About us – Zvířecí Potřeby
We are a Czech online shop for pet food and pet supplies that has been trading since 2010. In that time we have fulfilled orders for customers across the whole of the Czech Republic and gradually built our own 650 m² warehouse. Yet what matters most to us is still what we started with: offering pet owners quality products, reliable service and a human touch.
There is no anonymous online platform behind the Zvířecí Potřeby shop. We are a Czech company full of people with a genuine bond with animals. Many of us are active pet keepers ourselves, and we know very well that every dog, cat, rabbit, parrot or other pet has different needs. That is why we do not simply try to sell as many products as possible. We want to help you choose the food and supplies that suit your pet, your budget and your way of life.
We have come a long way since the first pet bed we sold. We have built a modern warehouse, added pet food to our range, become the importer of selected European brands and launched a new online shop. With every step, though, we try to hold on to what we built the company on: fairness, responsibility, knowledge of our range, and respect for our customers and their animals.
Why shop with us?
There are thousands of shops online today, and even more products to choose from. Making a decision is not always easy. Our aim is to offer you a place where you will find a quality range, clear information and help whenever you are unsure what to choose.
We are a Czech company
By shopping with us you support a Czech company that has been on the market since 2010. Our company, warehouse and team are all based in the Czech Republic. We do not dispatch orders from some unknown warehouse abroad, and our customer support is not handled by an anonymous call centre.
When you get in touch, you talk to people who know our range, our ordering processes and the day-to-day running of the warehouse. That means we can deal with everyday questions and unusual situations faster and more personally.
We have a 650 m² warehouse
We hold a long-term lease on our warehouse in Pohořelice near Brno, and part of it operates as a modern cross-dock: goods arrive from our suppliers every day, and prepared orders leave for customers the very same day. That is how we can offer a very wide range without needless delays.
On our own storage floor we keep bestsellers, products bought in larger quantities on promotion, and the range of the Nobby brand, for which we are the importer. We combine the speed of a cross-dock with the certainty of our own stock — for dogs, cats, rodents, birds, fish, reptiles and other pets alike.
We have more than 15 years of experience
We have been running our online shop since 2010. In that time we have seen plenty of change in pet keeping, online retail, shipping and customer expectations. We have learnt that long-term success does not come from one clever advert, but from reliable work every single day.
We draw on that experience when selecting suppliers, putting our range together, handling complaints and communicating with customers. We also know that the most expensive product is not automatically the best one, and that the right choice must above all follow the needs of the individual animal.
We genuinely understand our range
Pet supplies are not just items in an online catalogue to us. We receive, check, store, pack and dispatch these products every day. We know the differences between the various types of food, beds, leads, harnesses, carriers, scratching posts, litter, toys and other supplies.
Our team also includes active pet keepers. From our own experience we know that the description on the packaging is sometimes not enough. Customers often need to know whether a harness will suit a particular build, how big a scratching post to choose, which type of litter fits their home, or which food may be suitable for a dog with specific requirements.
We offer verified, genuine products
We buy our goods from verified manufacturers, official distributors and trading partners. For selected brands we also handle our own imports from abroad. This lets us expand our range with products that are not usually available on the Czech market.
When choosing suppliers, we do not look at the purchase price alone. We are also interested in where the goods come from, how reliable the manufacturer is, product availability, build quality, the way they communicate and their ability to resolve any problems.
We are happy to help you choose
Not every customer knows exactly which product they need. Some are choosing the first food for a puppy, others are looking for a suitable litter for a sensitive cat or a safe harness for travelling by car. Those are exactly the situations where you can turn to us.
We do not automatically recommend the most expensive option. We are interested in the size, age and needs of the animal, how the product will be used and what you expect from it. Only with that information can we look for the right solution.
Zipi is here to help you in our shop too
Our shopping assistant Zipi helps you choose products in our online shop. You can describe what you are looking for, which pet you need the product for, or what requirements it should meet. Zipi will help you find your way around our range and pick out matching products.
Technology does not replace the human touch, though. If you are unsure or need help with a specific situation, you can always contact our team directly.
From the first pet bed to a modern online shop
Every company starts somewhere. In our case there was no big investor, no large distribution centre and no retail chain. We started step by step, with a handful of products, our first orders and the belief that a Czech online shop can offer quality goods and reliable service too.
The first pet bed sold
Our journey began in 2010, when we sold our first dog bed. Back then we had no idea how much the company would grow over the following years. We prepared those first orders in conditions that bear no comparison with today's warehouse, but even then we did our best to handle every one of them carefully and on time.
More customers and new products gradually followed. What began as a modest range of pet supplies started growing into a specialist online shop.
Our first rented premises
With the number of orders growing, it was no longer possible to carry on as before. So in 2012 we rented our first commercial premises, used for storing, packing and dispatching parcels.
It was an important step. We gained a place where we could organise our stock better and prepare orders more efficiently. At the same time, we began to understand how demanding it is to keep stock availability accurate and manage a growing number of products.
Our first larger warehouse of 200 m²
In 2014 we moved into a warehouse of around 200 m². For us, that was a major expansion at the time. We could list more products, hold higher stock levels and respond better to customer demand.
The move also meant further professionalising the whole operation. We began to take a more systematic approach to warehouse layout, goods receipt, shipment checks and order preparation.
Adding pet food to our range
Until 2015 we focused mainly on pet supplies. However, we were increasingly being asked about food for dogs, cats and other pets. So we decided to expand our range significantly.
Adding pet food was one of the most important milestones in our history. From that moment on, customers could buy not only beds, leads, bowls, toys and other equipment from us, but also their pets' everyday nutrition.
Storing pet food brought new demands on space, handling, batch control and best-before dates. We learnt to pay extra attention not only to the product itself, but also to the way it is stored and dispatched.
Importing the Nobby brand and expanding the warehouse
In 2017 we became the importer of the German brand Nobby, which offers a wide range of pet supplies. This step brought us closer to the manufacturer, allowed us to expand our range and gave us greater control over the availability of selected products.
At the same time we expanded our warehouse by a further 300 m², giving us around 500 m² in total. By then it was clear that what had started as a small online shop was becoming a fully fledged trading and logistics company.
For us, importing has never simply meant being able to offer more goods. It also brought responsibility for transport, stock planning, communication with a partner abroad and ensuring product availability for Czech customers.
Moving the warehouse to Pohořelice
Further growth gradually showed that our existing premises were no longer enough. So in 2022 we moved to our current premises in Pohořelice near Brno, where we have around 650 m² of warehouse space.
The new warehouse allowed us to separate the individual operational areas more effectively, expand our stock and make goods receipt and dispatch more efficient. It also gave us room for further growth and for adding new brands.
Moving the entire warehouse while continuing to trade was one of the most demanding periods in our history. We had to relocate a huge number of products, keep track of stock and, at the same time, disrupt order processing as little as possible.
A new online shop and more European brands
In 2023 we launched a new online shop that better reflects the size of our range and the way customers shop today. We focused on clearer categories, better product information, easier searching and more convenient shopping on mobile devices.
At the same time we began working more closely with other European manufacturers and expanding our own imports. This allows us to offer Czech customers interesting brands and products that would otherwise be harder to come by.
Technology, automation and further growth
Developing our shop did not end with the launch of the new version. We are continually working on better search, better descriptions, more accessible information and simpler product selection.
We are also gradually bringing modern technology and artificial intelligence into the shop. Their purpose is not to replace our staff, but to help customers navigate a large range more easily and to give our team more time for situations that call for human judgement.
We keep expanding our range, looking for new suppliers and working on running the warehouse more efficiently. Every major change, though, is judged by whether it brings real benefit to customers and their pets.
How we choose the products in our range
Our aim is not to stock absolutely everything without any selection. An overly large range with no clear system can be more of an obstacle than an advantage for customers. That is why we try to build our range so that it covers different price brackets, product types and the needs of individual animals.
We look at quality, usefulness and price
When deciding whether to add a new product, we do not focus only on the brand or attractive packaging. We also assess the material, workmanship, practicality, available variants, value for money and customer experience.
With pet food we look at the composition, the purpose of the recipe, pack sizes, the availability of individual variants and whether the manufacturer provides enough clear information. With pet supplies we are mainly interested in safety, durability, ease of maintenance and genuine usefulness in everyday life.
We do not just go for the most expensive products
A quality product does not always have to be the most expensive one. We know that every customer has a different budget and different requirements. That is why we try to offer affordable products for everyday use as well as premium alternatives for more demanding pet keepers.
What matters is that the price matches the quality and purpose of the product. A cheap toy that falls apart after a few minutes is no bargain. Equally, there is no point recommending an expensive solution to a customer who would be well served by a simpler option.
We listen to our customers
Many new products and brands have found their way into our range thanks to customer questions and feedback. We keep an eye on what pet owners are looking for, which variants they feel are missing and what problems they run into when choosing.
Feedback also helps us identify products that consistently fall short of expectations. Not every new arrival proves itself, and not every product has to stay in our range forever.
We work with Czech and international manufacturers
In our range you will find traditional Czech brands, well-known European manufacturers and specialist products from smaller companies. For some brands from abroad we handle direct imports or work closely with the manufacturer.
This gives us a better overview of upcoming new products, availability and the options for resolving any shortcomings. At the same time, we try to pass on the experience and comments of Czech customers to the manufacturers.
How our warehouse works
The warehouse is the heart of our whole online shop. It is here that it is decided whether a customer receives the right goods, in good condition and without needless delay.
Our warehouse in Pohořelice operates partly as a cross-dock — every day a great deal of goods comes in and a great deal goes out. We receive goods from suppliers, immediately assemble them into customer orders and dispatch them. On our own storage floor we also keep bestsellers, promotional stock bought at good prices and the imported Nobby brand, all of which we dispatch straight away.
You will always find the expected dispatch date next to each product. The date may vary between products — when you order several items, the latest of the dates shown applies.
Goods receipt
Every week we receive deliveries from Czech and international suppliers. It may be a few cartons from a smaller manufacturer, or whole pallets of food, litter, beds, scratching posts or other equipment.
On receipt we check the number of items delivered, the condition of the packaging and that everything matches the order. We then place the products in their warehouse locations so they can be found quickly when customer orders are assembled.
Storing pet food and supplies
The pet range is extremely varied. Small treats and accessories take up just a few centimetres, while large scratching posts, cages, sacks of food or bulky beds need considerably more room.
The warehouse has to be organised accordingly. We sort products by type, size, weight and how often they sell. The goods dispatched most frequently must be easy to reach, while fragile or bulky items call for special handling.
Order picking
Once an order comes in, our warehouse team prepares it for picking. The individual products have to be located, checked and brought together into one consignment. With larger orders or heavy sacks of food, the goods may need to be split across several parcels.
Before packing, we check that the type, variant, size and quantity are correct. Although we use modern warehouse processes, the care of an individual person still plays an important role.
Packing
Every product needs to be packed differently. A sack of kibble is prepared one way, a ceramic bowl, tins, aquarium equipment or a large scratching post another.
Our aim is to protect the goods so they survive transport safely, while not using needlessly large amounts of packaging material. That is why we use different carton sizes, fillers and fixing materials depending on the type of order.
Handover to the carrier
The prepared consignments are then handed over to the individual carriers. From that moment on, transport is no longer directly in our hands, yet we still try to help customers if a problem arises during delivery.
If a parcel is delayed, damaged or lost, we liaise with the carrier and look for a solution. We know that customers are not interested in who exactly caused the problem. Above all, they need to know what is happening with their order and how the situation will be resolved.
What good customer care means to us
In our view, good customer care does not begin at the moment of a complaint. It begins with a clear product description, honest information about availability and the chance to ask for advice before you order.
At the same time, we know that even with the best will in the world, mistakes cannot be avoided entirely. A product may get mixed up, damaged in transit, stock information may be inaccurate, or another problem may occur. In such situations we do not want to look for excuses. We need to find out what happened and offer a sensible solution.
We communicate openly
If we find that a product is unavailable or an order will be delayed, we try to let you know and suggest the next steps. We cannot always influence how fast a supplier or carrier is, but we can influence the way we communicate with you.
We see complaints as part of the service
A complaint is not pleasant for the customer or for the seller. Nevertheless, it is a normal part of doing business. That is why we try to act matter-of-factly, respect customers' rights and handle every case on its own merits.
We also use the feedback to keep improving. A recurring problem may point to unsuitable packaging, a shortage of a particular product or an error in a description.
Our values
Fairness
We want to give customers honest information about products, prices, availability and purchase terms. We do not want to promise something we cannot deliver, or hide important information behind complicated wording.
Responsibility
We take responsibility for our work. Every order represents a real customer and a real animal waiting for the food or supplies ordered. That is why correct picking, careful packing and clear communication matter to us.
Expertise
The pet range is constantly evolving. New materials, recipes, technologies and approaches to care keep appearing. That is why we continually follow what is new, talk to suppliers and expand our knowledge.
A human touch
We do not want customers to feel that they are only dealing with an automated system when they contact us. Technology helps us work faster, but important decisions and unusual situations are still handled by people.
Long-term relationships
We value customers who come back to us. Repeat purchases and long-term trust matter more to us than a one-off sale at any cost.
We take the same approach with our staff, suppliers and trading partners. In our view, stable cooperation comes about when it is beneficial and fair for everyone involved.
We are not an anonymous marketplace
The goods in our shop are not offered by hundreds of unknown third-party sellers. You place your order directly with our company, and we are the ones responsible for it.
We dispatch most of our range from our own warehouse. This gives us a better overview of the products, their packaging and the way they are shipped. If a problem arises, you do not have to work out which of many sellers actually handled your order.
A marketplace can offer a huge number of items, but it often lacks expert knowledge of a specific range. We have specialised in pet food and pet supplies for many years. We do not need to understand electronics, furniture, clothing and thousands of other categories. We concentrate on the field we work in every day.
A day at Zvířecí Potřeby
For the customer, an order begins with a click of a button. For us, its journey often starts much earlier.
Once an order comes in, we first check availability: we find out whether the goods are ready in our warehouse, or whether we are bringing them in from an external warehouse or ordering them from the supplier. That is exactly why you will find an approximate dispatch date next to every product. As soon as the goods reach us, we receive, check and book them in — and the order heads off for picking and dispatch.
New orders keep arriving throughout the day. Our warehouse staff locate the individual products and prepare them for checking and packing. Meanwhile, customer support answers questions and deals with changes to orders, product availability and any delivery problems.
On top of that, more suppliers arrive, pallets are dispatched, prices and availability are updated, new products are prepared for the shop and we communicate with manufacturers in the Czech Republic and abroad.
At the end of the day, the prepared consignments leave the warehouse for the carriers. The next day, the whole process starts all over again.
Behind every order dispatched, then, is the work of several people, a warehouse system, communication with suppliers and a series of small checks the customer never needs to see. Our aim is for the result to feel simple: you order, and the goods arrive correctly and in good condition.
We help pet owners choose wisely
We believe a good purchase does not begin with a discount, but with the right choice. A product that does not meet your animal's needs is not a bargain, whatever the price.
That is why we try to create quality category descriptions, clear specifications, advisory content and comparisons of the individual options in our shop. We want you to be able to make an informed decision before you buy.
We do not claim there is one best product for everyone. Every pet has a different age, size, state of health, temperament and lifestyle. Likewise, every owner expects something different from a product.
Our job is to offer enough quality options and help you find the right one among them.
We are also very grateful to the customers who keep coming back to us, recommend us to their friends or give us feedback. It is that long-term trust that has allowed us to grow from the very first order we sold into what we are today.
We are not perfect, and there is always room for improvement. But we try to move a step further every year while holding on to what customers expect from a Czech company: responsibility, accessible communication and genuine interest in their needs.
Frequently asked questions about our shop
How long has the Zvířecí Potřeby shop been trading?
Are you a Czech company?
Where is your warehouse?
Do you really keep the goods in your own warehouse?
Do you sell genuine products?
Are you the importer of any brands?
How do you choose the products in your range?
Can you help me choose?
Do you always recommend the most expensive product?
Do you only sell supplies for dogs and cats?
How quickly do you dispatch orders?
Why might an order be split into several parcels?
Do you check the best-before dates of pet food?
What do you do if a parcel is damaged?
What should I do if I need to return goods?
Do you also have a physical store?
Can I order goods from you that are currently out of stock?
Do you keep your range and product availability up to date?
Why might a product's price change?
Do you offer loyalty discounts?
Can I suggest a product or brand to you?
Do you use artificial intelligence?
Who is Zipi?
How can I contact customer support?
Why should I buy from you?
We are here for you and your pets
Whether you are choosing everyday food, a new bed, a lead for those first walks, a large scratching post, litter or equipment for another kind of pet, we want to offer you a place where you will find quality products and the information you need.
Thank you to all the customers who have placed their trust in us since 2010. Without you, we could not have built our current warehouse, expanded our range or improved our services.
We appreciate that with your purchase you are supporting a Czech company full of animal lovers and active pet keepers. We look forward to every next order and will do everything we can to make sure you enjoy coming back to us.