Thursday, March 27, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Community Focused, State Recognised

From cats perched on counters to guinea pigs and beyond, My Pets Rural is far more than just a pet and stockfeed supply store. It is a vibrant community hub, proudly dedicated to caring for both its customers and their beloved animals.

A much-loved local business, My Pets Rural has also earned well-deserved recognition beyond the region, recently being named Member of the Year at the Aiir and Tucker National Member Conference 2025.

Owners Ross & Tracy Tapiolas shared the team’s excitement and surprise at receiving such a prestigious award.

"As a small, local store competing against much larger businesses in Brisbane, winning this award is a huge achievement for us."

However, while the win was a proud moment, Ross also spoke of his disappointment at not being able to attend the awards ceremony in person due to the recent floods. Although they could have made the trip to the Gold Coast, Ross made it clear that their priority remained firmly with their customers.

"We had to stay here. We didn’t want to let our customers down, especially after the floods. People would be racing in to get served," he explained.

The community’s response was heartfelt, with staff and customers alike recognising the store’s loyalty and dedication.

"A few staff members and customers even came up to me and said, ‘No wonder you’ve won it, because you could have gone to the awards, but you stayed for your shop,’" Ross added.

This moment perfectly exemplifies My Pets Rural’s unwavering commitment to its community and exceptional customer service. No request is ever too great.

While the store stocks an extensive range of quality products, if you are after something specialised or specific, the team will always go above and beyond to source it for you or help find the next best alternative.

Beyond their strong customer focus, the team at My Pets Rural also brings a wealth of experience and knowledge. With staff who own a wide variety of animals themselves, they are passionate about pets of all shapes and sizes. Whether you have a question about nutrition, care, or products, they are always ready to offer friendly, expert advice to support you and your furry, feathered, or scaly companions.

Although My Pets Rural were unable to attend the awards in person, their impact within the local community and the wider region was undeniable. Their dedication, both in times of celebration and in times of challenge, highlights exactly why they are so cherished by locals and now recognised on a national stage.

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