BowWow Meow Boutique in Wisconsin Rapids is expanding into Stevens Point.

The boutique pet store will host a grand opening celebration with a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 7 at 3449 Church St. in Stevens Point, and leashed pets are welcome.

Anita Freund, Michelle Zimmerman and Dawn Laugelli have spent the past several months working to open the second store in Stevens Point. They said while customers familiar with the Wisconsin Rapids location can expect to find the same treats, toys, accessories and other products, the Stevens Point store will have more space for customers and their pets to enjoy their time outside, as well.

The Stevens Point location will have a pet-friendly outdoor patio area, where BowWow Meow will hold events with food trucks and drinks. The owners envision events like dog yoga, "sips and clips" events, pet photography, pool parties, and more. The pet store recently received a beer license and is waiting for a wine license, as well. The store will also have an on-site photographer and a baker who can create custom dog cakes.

They want to help provide and connect people with resources, as well. They said they will continue to work with local humane societies and foster rescues to support adoption programs, and they're learning more about pet therapy services and hope to build a network around those types of services that people are looking for.

The store expansion came from a partnership and a shared interest in the pet retail industry. Freund and Zimmerman were customers at Laugelli’s boutique pet store in Wisconsin Rapids.

Laugelli purchased BowWow Meow Boutique in September 2020 from Diana Buss, who had owned the store since 2014. At the end of February 2022, Laugelli moved the store next door to 231 Lincoln St., expanding into a larger space that let her keep growing the business and adding new products.

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As Freund and Zimmerman were looking to make career changes, they wanted to get into the pet retail industry. They liked the products and atmosphere at BowWow Meow and saw potential in the vacant property on Church Street that could be used for both retail and outdoor events. They approached Laugelli with their idea, and she agreed that with the success and growth she was seeing in Wisconsin Rapids, an expansion into Stevens Point felt like a good fit.

The trio said they are most looking forward to being able to provide the area with quality premium pet products, focusing on treats and chews sourced and made in the United States, and they're looking forward to growing within Stevens Point and the central Wisconsin area. For more information, find BowWow Meow Boutique or BowWow Meow Boutique, Stevens Point on Facebook.

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Contact Caitlin at cshuda@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @CaitlinShuda.

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This article originally appeared on Stevens Point Journal: Pet store in Stevens Point to open soon, with fun for pets and people