Our story begins in the basement of Herbert “Salty” Baker’s home in Rumford, Rhode Island where he turned his love of pets and supporting the local community into a career by selling tropical fish and aquarium supplies.
Pet Food Experts is the #1 pet specialty distributor in the U.S., proudly serving over 10,000 pet retailers. With decades of experience, we’re not just a distributor—we’re a trusted partner, driving innovation and building meaningful relationships. Our industry-leading logistics network, which includes the largest cold-chain service in the industry, powers fresh and frozen deliveries to pet superstores, regional chains, farm & feed stores, independent pet shops, and 3PL direct-to-consumer and veterinary clinic channels. We are dedicated to nurturing a healthy, vibrant pet ecosystem that supports the well-being of pets and the communities they call home.
Our company has grown and changed since its start, but our commitment to our retailers, brand partners, and communities has remained consistent for more than 80 years.
Tracing back our history through our retail roots, today Pet Food Experts is a service innovator who invests in relationships that build businesses, support people, and is relentlessly dedicated to growing our industry.
Our story begins in the basement of Herbert “Salty” Baker’s home in Rumford, Rhode Island where he turned his love of pets and supporting the local community into a career by selling tropical fish and aquarium supplies.
Salty’s son, George Baker Sr. advances the business from the basement into its first retail store, Rumford Aquarium, in East Providence, Rhode Island.
George Baker Sr. and the Rumford Aquarium team supplied pet products to both pet parents and other local pet stores in the area.
George K. “Buddy” Baker, joins the family business and expands the wholesale arm across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
Rumford Pet Aquarium expands the business throughout the Northeast.
Pet Food Experts was born as the exclusive distributor servicing Southern New England. The original logo is developed and branded on trucks for the first time.
Rumford Pet Aquarium changes its name and rebrands as Rumford Pet Center to further reflect its broader offering and commitment to pet parents.
Pet Food Experts headquarters relocates to Cumberland, Rhode Island and acquires Sharon’s Distributors, expanding footprint throughout Northern Vermont and Upstate New York.
Michael Baker named President and CEO of Pet Food Experts succeeding his father Buddy.
Michael Baker expands the business into Metro New York with the acquisition of OK Pet Supply.
Pet Food Experts rebrands with the iconic green and blue logo.
Pet Food Experts named Distributor of the Year by the Pet Industry Distributor Association.
Pet Food Experts doubles in size opening a 200,000 sq. ft. distribution center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Pet Food Experts continues to expand into the Midwest with the acquisition of Zeus & Company in Des Plaines, Illinois adding ten states to the distribution footprint.
Pet Food Experts expands to the Pacific Northwest with its acquisition of Northpoint Trading Company in Fife, Washington
Pet Food Experts continues to expand, transitioning its Fife, Washington distribution center into an upgraded facility doubling its portfolio offerings.
Pet Food Experts announces major expansion in the west with the acquisition of United Pacific Pet. Transaction fuels continued growth, expands geographic footprint, and increases service to over 1500 independent pet retailers throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, and Hawaii.
Michael Baker is recognized as a Power 50 Influencer by Pet Age Magazine.
Pet Food Experts launches refreshed logo and messaging to reflect its people-first culture.
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