Just For Paws
ST. CHARLES, IL
John Webb began as a bather while pursuing a marketing degree in college. Now he and wife Lindsay have their own salon and boutique. John and his team groom dogs in a colorful open concept space with floor-to-ceiling windows and adorable dog-house kennels, and Lindsay has created a stylish retail space with vintage flair. Clients often comment that they are the pets version of Joanna and Chip Gains. Their English Springer Spaniel serves as mascot for the store’s loyalty program, called Bogey Bucks.
Sniffany’s Pet Boutique
ALBANY, OR
Angelia and Joe Scavone opened their boutique to give pet parents the nutritional and cognitive tools needed to raise healthy dogs and cats. They have grown from 500 to 4,800 square feet, which includes space for Joe’s professional photo studio. There they create high-quality portraits of customer pets and their own, many of which they post to social media. Their efforts were recognized by Facebook, and the couple was invited to become founding members of the platform’s Community Leadership Program.
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Hawaii Doggie Bakery
HONOLULU, HI
Dogs come from all over the island to celebrate at this bakery. Sisters Niki and Tasha Libarios offer birthday cakes and accessories, as well as a club with more than 3,000 members who get a card and free bag of biscuits on their big day. A variety of holiday treats span multiple cultures, from pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving to mooncakes for the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. Outside a dog-friendly garden features herbs, fruits and flowers for sniffing and tasting.
Green Dog Pet Supply
PORTLAND, OR
Christine and Michael Mallar incorporate sustainability throughout their business. Products must meet certain criteria, such as containing recycled materials or organic ingredients. Fixtures feature repurposed materials like barn door wood from the 1800s. Fundraising efforts include raffles for wildlife conservation and used pet supply drives for local rescues. How green is this store? It carries Gold Level certification from the City of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability.
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Firehouse Pet Shop & Grooming
WENATCHEE, WA
When Allen and Jennifer Larsen founded their business in 2014, they named it in honor of the brave men and women who battle wildfires in their area. The firehouse theme runs throughout, and combined with free fire hats and popcorn for kids creates a welcoming vibe that attracts families. They can shop, drop off their pet for grooming or use a self-wash tab, and even find their next furry friend in the Search and Rescue Adoption Center. The three-legged Mr. Carmen serves as station cat.
The Dog Store
ALEXANDRIA, VA
A colorful mural, flagstone patio and large display windows greet customers at this beloved neighborhood business. Inside they find the heart of the store, manager Annabell Bivens (left). Her deep product knowledge combined with grooming and training experience help keep Alexandria pets happy and healthy. Amber McSpadden completes the full-time staff, with part-timers also working next-door at day care, training and boarding facility Your Dog’s Best Friends. Paul Haire owns both and believes in cross-training his employees for coverage as well as a profitable synergy.
Petagogy
PITTSBURGH, PA
A foursome of friends — Heather Blum, Cole Wolfson, Elsie Lampl and Ben Huber — founded this pet store and recently added fifth owner Allison Stetz of Biggies Bullies rescue. The team is heavily involved in their community, using a grant from the Shadyside Chamber of Commerce to create the Bark Shadyside Pup Walk, among other efforts. Store colors yellow, brown, blue and green mix with wooden fixtures handmade by Huber for a bright, natural and fun space.