Looking for a pet store in Singapore where you can get quality pet supplies? Look no further than the first brick-and-mortar store of a popular online resource that just opened – Vanillapup at Cluny Court! Co-founder SARAH CHONG tells us all about it.
What’s the origin story of Vanillapup?
Vanillapup started a decade ago because of our first dog, Latte, a West Highland Terrier. My husband Lionel and I got her from an unethical puppy mill breeder. She was malnourished and had very bad tear stains. We also found out that she had luxating patella (a congenital condition of floating kneecap) on both hind knees and itchy skin.
With my background in advertising, I started a blog as a diary for Latte. It was a light-hearted project until Latte needed surgery for her luxating patella. I tried researching online and while there were articles on the condition by overseas veterinarians, I couldn’t find much information on the caregiving aspect. So, I decided to document her pre- and post-surgery experiences to help others.
As our readership grew, we started receiving comments and emails from dog parents both in Singapore and overseas. They were grateful for a fellow dog parent’s perspective that’s relatable and comforting. With this increased readership, I wanted Vanillapup to be a trusted resource with perspectives beyond my own. I started to invite veterinarians and trainers to share their expertise on the blog.
More and more people started asking us where to buy the products we recommend. So, in December 2018, we launched our curated online pet supplies store. In a crowded market with thousands of similar products, people trust us to do the filtering for them. We are constantly listening to our customers and learning from industry experts to ensure our curation is always relevant and up to date.
Why did you decide to expand Vanillapup from an online resource to a physical pet store in Singapore?
More and more customers began asking if we had a physical space where they could bring their dogs to browse and try on products. First-time pet parents, who often don’t know what they need, wanted the opportunity to shop around and learn from us face-to-face. There’s something about interacting with customers in person that we can’t replicate online.
After Latte crossed the rainbow bridge and five years of running the online store, we seriously considered opening a brick-and-mortar pet store in Singapore. We felt it was time to embrace a new challenge, and indeed, we’ve learned so much over the past year.
How do you curate the pet supplies and brands available?
A lot of it comes from personal experience. Since Latte had significant skin issues, I dedicated a lot of time to researching and understanding what’s good and bad for our dogs. Beyond our own experiences, we also learn from fellow pet parents and professionals who are experts in their fields, whether it’s diet or product design. We believe in constantly listening and learning to stay up to date.
Tell us about the new Vanillapup at Cluny Court and what pet lovers can expect.
Pet parents can expect a cosy pet store in Singapore with a highly curated range of products. The store design, created by Sherlynn Low of Millimeters Studio, closely aligns with our branding by Studio Banggu, a design practice based in San Francisco. We feature pet supplies and brands from all over the world, including the US, Italy, Bali and South Korea. Popular brands include international names like Ruffwear and Zee.Dog, as well as local favourites like Ohpopdog and TAKI Pets.
Can owners bring their pets inside the Vanillapup store at Cluny Court?
Yes! Pets are very welcome, but they must be carried or in a stroller on the way up to the store. Once inside, they are free to walk around. We also have a wagon available for pet parents to borrow if they need to bring up larger or multiple dogs.
What are some of your most popular pet supplies or treats?
You can’t miss our huge wall of toys, which really draws people in. We have something for every dog, along with treats and chews ranging from restaurant-grade seafood to ostrich bones.
One of our bestsellers is the rubber dog shoes called WagWellies. These help protect paws from hot surfaces, sharp objects and potential allergens. We have dogs coming by every day to try them on.
Taki Pets treats have been a hit even with picky dogs. They’re made with restaurant-grade meats and seafood like hamachi, Hokkaido scallop and wagyu beef. Yes, our dogs eat better than we do on a regular day!
How has the response been so far from customers who have visited Vanillapup at Cluny Court?
Judging by the dogs that don’t want to leave and the customers who visit almost every week, the response has been fantastic. I only wish we had a bigger space to cater to all dogs and cats. We quickly learned that dogs can be so vastly different and there’s no one-size-fits-all product. This means that we have to expand and update our product range constantly.
What are some of your favourite spots or activities to enjoy with your pets in Singapore?
I love bringing dogs to Tanjong Beach at Sentosa where they can run around, dig in the sand, and dip their legs in the cool waters. It’s pure bliss watching them enjoy nature. Another great spot is Lazarus Island. You can take a ferry there with your dog. It’s the only public transport that dogs are allowed on in Singapore. It’s an experience with your dog you wouldn’t want to miss.
We also enjoy going on sunset dinner cruises with the Royal Albatross. Being on the water with the breeze is really relaxing for both dog and human. We highly recommend it and work with them to provide 15 percent off pet cruises for Vanillapup customers.
What’s next for Vanillapup?
We hope to be a louder voice in the pet industry to really make a difference in pet welfare and wellbeing. Working with more like-minded partners is one way we are approaching it to create better products, services and offers for pet parents and their pets. If any business or community has the same goal, you know where to find us!
#02-29 Cluny Court, 501 Bukit Timah Road
WhatsApp 8784 7920 | vanillapup.com
Enjoyed reading about this pet store in Singapore and where to find pet supplies? Click here for more places to bring your furry friends.
This article first appeared in the October 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
To make the most of living in Singapore, read our latest City Guide here for free!
