Franchisees Committed to Canine Health and Responsible Breeding

Petland Novi franchisee Alaina Markel has grown up in the Petland family and transformed her lifelong connection to the brand into a mission-driven leadership role. Since being named 2023 Petland Store of the Year, Alaina and Derek Markel have expanded from one location to two, adding Petland Sarasota in Florida to their successful Novi, Michigan operation. An area that sets the Markels apart is their proactive engagement with the breeder and veterinary communities around advancing breeding standards, particularly Canine Health Information Center (OFA) testing.

Markel began working in her family’s store at 16, eventually rising from kennel attendant to general manager and purchasing the business in 2019. Even through challenges such as the pandemic and caring for newborn twins, she remains committed to strengthening breeder relationships and improving canine welfare.

Her passion is most evident in her interest in and working with OFA clinics that screen breeding dogs for genetic and orthopedic issues that can impact puppies. She and store leaders have participated in clinics across Michigan and Ohio. Though the work can be gritty, Markel calls it rewarding: “I really enjoyed doing it. I like meeting the breeders, seeing what they’re doing, and giving advice on what we need to do.”

Markel has been especially focused on helping Michigan breeders reach the high standards found in Ohio and Indiana, where Canine Care Certified (CCC) practices are widely adopted. She and her team visit dozens of breeders each year, promoting the benefits of CCC and educating breeders on its proven, science-based benefits. “To run a good store, you need to know the puppies are coming from good breeders,” she said. “Canine Care Certified leads to happy, healthy puppies.”

Consumers want reassurance that their pets come from clean, enriched, responsible environments. Through her dedication, Markel raises expectations, not just for her stores, but for the entire industry.

Thanks to Alaina, Derek, and the teams at Petland Novi and Petland Sarasota for their leadership and advocacy.