Best Neighborhood Pet Stores Around the Country

photo: _dbr

We live in Marysville, Washington which is a city 35-40 minutes north of Seattle (if traffic is decent).  There are four pet stores that are a short drive from our home.  My favorite is Petco, because theyare so friendly and Blue graduated from puppy class there with honors.  Yeah, Really!  It’s nice to walk into a store where everyone knows our dogs’ names and they’ve been very supportive of Keep the Tail Wagging, have great deals, and a frequenty buyer program.  I also appreciate  Jones and Company Pet Store for the enormous variety and frequent buyer savings.  I know where I’ll be doing my Christmas shopping.

I reached out to dog lovers across the country to find out what the best neighborhood pet stores – I received more responses than I expected so I organized them by State then Name.  Scroll down for a recommendation or to see if your store is listed…

 Happy Holidays

CALIFORNIA

Centinela Feed and Pet Supplies, Redondo Beach, CA: The staff are SO helpful. They always ask if you need help, give my pup a treat and carry stuff to the car. No other pet store in our area give this kind of mom and pop service! ~ TJ Wilson Panzer

Fitdog Sports Club, Santa Monica, CA: can honestly say that I really enjoy going to Fitdog Sports Club in Santa Monica, CA. In addition to their daycare/boarding services, they also have a retail store in their facility and just launched an online store with some of their most popular items.  They have a courteous and knowledgeable staff at this boutique doggy daycare center which has become my one-stop shop for anything dog related.  They even offers weekend running programs for dog-owners and their dogs. ~ Joyce Wang, a Whippet Mom

For Other Living Things, Sunnyvale, CA: Very knowledgeable about products. Only carries safe food products, offers training classes that are positively oriented, know their customers, act like they care. ~ Mitch Gooze

Maxwell Dog, Studio City, CA: This is a favorite local pet store because it’s a small Mom and Pa store that sells recycled, high end and organic products. ~ Tyson Kilmer

Scraps Dog Bakery, Truckee, CA: Our absolute favorite dog store is Scraps Dog Bakery. Our dogs can hardly wait to get out of the car when we pull-up and when we walk in, they always receive a treat. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and they carry both high end and affordable options, all extremely healthy choices for our happy dogs. When they aren’t well, I always ring and ask the store owner, Jessica, for advice. She is gentle and kind in her recommendations and even follows up to see how our animals are feeling.  When our dogs are being cared for by family or friends they can call Jessica at Scraps if they have any questions about their behavior or diet. In addition, she lets her regular customers keep a tab for situations such as these. This enables our dog caretakers the opportunity to pop-in and buy Rex and Winter’s favorite items.  And! Scaps offers delivery. We have two very large dogs, this service is heaven sent.~ Christina Stoever Young

Unleashed, Scripps Ranch, CA: Our dog likes Unleashed (a neighborhood division of Petco)     ! Chica is allowed in the store, likes meeting the other dogs, and always gets a new cookie from the friendly staff. ~ Christopher Crockett

Mouthfuls, Denver, CO: It’s a great mom and pop pet store with the friendliest people. Aside from the people that work in and own the store, I return again and again because they have the best selection of dog chews and treats that I have seen in my neighborhood. ~ Courtney Brunkow

CONNETICUT

Thomaston Feed, Thomaston, CT:  The store is owned and operated by Mark Paveromo (or ‘Uncle Mark’ when he’s speaking to your pet), who is a firm believer in the health of all animals and specializes in holistic foods and supplements. I have never met someone who is so knowledgeable of and genuinely concerned for the health of every animal that comes through his door – I’ve met people who repeatedly drive up to an hour to come see Mark, get his advice and/or buy their pet’s food. He has cured ailments in my dog OVERNIGHT with a simple diet change, that my vet couldn’t cure for three weeks with all sorts of medicines. Just check out his facebook page, he posts daily ‘quiz’ questions to help all of his customers raise their own knowledge of animal nutrition and created a fun ‘I got schooled at Thomaston Feed’ shirt for those who answer correctly most often. Additionally, his prices are fair – every time he recommends something new for your dog to try, he takes money off of the price so you can try it without worry of spending a fortune. Mark carries food, treats, grooming tools, toys, etc. – just about everything a pet owner could need. After one trip to Thomaston Feed, I guarantee that you would never go to another local pet store in Connecticut. ~ Lauren Eddy

FLORIDA

Pucci & Catana, Palm Beach, FL: This shop is my favorite because it has an “international ambience” and very, friendly staff. They carry the latest canine couture and accessories from New York, London, Paris, Montreal, Brazil and Peru. What’s more, right next door is Pizza Al Fresco a wonderful, dog friendly restaurant where one can dine outside with their pet after shopping. ~ Jo Jo Harder

GEORGIA

Red Bandanna, Atlanta, GA: Red Bandanna is our favorite pet store because they cater to dogs with food allergies. What kind of allergies? All kinds. Our own German Shepard is allergic to: wheat, barley, peanut butter, cows milk, goat milk, and pretty much the entire state of GA. By shopping here, we were able to find kibble made from lamb meat and sweet potatoes. Okay, maybe my dog eats a little better than me, but it keeps him from having a running noise and itchy skin. ~ Krystina Morrison, Oscar, the Rat Terrier, and Berlin, the German Shepard

MARYLAND

Divine K-9, Forest Hill, MD: Dog treats, food, toys, training and grooming, all in one location.  Small, carefully curated collection of the best for your dog. ~ Gina Kazimir

Baron’s K9 Country Store, Bel Air MD: Focusing on all natural pet products, this is the place for dog owners who want to make sure their pets’ nutrition and toys are the healthiest available. ~ Gina Kazimir

The Big Biscuit, Franklin, MA: It’s located in a mall that is DEDICATED to Dogs – Called Destination Dog.  Eric, the owner, has forgotten more about dogs than I could ever learn.  Super friendly, knowledgeable and has such a fantastic demeanor with the animals. Just a pleasure to visit. ~ Jessie Zubatkin

Marblehead Pet Supply, Marblehead, MA: The store is owned by a mother and daughter, Kim and Jo, who always go above and beyond for all of their customers. They know each pet by name and are particularly helpful to me as I have a Golden who is allergic to everything around him. I am involved in dog rescue and they have been of great assistance in that respect. They are a shining example of a true small town business. They succeed because they care. ~ Sheila Duncan

MISSOURI

Treats Unleashed, St. Louis: Goodies for dogs and cats are baked right in the store. There are a variety of healthy dog foods for my picky eater. When I wasn’t sure what my dog would like to eat, the store owner loaded me up with samples! If there’s a food or a toy that doesn’t work out, they will refund our money.  The folks there know a lot about dogs. They know about the peculiarities of whippets (I have a whippet mix) and had suggestions for me to keep him a happy pup.  My dog’s favorite part of the store is the toy selection. Wonderful, tough toys (he’s a power chewer) that keep his tail waggin’. ~ Denise B. Lee and Koa

NEW JERSEY

Bark Ridge, Park Ridge, NJ: Bark Ridge is the place to go for a holistic approach to pet care! The staff is extremely knowledgable, always offering sound advice for diet plans, ailments, etc! They have huge selection of natural treats and bones to keep every pup happy. My three pooches love to visit their friends at Bark Ridge. ~ Corey Mania

The Hungry House, Somerville, NJ: My favorite neighborhood pet shop is The Hungry Hound on Main Street.  I love it because I can bring my dog in. They know her, they’ll give her one of their homemade treats and I can always find a great chew toy or other special item that I can’t find in the big box pet stores. ~ Maureen Clancy and Ria

Winky’s, Chester, NJ: Our favorite pet store is, by far, a quaint and cozy pet boutique in Chester, NJ called Winky’s. The store is owned by a woman who obviously understands those of us who don’t just own dogs, but love them as our own children. All of the products are tested (and approved) by her own fur-babies, so you know you are getting a great product! My dogs love going to the store because, unlike some other pet stores, when they go to Winky’s they are pampered and fussed over! ~ Samantha Dietz, Pug, LuLu and a Pekingese mix, Michael

NEW YORK

ALL PAWS, Rye, New York: It is so chock full of toys, treats, leashes, collars, stuffed animals, bones, dishes, biscuits that look like bakery cookies, everything a dog-lover desires is in that store including a black Lab who greets you when you come in. They also encourage to bring your dog in with you for a visit. ~ Carol Stevens

Critter Outfitters, New York, NY:  Valerie Volinski is truly passionate about animals‹and the neighborhood. She changed careers from a journalist because she saw a need in the community. And I’m so thankful! Every time my little dog Frida and I walk in the store ­Valerie has some advice and thoughts on the latest holistic treatments that might help my little one¹s hotspots. When she sees that I might have bought a fancy leash somewhere else, she finds out where she can order it so I don¹t have to go anywhere but her store. And she loves my little one so much she just lets her hang out after grooming to be part of the family.  Definitely not a cookie-cutter approach to pet store!  Oh, and she¹s launched a whole campaign for her store mascot Mrs. Parberry to be President! ~ Jon Paul Buchmeyer and Frida

Whiskers Holistic Pet Store, New York, NY: The first is Whiskers Holistic Pet store, I like it because they have been in the neighborhood for a long time, they are very knowledgeable and will help you find food and supplements for pretty much any condition and they care about animals, not just profts. ~ Ann Hinshaw

PENNSYLVANIA

Operation Ava Pet Shop, Philadelphia, PA: We love Operation Ava because it carries a huge selection of merchandise and it’s proceeds help fund operations for needy animals! ~ Jesse Leonard

RHODE ISLAND

Wag Nation, William St, Newport RI:  The store sells premium food and treats, and a great line of pet accessories, toys, collars, beds etc. and they’re very active in their community. ~ Karen Benjamin

TEXAS

Camp Bow Wow, Dallas, TX:  is my favorite Pet Store. In addition to day camp and boarding, they have some of the most unusual pet items, including toys, chews, dog collars and healthy food and treats. I can get everything I need when I pick up my dog at the end of the day. And my dog is exhausted, so I get a nice calm evening! ~ Stacey

VIRGINIA

Muddy Paws, Norfolk, VA: You know how they say “Dogs look like their owners?” Well, Muddy Paws is welcoming, fun and super friendly and staffed by people just as caring as the owner. They remember you and your dog and you can get anything there, including grooming, a visiting vet and if you have a question or problem they can actually answer it for you with a solution that makes sense.

We also have two cats and they treat them exceptionally well too. ~ Lisa Suhay

Barkley Square Boutique and Bakery, Washington DC: An AWESOME store that doesn’t have a storefront, but is an online local business. ~ Katy J Nelson of “The Pet Show with Dr. Katy!”

Dogma Bakery & Boutique, Washington DC: Another AWESOME pet store submitted by ~ Katy J Nelson of “The Pet Show with Dr. Katy!”

Wagtime, Washington DC: Another AWESOME pet store submitted by Katy J Nelson of “The Pet Show with Dr. Katy!”

Don’t see your favorite store?  Give them a shout in the comments below: store name, city/state, and why you love them!

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