Canadian retail chain Pet Valu joins Nova Scotia Loyal program

A Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever named Phoebe is pictured outside a Pet Valu store in Timberlea, N.S. (Source: Province of Nova Scotia)

Canadian retailer Pet Valu has joined the Nova Scotia Loyal program, which uses “Made in Nova Scotia” stickers to identify locally-made products on store shelves.

The province says there are more than a dozen registered Nova Scotia Loyal businesses that produce pet products, including food, treats, apparel, leashes, harnesses and collars and toys. A full list can be found here.

Among them is Ocean Pride Fisheries outside Yarmouth, which makes Panaea, a nutritional booster for pets made from the flower of sea cucumbers.

“Our sea cucumbers are harvested from the Atlantic Ocean and processed at our plant in Wedgeport, Nova Scotia. We are delighted to be part of the Nova Scotia Loyal initiative which increases awareness of local products and the importance of buying local and helps us bring the sea directly to your pets, with the freshest product you can get,” said Julie Houde, a sales and marketing agent with Ocean Pride Fisheries.

There are currently 37 Pet Valu stores across Nova Scotia. The company’s president says it is committed to supporting local brands and businesses.

“Our stores proudly carry a variety of authentic Nova Scotian products and now, thanks to Nova Scotia Loyal, it is very easy for devoted pet lovers to quickly see and purchase the quality pet products made in this province in their local store,” said Greg Ramier in a provincial news release.

“Nova Scotians want what’s best for their pets and to buy local,” added Minister of Growth and Development Colton LeBlanc.

“Nova Scotia Loyal is making it easier for Nova Scotians to choose made-in-Nova Scotia pet products in large retailers like Pet Valu, independent stores and in our farmers’ markets.”

So far more than 1,000 local businesses have signed up for Nova Scotia Loyal program, according to the province.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page