Rover Pet Stores Inc. Faces Setback at Volusia Mall Over Live Animal Ban

Daytona Beach, FL — September 30, 2025

Rover Pet Stores Inc., a growing name in the pet retail industry, has hit another roadblock in its expansion efforts. The company announced this week that the Volusia Mall Committee has officially denied its request to include live animals in its upcoming store, slated to open by the end of November 2025.

The decision comes as a disappointment to Rover, which had envisioned a vibrant, interactive space where customers could engage directly with adoptable pets and small animals. Despite this setback, the company remains undeterred. In a public statement, Rover confirmed that construction and preparations for the store will continue as planned, with hopes of revisiting the live animal policy in the future.

“Since we began working to open, we’ve learned that the Halifax Humane Society was formerly located in the mall with animals,” said the store’s owner. “This raises the question of why one organization is held to a higher standard, while smaller stores or rescues are denied the same privilege.”

The owner’s remarks have ignited a broader conversation about fairness and transparency in mall policy enforcement. Advocates for small businesses and animal welfare organizations argue that the denial reflects an uneven playing field, where larger nonprofits or legacy tenants are granted exceptions that newer entrants are not.

Further complicating the issue is the revelation that Volusia Mall currently has an open code enforcement case. While the nature of the case has not been disclosed, its existence raises questions about the mall’s internal operations and regulatory compliance. Some speculate that the live animal ban may be tied to broader concerns about facility standards or liability risks.

Rover Pet Stores Inc. has built its brand around community engagement and ethical pet care, often partnering with local shelters and rescue groups to promote adoption and responsible pet ownership. The company’s commitment to these values remains strong, even as it adapts to the mall’s restrictions.

“We’re still moving forward,” the owner affirmed. “Our goal is to create a welcoming space for pet lovers, and we’ll continue to fight for the ability to include live animals in that vision.”

As the November opening approaches, Rover plans to focus on pet supplies, educational resources, and community events. The company hopes that with time—and continued dialogue—it can persuade mall officials to reconsider their stance.

For now, the store’s debut will mark a new chapter in Daytona Beach’s retail landscape, one shaped by resilience, advocacy, and a deep love for animals.