About Maxwell & Molly’s

Pet care isn’t one part of what we do. It’s what we do.

Our mission is to help pets live healthier, happier lives through premium nutrition, thoughtfully selected products, personalized guidance, and genuine local service. For 19 years, we’ve been proud to serve the pets and families of Sussex County and surrounding areas through our Sparta and Hamburg stores, trusted local delivery, and continued support of the community we call home.

Who We Are

Maxwell & Molly’s is an independently owned pet boutique serving Sussex County and surrounding areas from our Sparta and Hamburg stores. Led by Bonnie and Rick and supported by a knowledgeable, caring crew, we take the time to understand each pet rather than offering one-size-fits-all answers.

From everyday food and treats to more involved nutrition concerns, we help pet parents make confident choices without feeling overwhelmed. Our stores are places to ask questions, discover thoughtfully selected products, and receive personal support from people who genuinely care.

What We Believe

✔️ Every pet is precious and deserves thoughtful, individual care.
✔️ Better nutrition can make a meaningful difference.
✔️ Guidance should be clear, practical, and personalized.
✔️ Products should be selected with purpose—not simply stocked.
✔️ Supporting local families and organizations matters.

Our Story

For 19 years, Bonnie and Rick have built Maxwell & Molly’s around a simple belief: pet parents deserve more than shelves filled with random products. They deserve honest guidance and carefully selected options from trusted brands, with a focus on premium nutrition and quality ingredients. They also deserve a local store where people take the time to know them and their pets.

As the needs of local families have changed, Maxwell & Molly’s has continued to grow—from personalized in-store guidance to trusted local delivery and more focused nutrition support. What has never changed is the personal attention behind every recommendation and our genuine connection to the families and their precious pets throughout Sussex County and surrounding communities.

Maxwell & Molly’s… well, it all began with Maxwell, an unexpected anniversary gift.

“The Closet story began when Maxwell was given to me as an anniversary present in 2007. I knew nothing about caring for a special pet, especially a small one. I had only ever had large dogs that lived half time outdoors and indoors, so this was a new venture for me.

First, I went into one of our local pet stores to find the best way to feed and care for my new little 3 lb. Maxwell. The gentleman behind the counter barely looked up when I asked about the location of the puppy food. He gestured toward an aisle saying “it’s all down there, and they’re all the same.” I walked up and down the aisle, looked at bags and reading labels, feeling more confused and overwhelmed by the minute. I didn’t know what ingredients Maxwell should have, and which he should avoid. All I knew was to look at the package and to guess. I walked out of the store with a bag that had a Yorkie on the cover because that’s what Maxwell is.

No Guidance, No Support

When I got home, I was so upset because I had fallen for one of the oldest marketing ploys that exists…packaging. My choice of food had nothing to do with the ingredients inside. And, it had nothing to do with the health and wellbeing of my new pup. I found myself wishing for a trusted resource and some guidance, and I was frustrated with the lack of support in our area.

When I realized that there was a real vacancy in our industry for giving advice, having a conversation, and offering quality nutrition products, I took action myself.

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My husband and I purchased a building on Spring Street, we renovated it personally to suit our vision of what a specialty store should look like. It is not pegs on a wall, it is a wonderful shopping experience. Our motto is, “Premium Products for Precious Pets.” Every item we sell has been fully researched. Before it comes into the store we fully understand where the products are made, what ingredients go into it, the philosophies behind the company, the ethics that that company has. Only then, is it brought into our store.

Over time, we expanded operations to a new store in Hamburg, NJ. Both of our locations continue to thrive and grow…providing quality pet products to the market. That’s how Maxwell and Molly’s Closet began.”

– Bonnie Bitondo, Founder & Owner, Maxwell & Molly’s Closet

Community Matters to Us

Supporting our community has always been part of who we are. Maxwell & Molly’s proudly supports local animal rescues, charities, and organizations working to improve the lives of people and pets throughout Sussex County. Through donations, adoption events, and local partnerships, we’re grateful to give back to the community that has supported us for 19 years.

LEARN ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONS WE SUPPORT

UPCOMING EVENTS