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Entrepreneurship Month Elk Grove Spotlight:

Pets to Go, Angel and Jeremy Epstein

A Journey of Paws and Purpose

Jeremy and Angel’s journey began 30 years ago when they met at a veterinary hospital in Southern California. Originally pursuing dreams of starting their own veterinarian practice, they set off for college in the Sacramento region, packing their single car with everything they owned—including Angel’s dog and Jeremy’s cat. They settled just across the street from Pets to Go’s original location in South Sacramento, and in 1993 Angel began working at Pets to Go. Jeremy joined her at the store when the original owner relocated the store to Elk Grove on Laguna Main Street in 1996.

A year later, Angel and Jeremy were offered the store, scraped every penny they had to buy it, and admittedly a bit over their heads, became the owners. “At 25 we thought we knew a fair amount, and we didn’t really. Luckily, we knew some really smart folks we could lean on and who helped us make lemonade out of the lemon we bought,” said Jeremy. They worked hard to sustain the store through ups and downs, even considering living in the shop to make it through the early days. Despite their rough start, Angel and Jeremy’s vision was clear from the beginning: to create a space where pet owners could not only find quality pet products but also receive guidance and expertise…and their timing proved ideal. Just as Elk Grove was officially incorporated and the housing market boomed, Pets to Go became a staple in the community, filling a gap for specialized pet supplies. Now, thirty years later, the Epstein family has continued growing with the Elk Grove community and alongside the families they serve. With the addition of a second location in 2013 on Elk Grove Boulevard, Pets to Go now serves even more families, connecting generations of pet lovers on both sides of highway 99. 

A Culture of Knowledge and Care

Angel and Jeremy’s love for animals was evident from childhood. Both were the kids that brought all the critters they found home… and not much has changed. Today they have “downsized” their own pet family to three dogs, three cats, four tortoises, a ball python, and their daughter’s leopard gecko. It’s this passion and care, coupled with their knowledge, that sets Pets to Go apart. Jeremy and Angel, along with their long-tenured staff, help guide customers toward the best choices for their pets. “We want to empower our customers with education, so they can make informed choices,” Jeremy explains. “We don't stock big corporate brands because we focus on quality and value.” By focusing on nutrient dense food, Pets to Go supports the well-being of pets and brings peace of mind and long-term savings to their owners.



In each location, the welcoming presence of resident rescue cats adds to the store’s friendly and familiar atmosphere. At the store on Laguna Main Street, Angus and Fin greet customers, while Captain Jack, Mr. Sparrow, and Davey Jones make the Elk Grove Boulevard location feel like a second home for visitors.



Building Community and Partnerships

Pets to Go’s positive impact extends beyond their shops. They are contracted to supply the Elk Grove Animal Shelter with pet food and partner closely to foster and showcase adoptable pets. They have also supported the Elk Grove Police Department’s K9 unit and collaborate with educational and nonprofit organizations, from Sacramento City College to Purrfectly Pawsible. Participating in the annual Sacramento Reptile Show at Cal Expo, a well-loved community event that draws thousands, is another way Jeremy and Angel share their love of animals with the public. This commitment to animal education and community engagement has helped Pets to Go build lasting relationships with local families, strengthening their bond with animal-loving residents and visitors.

Embracing Flexibility and Growth

Throughout the years, Pets to Go has embraced adaptability. They now offer delivery services, making it easier than ever for their customers to support local businesses without sacrificing convenience. Their self-service dog washes at both locations further underscores their commitment to meeting community needs. “Stay adaptable but true to your philosophy,” Angel wisely advises. “Listening to your customers can help you grow without losing sight of your values.”

Support Local, Support Pets to Go

As we celebrate Entrepreneurship Month, let’s applaud Jeremy, Angel, and their dedicated team at Pets to Go. Their journey exemplifies the resilience, heart, and community spirit that make Elk Grove’s business landscape so unique. Visit one of their stores, shop online, explore their delivery service, and don’t miss their biggest sale on Black Friday weekend. By supporting local businesses like Pets to Go, you’re helping to build a stronger, more connected Elk Grove community!

Support Local Entrepreneurship

Did you know that two-thirds of every dollar spent at local businesses stays in the community? Support Elk Grove businesses by keeping your shopping, dining, and spending local. Use the Elk Grove Local eGift Card at over 70+ participating locations in the city. There is truly something for everyone!

About the City of Elk Grove

Elk Grove is a young, ethnically diverse, modern city of 178,000 people located in the dynamic and affordable Sacramento metropolitan region, the capital of the 5th largest economy in the world. Incorporated in 2000, Elk Grove is a family- and business-friendly community with low crime, excellent schools, over 100 community parks, elevated dining and shopping options, lively events and festivals, and over 270 sunny days per year. With its highly educated workforce, modern facilities and infrastructure, and pro-business attitude, it's clear why major corporations and institutions such as Apple, Cardinal Health, Amazon, UC Davis, AllData, and Kubota call Elk Grove home. Our dedicated staff of economic development professionals are ready to help you plan, finance, and fast-track your next business expansion or relocation project. Contact us today.

City of Elk Grove

Office of Economic Development

8401 Laguna Palms Way

Elk Grove, CA 95758

(916) 627-3338

TTY 888-435-6092

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