THE PET BARBER | HOUSTON, TX
Hand-scissoring from start to finish, a cage-free environment, and pickup and drop-off services are just a few of the ways The Pet Barber stands apart in its city. Husband-and-wife team Paul Willis and Kristen Cover also use raw textiles such as wood, concrete and pipes to create a masculine aesthetic that leans more toward stylish barber shop than traditional grooming salon.
FETCH RI | RICHMOND, RI
Located in the former home of famed herbalist Heinz Grotzke, this store specializes in holistic pet care. Johnna Devereaux advises customers as a Certified Canine/Feline Nutritionist and Clinical Pet Nutritionist, and also grows herbs on the property for her own natural remedies and teas. Well-respected herbal extract brands add to her offerings, making Fetch RI the go-to source in the area for pet natural healing.
ROCKY & MAGGIE’S PET BOUTIQUE AND SALON | HOUSTON, TX
Not only do residents of high-rise 2929 Weslayan Street have a supremely stylish pet store on the ground floor, they also can call down to have a staff member pick up their dog for a grooming appointment. Pet concierge services also include 20-minute dog walks and 30- and 60-minute pet-sitting visits, all bookable on the store’s website. Bill Klein, star of TLC’s The Little Couple, owns Rocky & Maggie’s Pet Boutique and Salon.
THE MODERN PAWS | TAMPA, FL
Ben and Lisa Prakobkit opened their pet store to help family pups Koko and Mumu, both of whom have health challenges. Among their design inspirations are The Apple Store and Tesla electric vehicles, evident in the clean lines and sleek lighting of The Modern Paws. The couple regularly takes their store on the road with pop-up events, including in a POD for a Christmas-themed neighborhood event.
MUTTS & CO. | DUBLIN, OH
A wide selection of healthy food and treats, safe interactive toys and top-quality accessories, plus low-stress grooming, all make this store cool, but the Mutts Marketplace puts it over the top. This section features apparel for the Ohio pet community, made by its own company, The Pet Foundry. Bonus points: 10 percent of proceeds go to local rescue groups and shelters.
RIVERFRONT PETS | WILMINGTON, DE
Instead of retiring, Laura and Clinton Gangloff decided to take part in the Wilmington Riverfront revitalization by opening a destination pet store. Pet parents travel from near — Riverfront Pets sits on the ground floor of a mixed-use property — and far to shop and socialize. The store itself reflects that of its surroundings, beautifully restored industrial spaces alive again after decades of neglect.
SOUTHERN BARKER | LEXINGTON, KY
Mother-daughter team Leslie and Sarah Stewart focus on customer experience to create a community of dog lovers loyal to their store. In addition to events such as treat-making classes and a Kentucky Derby Hat Contest, they invite pups to pose in the Southern Barker doghouse for a photo to be hung on the Wall of Southern Barkers. The store’s design reflects the owners themselves: stylish Southern charm.
DOG KRAZY INC. | LEESBURG, VA
Nancy and Chris Guinn are quickly building an empire in Virginia — five Dog Krazy stores and counting. The latest location takes their concept a step further. With the addition of Lola’s Barkery, named for and run by Nancy’s mother, they now make treats and cakes. Among the items are Hamburger with a Side of Fries and custom creations such as a recent cake topped with “linguini” for birthday boy Alfredo.
BARK | JACKSONVILLE, FL
Not only is BARK a successful pet business with retail, day care, boarding, and in-store and mobile grooming, it’s a visual delight. Jamee Yocum-Pittman combines exposed brick and ductwork with repurposed-wood fixtures, statement lighting and an artificial-turf wall to create an industrial chic aesthetic. Pet-centric pop art hangs throughout the interior, and murals add color and whimsy to the exterior play area.