About Us

Our Story

Hi, I’m Zack Vanegas, founder of Happy Trails Pet Shop. This brand has been over six years in the making, through multiple attempts, different stores, and different niches before finally landing on something that truly felt right. Happy Trails wasn’t created overnight. It came from years of learning, refining, and staying connected to what has always mattered most to me: animals.

I’ve always been an animal person. Growing up, I spent summers in Alaska salmon fishing and other times with my grandpa down by Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. I grew up in a small mountain town in Southern California, where running errands meant spending entire days “off the hill.” But one stop was always special, the pet store. We had a saltwater tank at home, and every visit meant carefully picking out a new fish, then rushing through the long drive back, hoping it would survive the trip 😂. Those moments stuck with me, not just the excitement, but the responsibility that came with caring for something living.

Every September was soccer season. Between games, my friends and I would catch tiny tree frogs, bring them home, feed them crickets, and give them names like they were family. Even back then, animals weren’t just pets, they were companions.

Over the years, I’ve owned fish, cats, and dogs, and every one of them has shaped how I see companionship, responsibility, and care. Dogs, especially, have always held a special place for me, loyal, intuitive, and endlessly loving. Cats? They make you earn it and that’s part of what makes them funny and special in their own way. I genuinely believe animals have an instinct for character. That bond, the unspoken connection is something I’ve carried with me into building this brand.

Why Happy Trails Exists: Happy Trails Pet Shop was created for pet owners who want better, not just more.
- Better products.
- Better care.
- Better experiences for the pets who give us so much.
Every product we carry is hand-picked with intention, whether it’s a premium smart feeder, an enrichment toy, or an everyday essential. We focus on items that improve quality of life, encourage healthy habits, and strengthen the bond between pets and their people.
This store isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about offering thoughtful, high-quality solutions that pets actually enjoy and that owners can feel good about bringing into their homes.

Our Mission

At Happy Trails, our mission is simple:
To improve the daily lives of pets through thoughtfully curated, high-quality products, while building a brand rooted in trust, care, and a genuine love for animals.
We believe premium doesn’t have to feel cold or corporate. It should feel personal, reliable, and made with purpose.

Looking Ahead
As Happy Trails grows, giving back is a core part of the vision.
One of our long-term goals is to partner with local animal shelters and rescues, where a portion of sales can help support adoption placements, fostering needs, and care for animals whose families may not be able to afford it. Helping animals find loving homes and supporting the people who make that possible is something we’re committed to building toward.

From Our Home to Yours
Happy Trails Pet Shop is a small business built on passion, persistence, and a genuine love for animals. Whether you’re shopping for a premium product or a simple everyday favorite, you’re supporting a dream that’s been years in the making.
Thanks for being part of the journey. 🐾