your store online.

Which Approach Is Right for You? 

The “right” eCommerce strategy depends on what you need to accomplish. 

Want to make in-store shopping easier? Start with real-time availability. 
Need to offer convenience without full delivery logistics? Add BOPIS. 
Looking to scale and serve a wider audience? Build out a full eCommerce store. 

No matter your starting point, you don’t have to piece it all together yourself. 

FieldStack’s unified commerce platform is purpose-built for pet retail — with integrated omnichannel eCommerce tools that grow alongside you. You choose the path that fits your goals, and we’ll make sure the tech keeps up. 

Ready to take the next step? 

Let’s chat about where you are and where you want to go. 
Book a demo and see how FieldStack can help you build the eCommerce experience your customers — and your team — will love.