MOSES LAKE - The transition from employee to business owner was a relatively smooth one, Pet Town USA owner Ashlie Behner said.

"I've worked here since I was 17, even before the former owners owned it," she said. "So I've been here through two owners."

Behner took over the downtown Moses Lake pet store in March from previous owners Neil and Lawrie Schwaiger.

Behner said the first few months of ownership have gone well. She had a good understanding of how the business was run, thanks to years of working at the store, she said.

"I did have to get used to being here every single day," Behner said. "Other than that, it's been fun."

Behner said she always wanted to own a pet store.

"I always had pets growing up," she said. "I've always been an animal lover."

Pet Town USA carries a variety of animals, including cats, dogs, fish, birds and reptiles, she said.

Behner said she breeds some of the animals at the store.

"We do our parakeets here, and we also hand-feed them here," she said.

Customers can also find everything they need to care for their pets, like food, toys and accessories at the store.

While business slowed down a little earlier this year, Behner said foot traffic is beginning to improve.

"It's starting to pick up again, I think people are realizing my pricing is very competitive," she said. Recent sales at the store also helped move a lot of inventory.

She said she attracts many customers just from being located in LakeTown Landing.

"There's always a lot of people walking around downtown," she said.

Behner said pet owners can also take advantage of the store's pet boarding service. They house most animals except cats and dogs.

"If people need to go out of town for any period of time, they can come see us," she said. "We even have cages for most animals."

Pet Town USA is located at 206 W. Third Ave. in downtown Moses Lake. They are open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.