After 26 years in the corporate world, Kristi Clay found herself asking a question many people wrestled with during the pandemic: What's next?
She wasn't looking for another corporate role. She wanted to build something of her own.
"When COVID hit, I felt like it was time to try something different," Kristi says.
As she explored business opportunities, a broker introduced her to Pet Evolution. The concept was a neighborhood pet store centered on nutrition, wellness, and education, and it immediately stood out. Kristi had never worked in retail, but she had something even more important: a lifelong love of animals.
"I've had a pet since I was four years old," she says. "I just couldn't stop thinking about the Pet Evolution model because it aligned with what was important to me personally."
Three years after opening Pet Evolution in Chanhassen, Kristi has built more than a pet store. She has created a destination where pet owners find practical advice, trusted products, and services to help their companions live longer, healthier lives. This broader vision shapes every aspect of the experience she offers.
That comprehensive approach to pet care begins with nutrition.
Rather than just selling pet food, Kristi and her team take the time to help owners understand what their pet actually needs. Breed, size, age, and activity level all play a role in choosing the right diet. A growing puppy has different nutritional needs than an aging dog, while a large-breed dog may benefit from additional joint support and appropriately sized kibble.
She's also a believer in dietary variety.
Kristi encourages pet owners to mix things up rather than feeding the same food for years. Rotating proteins and incorporating raw, gently cooked, or freeze-dried foods can help provide a wider range of nutrients, and she believes even small changes can make a difference. "A little is better than none," she says, encouraging owners to consider incorporating fresh, gently cooked, freeze-dried, or raw foods when appropriate.
It's also one of the first places she looks when a pet isn't feeling its best.
"A lot of people assume their dog has environmental allergies," she says. "Sometimes it's worth taking a closer look at what's in their food or whether gut health could be part of the issue."
Of course, nutrition is just one part of keeping pets healthy. Exercise, grooming, and regular socialization all play an important role, too.
Pet Evolution offers full-service grooming for dogs of every size; a point of pride for Kristi, who notes that some grooming salons turn away larger breeds. The store also features self-service dog wash stations, making it easy for families to clean up after a muddy walk, a trip to the dog park, or even a day in the field with a hunting dog. For added convenience, a mobile grooming van provides services like nail trims and brush-outs for pets that don't need a full grooming appointment.
"It's really about meeting pet owners where they are," Kristi says.
That philosophy extends beyond the store's walls.
This summer, Kristi and two of her groomers participated in Kids for Canines, a camp sponsored by one of the local rescue organizations Pet Evolution supports. During the program, children learned everything from proper brushing and bathing techniques to understanding dog behavior and body language.
One of Kristi's favorite parts of the camp is helping kids understand what dogs are trying to tell them. A wagging tail might be an invitation to play. A dog that turns away, pins its ears back, or squints its eyes may be asking for some space instead. Those are simple lessons, but they can make a big difference in helping kids feel comfortable and confident around dogs.
Kristi also believes caring for animals teaches children valuable life lessons.
She says pets naturally teach kids responsibility. Helping fill the food bowl, brushing the dog, going for walks, or making time to play all become part of caring for another living thing. At the same time, those everyday moments help dogs get the exercise, attention, and stimulation they need.
Supporting rescue animals is another important part of Pet Evolution's mission. The store partners with local organizations, including Spots Last Stop and Warrior Dog Rescue, to help more pets find loving homes. It's a cause that resonates with Kristi's team, many of whom have adopted rescue pets themselves.
Kristi is quick to point to her team when asked what she's most proud of. Several employees who started with her when the store opened have since become professional groomers, turning what began as a job into a rewarding career they hadn't planned on.
"Nothing has been more fulfilling than watching my team members grow," she says.
As Pet Evolution approaches its third anniversary this summer, Kristi remains focused on the same mission that first inspired her to take a leap into entrepreneurship: helping pets live healthier, happier lives.
Kristi's advice for every pet owner is simple: Feed your pet well, make sure they get plenty of exercise, and don't underestimate the importance of socialization. A healthy pet isn't just one that lives a long life. It's one who enjoys every stage of it.