Taking Care of Your Pet Starts Right at Home
More Than Just Food and Shelter
Today’s episode of Open Your Eyes explored the importance of proper pet care at home with Kevon Smith, owner of Belmopan Pet Corner. Kevon shared practical insight into grooming, hygiene, nutrition, and the everyday care routines that can help pets stay healthy and comfortable.
For Kevon, caring for animals is more than a business. His passion for animals began as a child and eventually grew into the Pet Corner, which has now been operating for several years and recently celebrated another milestone. His business has expanded from a small setup at the market to a full storefront, with a growing focus on grooming, animal welfare, and pet-care products.
Grooming Goes Beyond a Bath
During the conversation, Kevon demonstrated that grooming involves much more than simply bathing or trimming an animal’s fur. Nail care is also an important part of maintaining a pet’s comfort, particularly for animals that spend a lot of time on hard surfaces.
Using Sage, a Lionhead rabbit, Kevon demonstrated how to safely identify where to trim a rabbit’s nails while explaining why pet owners need to be careful not to cut too far. He also showed how brushing helps remove excess and dead fur, particularly for animals with thicker coats.
The discussion also touched on caring for rabbits as household pets. Kevon explained that rabbits can be socialized, litter trained, and kept both indoors and outdoors when properly cared for. Their diet can include pellets, grass, and fresh vegetables such as lettuce and cucumber.
Choosing the Right Pet for Your Lifestyle
Kevon also introduced viewers to other smaller pets, including budgerigars, commonly known as budgies. He explained that these birds can be relatively low-maintenance pets and emphasized the importance of working with birds that have been bred in captivity rather than taking wild birds as pets.
The conversation highlighted an important consideration for prospective pet owners: understanding the animal’s needs, temperament, diet, grooming requirements, and the amount of time and attention it requires before bringing one home.
The Pet Corner’s Next Chapter
Kevon also shared exciting news about the future of Belmopan Pet Corner. After years of growth, the business is preparing to move into a new location closer to the Belmopan bus terminal, making it more accessible to customers.
The new location is expected to open later this year, marking another major step in Kevon’s journey as a young entrepreneur.
Looking ahead, Kevon is also returning to school with plans to continue pursuing veterinary studies. He hopes to eventually contribute to improved animal healthcare services in Belize, building on the passion for animals that has guided him since childhood.
For Kevon, the journey has not always been easy, but his message to other young entrepreneurs is simple: believe in yourself, continue working toward your goals, and do not give up when challenges arise.