Polski
The History of DRD Knaagdierwinkel®
From passion to leading expert in rodent welfare
DRD Knaagdierwinkel® was founded in 2011 as a small-scale initiative, driven by the personal passion and expertise of founder Marika Stoevelaar – a dedicated rodent enthusiast with a clear mission: to improve the welfare of rodents through responsible products, reliable information, and genuine care.
The first location (Zeppelinstraat 11H in Hoogeveen), with just 67 m² of space, offered a carefully curated selection of products for hamsters, mice, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, and other small rodents. The demand for high-quality, animal-friendly products quickly exceeded expectations. Within a year, we moved to a larger location (Zeppelinstraat 11B in Hoogeveen) of 137 m². However, even that space was soon outgrown. We relocated to our current premises at Lavalstraat 5 in Hoogeveen, covering more than 500 m², supported by an additional 500 m² external warehouse to ensure consistent stock availability and fast delivery.
Our Mission: More than just a store
From the outset, it was clear that DRD Knaagdierwinkel wanted to be more than just a product supplier. Our core mission is to promote the welfare of rodents in the Netherlands and beyond. We do this by:
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Offering responsible, safe, and innovative products that support natural rodent behavior;
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Developing our own products and feeds that contribute to animal health and enrichment;
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Sharing knowledge and education with consumers, professionals, schools, and training centers;
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Actively raising awareness about the unique needs of this often-underestimated group of animals.
From sole proprietorship to B.V.
In the summer of 2024, DRD Knaagdierwinkel officially transitioned from a sole proprietorship to a private limited company (B.V.). This marked an important step towards scaling up, professionalization, and international collaboration. In the same year, we expanded our operations with the launch of Vogelwinkel.nl, extending our expertise to support bird welfare as well.
Private Labels & Market Leadership
DRD now develops and produces products under several brand names, including:
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DRD Knaagdierwinkel® – the trusted base range for all rodents;
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Knaagdier Kruidenier® – a premium line of natural herbs, snacks, and feeds for rabbits and rodents;
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Vogelwinkel® – the best for birds.
Thanks to our focus on quality, animal welfare, and customer satisfaction, we have become the market leader in rodent products across Europe. Our products are highly valued throughout the continent for their thoughtful composition and animal-friendly design.
Collaboration & Innovation
We believe strongly in the power of collaboration. DRD Knaagdierwinkel works closely with:
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Manufacturers, to continuously improve product quality and safety;
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Educational institutions, to share knowledge and foster awareness among future animal professionals;
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And with a growing community of animal lovers, who share our commitment to a better world for rodents.
The Future
Our ambitions remain high. We aim to be Europe’s leading knowledge center and quality brand in rodent care. With a dedicated team, a growing international network, and a clear social mission, we work every day for the wellbeing of animals that are often overlooked but deserve just as much care and respect.
