A new pet store specializing in selling puppies has opened its doors in downtown Bentonville.

Citipups, located at 709 SW A St., offers about 30 puppies for sale at any given time, typically with two of each breed available. The store features a front room with dog merchandise and a separate room dedicated to the puppies, who rotate through display boxes and play pens on the floor.

There are several cats that roam the store — “cats that help us sell dogs,” an employee joked. One of the cats has a large social media following, with 800k followers on Instagram and 1.3k million on TikTok.

Prices for the puppies currently range from $900 to $2,500. Citipups also sells and ships puppies through its online storefront, a side of the business that staff described as “steady.”

Some area residents have expressed concern with Citipups opening, as The Bentonville Bulletin has previously reported. On Saturday, May 17, a local animal welfare group staged a protest outside the store, objecting to its sale of dogs.

Owner David Barton said he’s used to fielding criticism.

“I get pros and cons of anything. I’ve grown up in this business,” he said. “But some people want a little Yorkie, want a little Maltese, want a little greyhound or golden doodle.”

Barton also said that Citipups only works with reputable breeders and that the puppies receive regular care and grooming. “They’re all cared for two to three times a day — ears, nails, bathed. We take very good care of the dogs. We just do,” he said.

He said that staff are happy to answer questions. “Anybody can come in and ask any question they want. We'll answer everything,” he said.

Citipups is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.