In the heart of Portland at the Lloyd Center, a unique nonprofit organization is making strides in reshaping the perception of secondhand goods, while simultaneously offering new beginnings for pets and their owners.
Secondhand Pet Supply, founded by Michael Santiesteban, aims to provide affordable alternatives for pet care while minimizing waste.
Established in 2022, Santiesteban began his mission by selling refurbished pet items online through Facebook Marketplace.
Following a series of successful pop-up markets, he took the next step by incorporating Secondhand Pet Supply as a nonprofit organization.
“I’m trying to change the way secondhand is seen,” Santiesteban expressed.
His vision fit perfectly with the Lloyd Center’s revival, as it currently stands as a reimagined space in a once-struggling mall.
The retail shop, located in the previous Lids hat store, opened around a year ago, showcasing an array of meticulously cleaned and donated pet items.
From dog clothes and leashes to bowls and toys, each item is offered at about half the typical retail price, making it easier for pet owners to provide for their furry companions.
Adding to the store’s charm is its unofficial mascot, Pumpkin, a rehomed Sulcata tortoise, who greets visitors from an enclosure near the front window.
In line with its mission, Secondhand Pet Supply has positioned 35 donation bins across the greater Portland area, strategically located in apartment complexes, Mama & Hapa’s Zero Waste stores, and Spin Laundry Lounge locations.
Additionally, the recyclable service Ridwell conducts special pickup days to facilitate the donation of gently used items.
On September 29, for example, a dedicated pickup day will support the nonprofit’s efforts.
Santiesteban emphasizes the importance of convenience in the donation process, noting that many individuals often resort to throwing away unwanted items instead of finding a secondhand solution.
“I want to make it as convenient as possible,” he stated.
All donated items are accepted regardless of their condition, with some exceptions such as expired food or medication.
Interestingly, even items like torn dog toys can be effectively repurposed into new toys after professional cleaning.
At Spin Laundry Lounge, toys, leashes, and clothes receive thorough washes.
However, more complex items, such as cat trees, require meticulous hand cleaning before being put up for sale.
To support these operations, Santiesteban has also acquired a second space in the mall, previously a Journeys shoe store, which serves as a workshop, cleaning area, and storage facility.
Here, volunteers engage in creating dog toys from repurposed materials, crafting plush squeaky bones from old service uniforms and transforming canvas bags from Ridwell into cozy dog beds.
Santiesteban proudly advocates for a focus on reuse, upcycling, and recycling.
His commitment goes beyond merely selling secondhand items; it extends to creating new products from discarded materials.
In addition to offering an array of pet items, Secondhand Pet Supply is passionate about connecting retired research animals with loving homes.
This partnership is facilitated through the Washington Adoption Center for Retired Research Animals, led by Holly Nguyen, a scientist from the University of Washington.
Having spent over 20 years in research, Nguyen was inspired to create her nonprofit after hearing stories of research animals that could have been adopted but lacked the opportunity.
“It got to me, and I was like, we need to start to do something about this,” she shared, highlighting the need for a dedicated platform for these animals.
Established in 2023, Nguyen’s nonprofit aims to facilitate adoptions for retired research animals, fostering their transition from lab environments to loving homes.
Each animal receives a veterinary examination and a clean bill of health prior to being made available for adoption.
Nguyen emphasizes that the eligible research animals have not undergone invasive testing; instead, they typically include retired breeders, foster moms, or training animals.
“The thing is, these healthy, normal animals would have been euthanized if not for this nonprofit,” she explained.
Engaging in the complex realm of animal testing, Nguyen focuses on creating positive change rather than delving into ethical debates.
She initially faced challenges gaining the trust of local labs but gradually formed partnerships allowing her to find new homes for these animals.
Nguyen’s first partnership was with the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, and her endeavors have since expanded to six institutions.
So far, she has successfully helped adopt 199 former research animals in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.
With mice and rats making up approximately 95% of laboratory animals, Nguyen often has these critters available for adoption at Secondhand Pet Supply.
Additionally, she has also placed hamsters, guinea pigs, and ferrets into loving homes, maintaining an open mind regarding different species, including potential collaborations with institutions working with amphibians and avians.
Santiesteban has previously fostered over 20 animals for Nguyen’s organization.
As a show of support for the collaboration, shoppers at the Lloyd Center can adopt their very own mouse for just $10 or a “mall rat” for $20 at Secondhand Pet Supply.
The store operates from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays, conveniently located on the first floor near the skating rink.
To learn more about this innovative nonprofit, visit secondhandpetsupply.com.
image source from：chronline
