Pawsome Pups, a store that sells puppies and pet accessories, has opened inside Polaris Fashion Place in Delaware County, prompting pushback from online commentators.
Polaris promoted the store's opening in a social media post Monday, Oct. 19, 614Now reported. The brand previously operated a location on High Street in North Columbus and has another store at the Mall at Tuttle Crossing in Dublin.
The new location sits on the upper level next to Macy's, according to an Aug. 14 Instagram post from Polaris that announced the store would open in early September.
When Pawsome Pups announced its plans earlier this year, users on the r/Columbus subreddit pushed back. One post calling the concept "super trashy and just wrong" drew nearly 100 comments, 614Now reported.
The store's same-day puppy delivery service was a frequent target. One Reddit user wrote, "Who TF thinks getting A DOG like they're on UberEats is acceptable?!" according to 614Now. The company's website confirms it offers same-day delivery throughout Ohio.
In its opening announcement, Polaris said Pawsome Pups works with USDA- licensed breeders, maintains a zero-tolerance policy for puppy mills and requires all dogs to pass a veterinary health check before going home with buyers.
On its own website, the company states it works only with licensed brokers who use USDA-licensed breeders. It advertises a one-year health guarantee: if a puppy dies of natural causes within a year of purchase, the company says it will provide a replacement of the same value. Buyers must provide a certified document from a veterinarian.
A Polaris representative told 614Now the mall welcomes guest feedback and stands behind its tenant selection. The representative directed questions about the store to Pawsome Pups at [email protected].
The 614Now report did not include a response from Pawsome Pups ownership. The store is open on the upper level of Polaris Fashion Place, located off Interstate 71 on Polaris Parkway.
