IB Pet Opens New Location In Coronado Just In Time For Fourth Of July | Coronado Home and Business

The Coronado community is excited to welcome a new addition to its pet care scene, as IB Pet prepares to open its doors just in time for the Fourth of July festivities. Owner Lori Smith, a passionate advocate for pet nutrition and wellness, is bringing her expertise to the space formerly occupied by Wag’n Tails, expanding her successful business from nearby Imperial Beach.

Having entered the pet food industry in 2009, Smith opened her first store in a modest 900-square-foot space in Imperial Beach, where she quickly established herself as a trusted resource for pet owners. Her journey into the world of pet care began with her own two Golden Retrievers, Tanner and Cali. “It all started with my own dogs. I became deeply invested in learning about nutrition and wellness and what I discovered changed how I cared for them,” Smith shared.

“I actually used to shop at Wag’n Tails when I lived in Coronado with my two Golden Retrievers. It’s where I was first introduced to better pet food and nutrition.”

Her experience led her to realize the importance of providing better quality pet food, especially raw diets, and knowledgeable support for pet owners.

Smith’s connection to Coronado runs deep; after seeing what Wag’n Tails was offering the community, she recognized the need for a similar resource in Imperial Beach. “After moving to Imperial Beach and buying a home there, I realized the community needed a pet store like Wag’n Tails—somewhere that offered better quality pet food and knowledgeable help. That inspired me to open IB Pet and create a space where others could find the same kind of guidance and support,” she explained.

The opportunity to expand to the former Wag’n Tails location arose quickly when the owner decided to close the store in April. Smith seized the chance to take over the lease, allowing her to continue serving the community she loves. “We moved quickly to reopen and continue serving the community,” Smith said.

Coronado has always held a special place in Smith’s heart. She has been actively involved in the community through various initiatives, including volunteering with the Coronado Football Club and sponsoring local sports teams, such as Coronado Little League. Now, Smith is excited to serve the many Coronado customers she sees at IB Pet without them having to make a trip down the Strand. “It’s meaningful to now bring those products and services closer to home for our customers who have been visiting us from the island, so they don’t have to leave the island,” she noted.

The grand opening of IB Pet is set to be a festive occasion, coinciding with the annual Fourth of July celebrations. Following the parade, the community is invited to join the Sip & See event, where they can enjoy light refreshments and a chance to receive free tote bags filled with samples, all while exploring the store’s full selection of pet treats, toys, food, and wellness products. “It’s a fun and casual way to welcome everyone into the new space,” she told me.

With four other successful locations (Imperial Beach, Chula Vista, Rancho San Diego, and Del Mar), IB Pet Coronado aims to create another bright and welcoming environment for both pets and their owners. As Smith describes it, “Our goal is to create a space that feels both familiar and fresh. Pets are always welcome and get a treat when they come in—or when they come for a bath.” The store will maintain the same commitment to quality products and friendly service that customers expect, while also introducing new offerings tailored to the specific needs of the Coronado community.

One of the most exciting features of this new location will be the introduction of a self-service dog wash—a first for IB Pet. This addition aims to offer pet owners convenience, especially after a day at Dog Beach. “Providing a self-service dog wash is something new for IB Pet—none of our other locations currently offer this service. Historically, we’ve chosen spaces that already had a groomer or self-wash nearby,” Smith began. “We’re excited to provide this service not just for our Coronado customers, but also for regulars from our other locations who visit the island to go to Dog Beach and want a convenient place to clean up after a beach day.”

While the Coronado store will be smaller than the flagship location in Imperial Beach, Smith and her team are ready to tackle the challenges of stocking a variety of products in a more compact space. The focus will be on high-quality, small- to medium-sized bags of dry food, ensuring that customers have access to the best options for their pets. For those requiring larger bulk options, special transfers can be arranged, or customers can visit the IB store just down the Strand.

As Smith prepares for this new venture, she emphasizes the importance of community involvement and connection. “Our knowledgeable staff is here to support pet parents in every way possible, from nutrition advice to wellness products. We genuinely care about pets, and we know this is a pet-focused community,” she stated. IB Pet aims to be a one-stop shop where pet parents can find everything they need, from high-quality food and treats to wellness products and supplies.

Looking forward, Smith believes that IB Pet will be a vital addition to the Coronado community. “We aim to create a reliable choice for those looking for excellent service, trusted products, and real support when it comes to their pets’ health and happiness. Plus, our self-service dog wash makes it easy to keep your pup clean without the hassle or mess at home, especially after a trip to the beach,” she explained.

To stay updated on events and promotions, residents can visit IB Pet’s website at ibpet.net or follow them on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. As IB Pet opens its doors, the Coronado community eagerly anticipates a new hub for pet care, camaraderie, and connection.

All are invited to sip and see what this new store is all about this Fourth of July.

VOL. 115, NO. 27 – July 2, 2025