Passion for Healthy Pets Marches On: Venture North Supports Pets Naturally Transition

TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN – What began in 2013 as a mother’s mission to heal her sick Boston Terrier has evolved into a thriving cornerstone of the Northern Michigan small business community. Today, Pets Naturally is proud to celebrate its continued growth as founder Kathy Hyland officially transfers ownership to her daughter, Jessica Follett.

The transition is a milestone supported by Venture North Funding and Development, a nonprofit dedicated to helping local businesses and communities prosper. Having provided initial capital for the company’s growth over a decade ago, Venture North continues to champion the store as it enters this new chapter of leadership.

From NYC Ad-Tech to Traverse City Tradition

Jessica Follett returns to her roots with a powerhouse professional background. After earning her MBA, Jessica spent several years in the New York City ad-tech industry working with major global brands. Now, she is applying that high-level expertise and digital marketing experience to the family business.

“I’m focused on listening and understanding what makes our people, processes, and products successful,” said Jessica Follett, Owner. “My goal is to support our team, strengthen our community ties, and grow the business in a way that honors what my mom built.”

A Growing Team and National Reach

Under this new leadership, Pets Naturally has grown to a team of 20 dedicated staff members. While the retail store remains the heart of the operation, the business is seeing rapid expansion in its specialized services:

• The Dog Bakery: Our small-batch, hand-made treats and custom cakes are now being shipped to devoted customers nationwide through our online storefront.
• Expert Guidance: Longtime General Manager Andrea Margelis, a 12-year veteran, continues to lead the team in providing unparalleled customer education on pet nutrition.
• Holistic Standards: Every product on our shelves remains 100% free from animal by-products and artificial ingredients.

As Kathy Hyland moves toward retirement to spend time with her five children and six grandchildren, she does so with total confidence. “We’re lucky that Jessica is at a point in her life where she can bring new energy and experience to Pets Naturally,” Hyland said. “She’s ready to take it to new heights.”

Passing the Leash: Second Generation Takes Over at Pets Naturally

It all started, as these things often do, when Kathy Hyland couldn’t find good dog food in Northern Michigan. After her Boston Terrier, Lucy, became frequently ill, Kathy did her own research and decided to try pure, natural foods instead of the highly processed, filler-stuffed products found on most store shelves. The results were life-changing for Lucy, but Kathy hit a snag: there was no local source for this type of food.

Twelve years ago, Kathy and her husband Tim decided to solve that problem themselves by opening Pets Naturally. Today, it has grown into Northern Michigan’s largest and best-stocked purveyor of natural pet foods, supplements, and accessories. The business even includes its own bakery The DOG Bakery by Pets Naturally which churns out thousands of wholesome treats for pets across the country.

Now, a new chapter begins as Kathy’s daughter, Jessica Follett, takes over as owner. Jessica, who previously worked in digital marketing for companies like Yelp, is excited to bring her professional expertise to the family business.

It means so much to me to carry forward what my mom built,” Follett says. “I’m excited to continue that tradition while also shaping the future of our businesses. My main priority is to bring it more into the present day from a digital perspective—we’re ready for a new point-of-sale system and a refresh of our websites.

While the technology might be getting an upgrade, the heart of the store remains the same. The staff continues to offer “vet-type” educational conversations to help pet parents find the right solutions for their animals’ health. And in a beautiful full-circle moment, Jessica is now accompanied at the store by her own rescue Boston Terrier also named Lucy.

Originally published in the January 2026 issue of Traverse City Business News by Art Bukowski.

From Flooring To Pets…Naturally: Kathy And Tim Hyland Broaden Their Entrepreneurial Scope

What do flooring, metalsmithing/design and pet food have in common?

If you answered Kathy and Tim Hyland, you’re right. They are the owners and moving forces behind Bayview Flooring, Bayview Displays and Pets Naturally.

Pets Naturally came about when their own dog got sick. “Our dog got sick, and when we changed its diet, she got better. We thought it would be cool to have a health food pet store, like Oryana,” said Tim.

They owned a building on South Airport Road and when the tenant moved out, they saw an opportunity for another adventure. Pets Naturally is Kathy’s (fur) baby.

“It grew out of my love for dogs, especially,” she said.

When their Boston Terrier Lucy started losing fur while battling an immune system disorder, she began researching healthy food products. They ended up buying food online as at the time there was no place available locally to purchase it. When Lucy got better, they decided they were on to something, and decided the best way to help others find the healthiest options for their pets was to offer such products themselves.

“We said, ‘Let’s open one.’ It took off,” Kathy said.

Franchise opens up to target ‘pet parents’

A new holistic pet supply store opens in Grand Rapids, capitalizing on the trend for owners to “humanize” their pets.

Your Pets Naturally said it will open Jan. 27 at Cascade East Shopping Mall, 6439 28th St. SE.

This will be the first Grand Rapids-owned franchise for Your Pets Naturally, a business founded in Traverse City in 2013 by Kathy Hyland. The local franchisees are Jim VanDyken and Bear, his Bernese Mountain Dog.

“I am very excited to bring healthy alternatives to pet wellbeing to the West Michigan region,” said VanDyken.

Your Pets Naturally stocks health aids, wellness products, and quality food and treats for cats and dogs.

There’s also the DOG Bakery that bakes all natural dog treats.

Grand opening celebration of Your Pets Naturally

GRAND RAPIDS, MI- Dog and cat lovers are invited to bring their furry friends along to the Grand Opening Celebration of Your Pets Naturally on Friday, January 27, 2023, from 9 AM to 7 PM and Saturday, January 28, 2023, from 9 AM to 4 PM. The celebration will include prizes, giveaways, and refreshments in the brand-new store next to D&W in the Cascade East Shopping Mall at 6439 28th Street SE in Grand Rapids.

Your Pets Naturally, a holistic pet supply store, carries a full line of health aids, wellness products, and the highest quality food and treats for cats and dogs. Customers can shop for goodies at the popular DOG Bakery, offering home-baked all-natural dog treats. Shoppers will also find a full line of environmentally safe, non-toxic, allergy-free products and accessories, from throw toys to harnesses and chews.

The opening of Your Pets Naturally represents the first locally-owned franchise of Pets Naturally, established in 2013 in Traverse City, Michigan by owner and franchisor Kathy Hyland. “Pets Naturally has found success by focusing on our customers – both two-legged and four-legged. They are more than just shoppers… they are like family!”

“I’m beyond excited to provide healthy alternatives for pet wellness to the West Michigan area,” says franchisee Jim VanDyken, alongside his Bernese Mountain Dog, Bear. “I was born and raised in Grand Rapids and know that our community will value Your Pets Naturally’s commitment to safe and healthy pet products.  “We are truly grateful for the warm reception we’ve already received.”

Pets Naturally expands into The Grand Rapids Market

Pets Naturally, Michigan’s premier holistic pet supply retailer, is expanding into the Grand Rapids area. Your Pets Naturally, a franchise, will open its first location at 6439 28th Street SE, featuring the trusted products customers have loved since 2013.

The newly opened Grand Rapids store, conveniently located on 28th Street in the Cascade East Shopping Mall, will offer a wide variety of safe, natural food options, holistic supplements and wellness products, homemade bakery treats, and a variety of toys and accessories for dogs and cats.

“I’m beyond excited to provide healthy alternatives for pet wellness to the West Michigan area,” says franchisee Jim VanDyken, alongside his Bernese Mountain Dog, Bear. “I was born and raised in Grand Rapids and know that our community will value Pets Naturally’s commitment to safe and healthy pet products.”

“We are so thrilled to be able to share our passion for healthy food and holistic pet supplies throughout northern Michigan,” said Kathy Hyland, owner and franchisor. “Pets Naturally has found success by focusing on our customers – both two-legged and four-legged. They are more than just shoppers… they are like family! The staff and I are incredibly grateful to our community for their support.”

Pets Naturally Opens New Franchise in Michigan

Pets Naturally, a holistic pet supply retailer in Michigan, is expanding into the Grand Rapids area. Your Pets Naturally, a franchise owned by Jim VanDyken, has opened its first location at 6439 28th Street SE.

Pets Naturally featured on 9&10 news

A Northern Michigan pet supply store is spreading their wings and opening shop in the Grand Rapids area.

Pets Naturally got their start in Traverse City in 2013. They specialize in safe, natural foods as well as holistic supplements.

All their products are carefully selected with the health and wellbeing of our furry friends as top priority. They even have a bakery churning out chewy treats.

“A lot of people come in here with questions. They come in with pets that have issues such as allergies and other issues that they need help with. We have a large supplement area and they walk away with knowledge and with products that are going to be safe for their pets and healthy,” says Kathy Hyland, owner of Pets Naturally.

source: 9and10.com

Visit Northern Michigan’s Only Holistic Pet Store, ‘Pets Naturally’

Pets Naturally in Traverse City is Northern Michigan’s only holistic pet store. With a giant variety of pet food, supplements, and accessories- Pets Naturally offers products that are 100% safe for animals. None of their food has any corn, soy, wheat, preservatives, dyes, and by-products.

The pet store guides its visitors on making the right decisions when it comes to feeding your pet. One of the things owner Kathy Hyland is proud of is that her staff is extremely knowledgeable on their products.

Not only does this pet store have high quality products, they offer services to help make your experience easier! Pets Naturally has a convenient where you can make an appointment to wash your pet. Another convenient service for customers is their where goods can be delivered to Traverse City residents.

Red Hot Best Gifts: 2022 Winners for Pet Stores

Place to Buy Pet Items: Pets Naturally
On a mission to help your furry friends live happily and healthily in Northern Michigan, Pets Naturally carries nutrient-rich pet food and supplements in addition to toys and other goodies. Also on-site are self-serve pet washes, a perfect place for tourists to scrub their pup after outdoor adventures. Once you’re done grabbing good food for your pet, head downtown to The Little Fleet, the 2022 Red Hot Best Winner for Dog-Friendly Business in the area, to find a delicious meal for you!

Red Hot Best 2021: Northern Michigan’s Top 7 Places to Buy Pet Items

For all your pet supplies needs, look no further. These shops prioritize the happiness of you and your animal companions—from health and grooming, to everything in between. We asked you for your favorite places to buy pet items in Northern Michigan—here is your winners for Traverse City area.

The animal-loving staff at Northern Michigan’s only holistic pet supply store aims to guide pet owners in making the right decisions when it comes to feeding their four-legged friends. The products they carry (and their homemade treats!) are formulated with nutritious ingredients, vitamins and supplements.

West Michigan produces 15 of state’s 50 Companies to Watch

We are proud to announce that Pets Naturally is one of this year’s 50 Companies to Watch in Michigan.

Ninety-four businesses statewide, including the 2020 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch, will be recognized at the 16th annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) awards gala, which will be held virtually at 6 p.m. July 28.