When you step into Petsense in Searcy, Arkansas, you’re likely to be greeted by more than just friendly staff—you might encounter a dog wagging its tail or even a goat or raccoon making a visit. For April, the store manager, that’s one of the best parts of her job. “You could be having the absolute worst day, and a dog walks in, or a pet comes in,” she says, smiling. “We’ve had raccoons, river otters, a monkey, and pigs in here. It changes your mood so quickly.”
April has been with the store since September 2018, starting as a keyholder (supervisor). She briefly stepped away but returned after seven months, continuing to grow in her role. By June 2022, she was the store manager. Since then, she has loved every minute of it—especially when it comes to interacting with the animals that visit. “Most of the pets that come in are regulars, and they’re just happy. They know they’re getting a treat or a toy,” she explains. “And when you’re having a bad day, that’s the best thing ever.”
April’s connection to animals goes beyond her work at Petsense. She’s also a proud pet owner herself. “I have two dogs,” she shares. “Scooby is a rescue; he’s a German Shepherd mix, but he’s very skittish. He’s our big rescue baby.” Her other dog, a Pit Bull with a unique blue brindle coat, has a particularly special place in her heart. She found her through a customer who rescued the puppy from a ditch in nearby Rosebud. The timing of this rescue was emotionally significant for April, as it came just six months after the loss of her father and a beloved dog.
“My dad passed away in June 2022, and then right after Christmas, we had to put down our dog that had been with us for 10 years,” she recounts. When her husband first saw a picture of the Pit Bull, he was immediately moved, and the decision was made to adopt her. “She’s a handful, but she’s my dog, and of course, I think she’s gorgeous,” April says, laughing. “It’s like having a third kid!”
April’s passion for pets is evident in her dedication to making the store a welcoming place not only for customers but also for the community of pets. From grooming services to adoption events, Petsense in Searcy offers a variety of services that cater to the needs of local pet owners.
Many customers are surprised to find out that Petsense offers a full range of grooming services. “We do everything,” April explains. “We offer baths, grooming, even anal gland expression.” What’s more, Petsense has a rewards program that many locals don’t realize they can take advantage of. “If you do seven full grooms or seven baths, you get the eighth one completely free,” she says.
In addition, because Petsense is now part of Tractor Supply, customers can use their Tractor Supply rewards at the store. April loves when customers find out about the rewards. “They’ll come in and we tell them their grooming is free today, and they’re so excited. They didn’t even realize they had built up the points for it.”
April is proud of the grooming team she’s built, which includes two full-time groomers and two bathers, with one of the bathers currently training to become a full groomer by the start of the new year. “We’re hoping to have three full groomers soon, and that’s going to be a big help,” she says.
Petsense is deeply involved in the Searcy community, regularly hosting adoption events to help local rescues find homes for animals. “We have two big adoption events a year,” April shares. “One in the spring and one in the fall.” The next big event is coming up on October 19, where April has planned for a food truck and at least one rescue group to attend.
Hosting these events isn’t always easy, as the store’s location in a busy shopping complex limits outdoor space. But April is committed to finding ways to make it work. “We want to do so much more, but we’re kind of restricted by the parking lot,” she explains. Still, she’s hopeful that with each event, they can expand and offer more to the community.
As Petsense continues to grow, April is excited about the possibilities. She hopes to eventually partner with local police or fire departments for events and expand their adoption programs. In the meantime, she remains focused on providing the best possible service to the community—whether that’s through grooming services, adoption events, or simply making someone’s day better with a wagging tail.
April’s love for animals and dedication to the community shines through in everything she does at Petsense. Whether you’re stopping by for grooming services or just need some advice on your pet’s needs, you’re sure to be greeted with a smile—and maybe a raccoon.
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