A vending system is provided that includes a vending machine housing. At least two different pet-related items are offered for vending, with the at least two different pet-related items being housed within the vending housing. At least one of the two different pet-related offered items is a non-pet-food pet-related item. The vending system also includes a vended item display for displaying information regarding the offered items. An exchange medium receptor capable of receiving an exchange medium and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing a selected offered item is also provided. The dispensing mechanism is operable upon receipt of a selected exchange medium by the exchange medium receptor and is non-operable when the exchange medium receptor has not received the selected exchange medium, and wherein the selected item is accessible and removable from the housing upon dispensing by the dispensing mechanism.