Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsey Barnett.
Lindsey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been a passionate lover of all animals and have worked with dogs and cats in various capacities throughout my life. After graduating college, I managed a boutique pet food store in downtown Los Angeles that specialized in premium nutrition, treats, and accessories. That’s where I first began to understand how vital nutrition is to our pets’ long-term health. As someone who’s always been mindful of what I put into my own body, it only made sense to extend that same care to my animals.
In 2020, I moved to Yucca Valley, a small, rural desert town near Joshua Tree, and continued following my deep connection with animals in all forms. In fact, I even became a taxidermy apprentice. For me, it was another way to honor and understand animals on a deeper level, rooted in respect and curiosity.
After seeing that the only local pet food options were grocery store brands, big-box retailers, or feed stores-I realized something was missing. I also knew that more and more people were looking to support small, values-driven businesses rather than large corporations. So in 2023, I opened Hi-Desert Tails, a woman-owned pet food store centered on education, personalized service, and thoughtful product selection.
My goal is to help people make better choices for their pets through knowledge and access to high-quality nutrition. While I maintain strong standards for the food I carry, I also make sure to offer a range of affordable options so no one is excluded from making a healthier choice for their pet.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I opened Hi-Desert Tails it came with a little bit of a learning curve. The customer service aspect came natural, but actually running my own business was a whole different ball game. My biggest concern was how the community was going to receive me. Educating the community about the benefits of premium pet food-especially in a small town where most people are used to big-box or online options was a little daunting. Which is why I made it a priority to select specific products that could meet anyone’s needs.
Being in a rural area, I knew I had to set up shop in an area with foot traffic. I also knew I would have to rely heavily on community events to build awareness. And while our community is super supportive, there are some hurdles with price sensitivity, so a big part of my job is helping people understand the long-term value of good nutrition.
Customer service is everything to me. It can be emotionally demanding at times, but the relationships I’ve built, and the impact we’re making on pets’ lives, make all the hard work worth it.
We’ve been impressed with Hi-Desert Tails, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Hi-Desert Tails is a woman-owned business I proudly opened in November 2023. My goal was to bring something new and meaningful to our community, something beyond just another pet store. I wanted to create a place where people could learn about the long-term health benefits of premium pet food and feel empowered to make better choices for their animals.
At Hi-Desert Tails, it’s not just about picking up food, it’s about the experience. I take pride in giving each customer personalized attention, helping them navigate food transitions, answering their questions, and even just being there to chat. I go out of my way to research products, source special items, and ensure I’m carrying something for everyone.
This is a place where pet owners feel heard, supported, and part of something local. Whether you’re a seasoned pet parent or just starting your journey, you’ll always feel welcomed here. Also, bringing your pet into the shop is highly encouraged!
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
One of my favorite parts about my job is organizing or participating in adoption events throughout our community, bringing together local rescues, animal-related businesses, and passionate pet lovers. These events feature booths from various organizations and always draw strong community support. I also proudly serve on the Board of the Joshua Tree No-Kill Shelter and collaborate closely with them on a variety of events, for instance-our yearly fundraising event, The Woof Walk!
As a small but deeply connected community of dog and cat lovers, we rally around each other to support animal welfare. I actively use my social media platforms to promote pet adoption, highlight rescue stories, feature unique items in my shop, and share other local happenings. My work bridges rescue advocacy, pet health, and community engagement to create real, positive change for animals and the people who love them.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hideserttails/?hl=en
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hi-desert-tails-yucca-valley
Image Credits
Jessica Castro Photography Murals by @ghostponyy & @sparkzjubilee
