Pet Connection Superstore • Cedar Park

Pet Connection Superstore • Cedar Park

Written by Mark Collins Wednesday, 07 November 2007

Oldest pet store in town uses newest grooming tool

Twenty-four years ago, Larry Ford started a tiny pet shop with no experience in the industry. Now he owns the oldest pet store in Cedar Park.

From the comfort of his 5,000 sq. ft. location, Ford can look across the parking lot at the 900 sq. ft. shop Pet Connection Superstore first occupied.

“I had $500 cash in my pocket, no vehicle and nothing but the clothes on my back,” Ford said.

He slowly nursed Pet Connection to health while living in a small apartment and putting in long hours at the store.

Now, according to Ford, Pet Connection is filled with “a little bit of everything.” Ford manages the store with Sam McAdams. The duo have more than 45 years of combined pet store experience.

“People know that if they need help, this is the place to go,” McAdams said. “No matter what problem they have, 99 percent of the problems will be solved right here in the store.”

Serena Barton has groomed pets for four years and is the only one in Cedar Park who trained under a certified master groomer. She uses Hydrosurge technology, which she said feels more like a massage to pets than a cleaning.

Throughout the years, Ford and McAdams have expanded the stores inventory.

“We’ve got a great selection. You can’t walk into another store and see the different types and different brand names or selection of products we have here,” Ford said.

He is also proud of the support the shop has from pet owners in the area.

“We’ve got a great location and a lot of good, loyal customers who, without them, I wouldn’t be here,” Ford said. “I’ll be here for a lot longer.”

Rare and exotic pets available at Pet Connection Superstore include:

• Albino ball python
• Bearded dragon
• Leopard geckos
• Green-winged macaw
• Blue and gold macaw
• Congo African gray
• Mullucan cockatoo
• Umbrella cockatoo

Pet Connection Superstore, 600 S. Bell Ave., Ste. 100, 331-6742