At Woonona Petfoods, our mission has always been simple: to provide pets and their families with the highest quality food, supplies, and expert advice. But what goes on behind the scenes to make that possible? From sourcing premium brands to ensuring every customer who walks through our doors feels supported, there is a lot that happens each day to keep tails wagging and whiskers happy. Taking you inside Woonona Petfoods offers a glimpse into the dedication, knowledge, and community spirit that set us apart.
Our Story and Values
Woonona Petfoods began in 1997 when Dennis and Brenda Gamble opened the doors of what was then nothing more than a tin shed on the highway in Woonona. With nothing but a cardboard box as a counter and a small selection of horse and livestock feed, the early days were humble but built on hard work, dedication, and a genuine passion for helping animals and their owners. Dennis could often be found unloading heavy feed bags, while Brenda looked after the shelves and customers, ensuring every person who came through the door felt welcome.
Thanks to their commitment to customer service and the support of the local community, Woonona Petfoods steadily grew. In 2010, the business moved to a larger location on Bellambi Lane, allowing us to expand our range and become a go-to destination for pet and produce products in the Illawarra.
By 2019, we launched our online store, making it easier for pet parents across Australia to access the trusted products they needed. To meet increasing demand, a second store was opened in Helensburgh in 2022, further extending our reach while maintaining the same friendly, personal service that has always been at the heart of our business. Even today, you’ll still find Dennis helping out with deliveries and Brenda keeping the shelves in perfect order, a reminder that despite our growth, we remain a 100% family-owned and operated business that stays true to its roots.
Our values centre on honesty, reliability, and providing only the best for pets. Supporting the community has always been one of our core values. Over the years, we’ve employed local people and proudly supported community initiatives, from local sporting teams to charities. We carefully select every product on our shelves, stay informed about the latest pet health and nutrition trends, and always put animal welfare first. With a knowledgeable team and strong ties to the local community, Woonona Petfoods has grown into one of Australia’s largest independent pet specialty stores, but at heart, we’re still the same family business that started out in a tin shed, dedicated to serving pets and their people with care.
A Day at Woonona Petfoods
Every day at Woonona Petfoods starts with a bit of chaos and a lot of love. Our store cats, Oreo and Biscoff, are usually the first to greet us in the morning, weaving between our feet and reminding us why we do what we do. Dennis is often one of the first to arrive, and he never comes alone, Roy, our resident dog, is always by his side. Their familiar faces set the tone for the day, making the store feel more like a home than a shop.
Early mornings mean deliveries start rolling in, and our warehouse and logistics team are already hard at work unpacking, checking, and rotating stock. From everyday dog and cat food to specialised items for horses, livestock, birds, and small animals, we make sure our shelves are stocked and ready for our customers. Meanwhile, our online team is in the office bright and early, printing picking sheets, finalising local deliveries, and preparing orders for courier pickup. Trucks leave loaded and ready for a big day on the road, with multiple vehicles doing drop-offs between Sydney and Berry. Our drivers know many of our customers, and their pets, by name, and they always make sure products are delivered exactly how and where they want them.
By 8am, our retail team starts arriving and getting the store ready for opening. Serving customers and offering advice is always their number one priority, but there’s also unpacking, reloading shelves, merchandising, and keeping everything looking tidy. Our strong team members are always on hand to help lift stock into customer cars, too. Through all of this, the warehouse hums along, stock in, stock out, while online orders get packed for shipping far and wide, with the online team ready to answer any questions.
Our management team floats between the office and the shop floor, overseeing operations while also lending a hand wherever needed. We pride ourselves on being one big team: everyone has their role, but no one hesitates to step in and help. It’s this teamwork, dedication, and love for what we do, and for the pets we care for, that keeps Woonona Petfoods running smoothly every day.
Carefully Selected Products
One of the defining features of Woonona Petfoods is the quality of the products we offer. We stock leading pet food brands such as Advance, Hill’s Science Diet, Black Hawk, and Royal Canin, as well as natural and holistic options for pets with specific needs. For dogs, we carry premium dry food, wet food, raw diets, and fresh meat options from trusted Australian suppliers like Prime100, Big Dog, and The Pawfect Butcher.
Cats are equally well catered for, with everything from gourmet wet food like Fancy Feast to natural litter options such as Breeders Choice, Trouble & Trix crystals, and other eco-friendly brands. Our shelves are also lined with toys, grooming products, and parasite protection essentials such as Nexgard Spectra, Bravecto Plus, and Advocate. Each product we stock is chosen because it meets our strict standards for quality, safety, and effectiveness.
Expert Advice You Can Trust
Stocking great products is only part of what makes Woonona Petfoods special. Our team brings years of knowledge and hands-on experience in pet care, meaning we can offer expert advice tailored to your pet’s unique needs. Whether you’re a first-time pet owner looking for guidance or an experienced animal lover seeking the best nutrition, we take the time to listen and provide recommendations you can trust.
We also pride ourselves on being able to source products for specific requests. If a customer needs a particular brand or item that isn’t on our shelves, we do our best to order it in. This personalised service is part of the community spirit that keeps our customers coming back.
Supporting Pet Owners Beyond the Store
At Woonona Petfoods, our commitment doesn’t stop once you leave with your purchase. We know pet ownership is a journey, so we work to support families every step of the way. From advice on crate training, parasite prevention, and pet nutrition to providing resources through our blog, we aim to empower pet owners with knowledge.
We also offer an auto-delivery service, giving busy pet parents peace of mind that their pets will never run out of essentials. This service ensures regular access to the products pets rely on, delivered straight to your door without hassle.
Part of the Community
Woonona Petfoods isn’t just about pets, it’s about people, too. Over the years, we’ve built strong connections with the local community. Customers often stop by for a chat, updates on their pets, or to meet Oreo and Biscoff. We support local suppliers wherever possible and collaborate with trusted Australian brands to bring the very best to our store.
Why Choose Woonona Petfoods
What sets us apart is the personal touch. At Woonona Petfoods, every product on our shelves, every piece of advice we give, and every interaction we have with customers is done with care and integrity. We understand that pets are family, and that’s why we treat them, and you, with the attention and respect you deserve.
Behind the scenes at Woonona Petfoods, there is a passionate team dedicated to supporting pets and their families. From our carefully curated product range and expert advice to our community spirit and customer-focused services, everything we do is designed to make pet ownership easier, happier, and healthier.
When you shop with us, you’re not just buying pet food and supplies, you’re joining a community of animal lovers who share your passion for giving pets the very best. Visit Woonona Petfoods today and see for yourself the difference that genuine care and expertise can make.
