30/09/2025
Uncle Bill's Pet Center is our September store of the month!
40 years ago, Marine Corps Veteran and retired FBI Agent Bob Wilson started Uncle Bill’s Pet Centers. The name was a homage to his uncle Bill, a farmer who enjoyed playing cards with his peers. Fellow farmers would use their animals as collateral during games, and Bill wound up with a menagerie as a consequence. People often joked that he should open a pet store with his winnings. Today, Bob’s grandchildren, Lori & Scott Wilson, carry on the legacy, growing Uncle Bill’s into a 6-store chain serving Indianapolis & Fort Wayne.
When it comes to cold-blooded pets, Scott Wilson has long been a fan of reptiles and fish, having started with a green iguana he got when his dad took over the store. These days he favors boas, while also maintaining his personal 150 gal saltwater aquarium.
Scott appreciates that their store emphasizes educating their customers on animal care and not just placing animals in homes. One of their current projects is expanding their offering of bio-active options, including picking out high-quality plants from a local nursery and their staff raising their own line of isopods for resale.
One of the main drivers behind growth and service for Uncle Bill’s Pet Centers has been service to the community. They have proudly sponsored, supported, and partnered with numerous local and national groups, including A Kid Again, Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Indy Healthplex, Make-A-Wish, and New Hope Indiana. Their focus to the local community as well as the pet community has lead to Uncle Bills being recognized with the Town Post Townies Top Local Award for best pet store, as well as Lori Wilson being recognized in 2024 by the Pet Advocacy Network as a Pet Advocate of the year for her tireless commitment to responsible pet care, animal health and wellbeing, and advocacy on behalf of pets.
