Top locally owned pet shops in Washington, D.C.
Overview
Locally owned pet shops often act as the heart of the animal community in their area. While they sometimes have limited stock options compared to larger chains, they also often feature local brands. If you’re looking for the old-fashioned, personal touch, these locally owned pet stores in Washington, D.C. could have everything you and your pet need.
Connect with an online vet in Washington1. PetMAC
PetMAC is a local pet store with a unique twist. The proceeds from their store go to fund their rescue and adoption program. They stock a range of brands for cats, dogs, and small animals of all breeds, ages, and sizes. PetMAC carries a wide selection of products, from raw and specialty foods for health conditions to toys, bedding, and accessories of all kinds. The staff at PetMAC is also highly trained and knowledgeable. They can help you with harness fitting. While they are located near the center of Washington, D.C., they also have an online shop and offer delivery.
2. The Big Bad Woof
The Big Bad Woof is a truly versatile local pet store that stocks supplies for cats, dogs, birds, fish, small animals, and even livestock animals, such as goats. The sheer variety of brands and items that they carry make this pet store hard to compete with unless you have very niche exotic pets like sugar gliders. They have a strong focus on holistic care and natural ingredients as well as overall animal wellness. Their staff is highly trained, so if you have any questions about the items they stock don’t hesitate to ask.
3. Howl to the Chief
Howl to the Chief is centrally located and stocks and delivers items for cats, dogs, and small animals of all kinds. They stock well-known and niche brands as well as specialty supplies for pets with medical conditions. You will also find a range of toys, bedding, and accessories at reasonable prices. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff are passionate about pet care and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
4. Chico’s Natural Pet Market
Just a short drive across the river from Washington, D.C., Chico’s Natural Pet Market stocks items for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and small animals. They focus on holistic, all-natural products that are sustainable and promote general wellness in animals. You will find food, treats, toys, and accessories for pets of all ages. They feature small brands as well as larger, more recognizable names, and their staff is highly trained when it comes to the products they carry. If you need more information about a product, they will be happy to help!
5. Pets Are Home
5. Pets Are Home
Pets Are Home is just a half hour drive from the center of Washington, D.C. and offers a range of holistic and natural brands with an emphasis on raw and minimally processed foods. They cater to dogs, cats, and small pets, and have a great online store that offers next-day delivery for $5. This is a good old-fashioned pet store with friendly and knowledgeable staff who will be happy to talk you through their selection of products and provide guidance about what could work well for your pets.
Getting the right supplies for your pet
Locally owned pet stores are often run by people who have a passion for animals or some background in pet care. This means that they can often give advice and guidance on which products would be best for your pet. If you have exotic pets, for example, your local exotic pet store owner could help explain which foods, bedding, and toys are best. Of course, other issues may require more specialized knowledge. For these questions, it would be better to book a virtual vet appointment with Vetster for veterinary guidance.
