Our Story

Firetail Pets was born from a lifelong love of animals and a passion for helping them thrive.

After traveling the world for 15 years while working aboard eight cruise lines and 34 ships, founder Cindy Smith followed her heart to Cozumel, Mexico, where she co-founded a wildlife rescue centre with a local veterinarian. There, she helped rehabilitate countless animals — from pygmy raccoons and crocodiles to parrots, hawks, and owls. At the Cozumel Humane Society, Cindy poured her energy into orphaned kittens, fundraising, and adoption programs that raised over $150,000 and placed more than 150 dogs and cats into loving homes.

Thirteen years later, Cindy returned to British Columbia, where she grew up, and settled in Squamish. After gaining hands-on experience at Bosley’s and completing Animal Nutrition courses through the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, she was ready to bring her dream to life.

In 2021, she opened Firetail Pets in Garibaldi Village — a one-stop shop offering high-quality food, toys, and accessories designed to keep pets happy, healthy, and loved. True to her rescue roots, Cindy continues to give back through food drives, fundraising for Whistler WAG and the Sea to Sky SPCA, and adoption events with Pawsitive Animal Rescue to help animals find their forever families.

The heart of Firetail Pets lies in community, compassion, and the love we share with the pets who enrich our lives daily.