Who We Are

From the beginning, Pet Food Express has always been about strengthening the relationship between pets and their people. And despite the ever-changing pet industry, that’s something we’ll never change.

The
Pet Food Express Story

Past, Present, and Future

1976

Michael Levy founds Pro Train, a dog training business, and begins offering expert services to pet parents in San Francisco.

1980

In addition to dog training, Michael also begins selling basic food supplies at his store, now called Pro Pet, in West Portal.

Black and white photo of Pet Food Express founder in a white van

Early Pet Food Express location with sign reading 'Pet Food Express Discount Outlet

1987

Pro Pet officially becomes Pet Food Express in 1987!

1993

The first self-service pet wash opens in our San Leandro store.

White dog draped in a towel at a Pet Food Express pet wash

1996

10th store opens.

2003

The My Mutt program is established, eventually raising over $2.7 million for rescues and shelters.

2003

20th store opens.

2004

Pet Food Express implements industry-leading food standards and recall procedures.

2006

30th store opens.

2009

We assume responsibility of local adoption event Bay Area Pet Fair and Adopt-a-Thon at the Marin Center.

Group shot of employees at the Oakland warehouse

2010

Our headquarters and distribution center move to Oakland, CA.

2011

Our first in-store Cat Adoption Center opens in Walnut Creek, along with expanding our services to include dog training and VIP Clinics.

2013

50th store opens.

2014

We make it to SoCal with our Pasadena store!

2017

Our successful efforts to expand the Pet Fair lead it to the Alameda County Fairgrounds, after it outgrows the Marin Center!

2019

We start offering Same-Day Delivery and Buy Online, Pick Up In Store.

A delivery from Pet Food Express sitting on a doorstep

2020

Pet Fair goes virtual, helping more adoptable animals find forever homes than ever!

2022

We join forces with Rainier Partners to help support our next chapter of growth.

2023

Our private label brands, Fog City Pet and Spiffy Paw, hit the shelves.

Dog plays with plush toys on grass, golden gate bridge visible in background

2026

In-person Pet Fair returns by popular demand! We’ve come back bigger than ever with a tour across CA making four stops in East Bay, San Jose, Sacramento, and SoCal.