Our Story

Kahoots, a tried-and-true grassroots company that

ALL STARTED WITH A STACK OF HAY AND A PICKUP TRUCK

Humble beginnings indeed. In the late '80s, founders and friends, Mike and Ethan, drove door-to-door in the heat of horse country with their one and only product, quality hay. Their point of difference was simple, spend more time listening to people than selling. Mike and Ethan quickly learned their customers’ wants and needs, and out of the mutual respect for the human/animal bond, responded, growing to help their customers care for their animals in new and better ways. With every sale, motivation grew, further solidifying the idea they were building something meaningful.

The concept of listening to customers and delivering what they need has remained top priority to this very day. What started with our first customer in '87, has grown into multiple storefronts, and research/development into the finest pet products. Our mission motivated the launch of Kahoots branded products and our emphasis on employee training and ongoing education through our very own Kahoots University. It’s why Kahoots goal is so simple, deliver the most knowledgeable customer service and offer the highest quality products at the most affordable price.

Child with dog on leash inside Kahoots
Children with rooster inside Kahoots
Mike and Ethan standing in front of a truck as hay is loaded in the bed
A small child reaching toward some baby ducks
Child with kitten and guinea pig
Family-owned & Family-focused

KAHOOTS ISN'T JUST STORES AND PRODUCTS

Kahoots is about animals and people, caring about each other to the fullest, and fulfilling the promises we make to each other. We work our hardest to create a fun and open experience that makes a positive impact on every life we touch, including our customers, their animals and our staff. Each of our 20+ stores and our 200+ staff members operate on this philosophy and embrace our core values, and that’s what makes us different. We aren’t a big box corporation, and we aren’t a boutique market. We’re a family, your neighbors, and we work harder every single day to help you strengthen the love you share with your pets.

White flatbed pickup truck with the word "Kahoots" printed on the side.

1987

Mike delivers his first bales of hay with an International harvester flatbed truck.

Mike's friend Ethan leaning against a pickup truck

1988

Mike’s friend, Ethan, joins the party so they can take better care of Kahoots' growing hay accounts.

The first Kahoots storefront. Wooden building with red trim.

1990

Kahoots' first-ever feed store opens in Moorpark, CA. To make ends meet, Mike and Ethan live at the store for two years!

Kahoots ramona opening. People sitting in front of store in folding chairs

1995

Kahoots Ramona opens in the Valley of the Sun and doubles as the Corporate Headquarters.

Kahoots hay barn full of hay

2000

Wanting to provide high quality hay year-round, Kahoots constructs a massive barn in Westmorland, CA.

Original Kahoots dog food bag. Blue back with a black dog on the front

2002

Kahoots develops their own exclusive dog food made only with the healthiest, naturally sourced ingredients.

Kahoots storefront. White building with red clay roof tiles and arches

2003

Kahoots opens its first ALL PET supply store in Rancho Bernardo, North County San Diego.

Mike, Ethan, family and friends cutting a ribbon.

2004

Kahoots expands into LA County and opens a huge feed & pet location in the neighborhood of Chatsworth

Image of "best pet store in San Diego" award

2012

Persistence pays off, Kahoots is voted Best Pet Store in San Diego by the Union Tribune!

Image of Kahoots Alpine storefront

2017

The 20th Kahoots location debuts in Alpine, CA (our 12th store in San Diego).

2018

Kahoots constructs a fully custom flagship store just a few blocks from the original Ramona location.

Man with his dog looking at a computer

2019

Kahoots jumps headfirst into the internet with a brand-new website and online store, welcome!

Woman holding a cat lovingly.

TODAY

Nourishing the bond between pet and parent remains Kahoots’ #1 priority. Each product comes from listening to you, our valued customers.

Cute dog with an orange bow for a collar being pet.

TOMORROW

With a desire to give back to the communities we love, Kahoots continues to support local rescues, shelters, and pets in need across Southern California and Arizona.