Puppy store seeks exemption from pet ordinance

The former owner and current owner of Bff Puppies in the Orange Park Mall asked Clay County Commissioners to grandfather the business under the county’s recently passed pet ordinance during the board of county commissioner’s Oct. 25 meeting.  

Founder Michael Kassnoff told commissioners that Bff was created to give Clay County residents and animal lovers a place of community and to offer the best companion animals to neighbors in the Jacksonville area.

“After several years of research and development, I designed the facility,” he said. “Its main focus would be the health and wellbeing and the welfare of the animals first.”

Current owner Dawn Raymond told commissioners she bought Bff in February and now faces closure because of the county’s new ordinance.

 She added that she owned childcare and assisted living businesses before purchasing the puppy store.

“My experience is always in care and giving back to the community and serving the community,” she said. “So, I think that is the one goal that we all have in common. I did a lot of research before purchasing the business, and I was very impressed when I first went into Bff Puppies.”

The new ordinance would keep a ban on commercial retail dog and cat sales in place but would exempt any commercial establishments that existed and were in operation on March 31, 2022.

While commissioners Jim Renninger and Mike Cella supported the change, Kristen Burke, Betsy Condon and Wayne Bolla said they had reservations.

Condon and Bolla pointed out that the county recently spent $2 million rescuing 170 animals from what Condon described as a puppy mill. The new ordinance was designed to prevent repeat crises.

Burke complained about deceptive pricing practices she has observed at Bff. She also criticized the prior owner for selling the shop to Raymond when the county ordinance was pending.

“I do have to say: shame on the old owner,” Burke said. “I just can’t imagine not telling someone that’s going to buy my business what the truth is.”

Commissioners will vote on the proposal during their Nov. 9 meeting.