Chuck & Don's, a pet-supplies retailer with 25 locations and an unparalleled commitment to its customers and staff, has taken significant steps to invest in its team members to support the Company's future growth plans. On Jan. 26, the Company's minimum wage was set at $10.10 an hour, $2.85 more than the federal minimum wage.

The raise is in addition to healthcare benefit improvements made in anticipation of the Affordable Care Act. In early 2013, Chuck & Don's invested $150,000 into healthcare benefits, boosting offerings and choices for employees. The company will invest $250,000 into healthcare packages in 2014.

"Healthcare is critical," states Bob Hartzell, Chuck & Don's CEO. "We're not waiting for mandates to do what's right for our team members and their families."

Chuck & Don's developed three different healthcare packages to offer to team members. Packages include various deductibles, premiums and coverage levels. With two of the plans, team members also have the option of enrolling in a healthcare savings account which includes a company match of up to $650. In 2013 Chuck & Don's also added a FSA plan with medical and dependent care benefits so team members can take advantage of additional pretax benefits.

"We want everyone who contributes to the company to share in its successes, from the part-time team members to our managers and corporate office staff," says Hartzell.

Chuck & Don's believes that by investing in its team members, they will treat Chuck & Don's as a career versus a job and help to invest in the Company's future growth. Chuck & Don's is a privately held company based in Minnesota with 142 full-time employees and 153 part-time employees.

About Chuck & Don's
Chuck & Don's was founded by Charles "Chuck" Anderson and Don Tauer who met through their involvement in owning, training and showing German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Schipperkes, Border Collies and mixed breeds. The first location opened in Eagan, Minn. in 1990 with the mission to be the local destination pet supplies store with excellent customer service and a wide selection of products. Today, there are 20 stores in the metro and outlying areas of the Twin Cities in Minnesota and five locations in Colorado. Chuck & Don's mission is to enrich the lives of pets by providing the best products, service, and education for its customers. Chuck & Don's advocates responsible pet ownership and commits to meaningful corporate citizenship that makes a positive difference in the communities in which it operates. For more information about Chuck & Don's visit http://chuckanddons.com/.

Lola Red PR
Becca Bijoch, 612-333-1723
becca@lolaredpr.com