Pampering Your Pets

We're pet crazy – and we're not alone. Many Chicago stores invite dogs walking by to take a lap at their outside water bowls or have a biscuit. And pet boutiques are gaining over children's boutiques in popularity. Probably because most owners, with or without  children, consider their pets actual members of the family.  

Indulging your pet has never been more irresistible with the current crop of fashionable, creative, or simply adorable products. Whether you are looking for organic treats, designer-inspired beds, trendy doggie fashions, or canine bling, we think you'll enjoy browsing these local stores and barkeries. Hats off to the store owners for their creative store names and products! 

Barker & Meowsky  (Lincoln Park)

Like other pet boutiques, this shop stocks amusing toys like catnip cigars and bra-shaped chew toys, but it's the designer quality of its beds that sets it apart. Because its customers treasure their homes as well as their pets, Barker & Meowsy offers beds that even the most uncompromising decorator would approve. Of course a designer bed can set you back as much as $500.
And there's no guarantee your pet won't shun it for a well-worn spot on the rug. But think how restful that beauty will be on your eyes.   

www.barkerandmeowsky.com

 

 

Dog-A-Holics  (Lincoln Park)  

904 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, IL
773.857.5787  
www.dog-a-holics.com 

Already a veteran of the pet store world, the former manager of Galloping Gourmutts has opened a new pet lover's go-to spot on trendy Armitage Avenue in Lincoln Park.

Located downstairs from the boutique 1154 Lill Studio, Dog-A-Holics carries some of the most unusual merchandise in the pet world.



You know dogs are loved here even before you step through the door – the window spells out WOOF, and the vestibule is full of pictures of dogs available for adoption.  

Now, you may think dressing dogs up in sweaters and coats is silly, but the clothes here are so adorable that all who enter will have a hard time resisting. Be prepared for captivating denim dickies, doggy neck ties, Pink Floyd parody t-shirts, and of course, Cubs coats. Pads to protect paws from the elements are great finds, whether or not they look like the cutest boots.

Aside from the adorable clothes, there are numerous dog treats in the bakery case, many of them, like truffles, based in carob. Plus a refrigerator of cool treats, like salmon paté ice cream and carrot pops. Apparently dogs like carrots – who knew?  

Dog beds can be customized, and collars can be personalized with initials. Some of the items are for the over-the-top owner, like dog “paw”lish (doggy nail polish, of course), hair gel and aromatherapy spray.  

With everything here for the spoiled dog, the best find could be the limited edition, two-foot-high rubber chicken chew toys.  

 

 

Galloping Gourmutts  (Lincoln Park)

Whether cooked to order or tossed from the table, the food you eat  can be harmful to your pet's digestive system. Galloping Gourmutts provides special guilt-free treats that appeal like people food yet digest like pet food. Indulging the four-legged taste for variety, the tempting selections include cannnolis, garlic bagels, almond doughnuts, and goodies that taste like beef, chicken, carob and peanut butter. Many of these treats can also help clean the teeth and improve the breath. And don't miss the gift baskets for doggy birthdays and new puppies.   

www.gallopinggourmutts.com

 

Off The Leash Pet Boutique  (Ravenswood)

Friendly, accommodating and unpretentious, this neighborhood store is a favorite  pet stop for owners. The goods include attractive leashes, chew toys and other pet accessories. The edibles include an assortment of baked goods, and a wide variety of pet food labels such as Solid Gold, Steve's Real Food Frozen Diet, Farmore, Canidae, Wellness, Fromm Family, Merrick, and Wysong. And the special services include dog walking, pet photography, and a self-wash.  

www.offtheleashpets.com 

 

Pocket Puppies Boutique & Grooming  (Lincoln Park)

If miniature dogs are your cup of tea, you'll find this shop very much to your taste. The owners understand how much special care tiny dogs need, and make sure the people who buy their puppies understand their responsibilities as owners. This spare Lincoln Park shop puts the spotlight on adorable teacup dogs and their tiny accessories. Specialized couture, grooming, and veterinary care are also available onsite.    

www.pocketpuppiesboutique.com

 

Ruff Haus Pets  (Lincoln Square)

Reasonable prices are a hallmark of this store just west of Lincoln Square. Sports-loving dogs can run around in $17.50 jerseys with Chicago team or Green Bay Packer logos, or snooze happily in $50 trundle beds. Cats get a wall of toys of their own. The food section is devoted to providing pets proper nutrition with brands like Innova and California Natural, plus a refrigerated case for fresh food options. Grooming services are also offered here.    

www.ruffhauspets.com

 

Sam & Willy's  (Roscoe Village)

Most pet stores cater to dogs and cats, with the felines getting less than their share of attention. Sam & Willy's takes the cats out of the corner with innovative amusements, like entrancing Cat Sitter videotapes, and a "bugs-in-a- jar" toy that keeps cats fascinated for hours. Dogs get their space, too, with attractive beds, a hip $65 camouflage carrier, and many food choices, such as Fromm, Honest Kitchen and Innova. Dog and cat lovers will appreciate the shop's collection of cards, t-shirts and handbags designed just for them.    

www.samandwillys.com

 

Sit! Pet Boutique  (Lincoln Square)

Just outside the Square, this store is a haven for owners of pets with allergies. Most of its packaged doggy snacks are allergy-friendly and free of corn and wheat. Hypoallergenic shampoo is a boon in a bottle. And for the lucky dog free of allergies, the choice of non-hypoallergenics includes a mango-scented shampoo. Grooming services are available here. Plus a small selection of toys, including an adorable $9.95 Wonderbread pillow.   

www.sitchicago.com

 

Streeterville Pet Spa & Boutique  (Streeterville)

This is the store for high-living pets and their owners. Upscale, top-of-the-line selections include $150 carriers, $50 bowls, custom-made leashes, and luxury beds that start at $40. Dogs have birthdays, too, and Streeterville Pets rewards them with biscuits decorated to celebrate their special day, and doggy cannolis that can make ordinary days feel a little more special. The shop also has a wide range of Halloween costumes.    

www.streetervillepet.com

 

Tails in the City  (Gold Coast)

With a large selection of fashionable doggie clothing, accessories and collars for that walk down nearby Oak Street, Tails in the City will ensure your pet is the talk of the town. And since pet ownership requires a sense of humor, the store goes for the funny bone with its amusing selection of chew toys. Among the many laugh-out-loud choices are Jimmy Chew and Bark Jacobs shoe-shaped toys, catnip toys of Hillary Clinton and George Bush, and dog biscuits shaped like martinis and footballs. The store also carries a variety of other accessories for pets and pet lovers alike.    

www.tailsinthecity.com

Underdogg  (Gold Coast and Navy Pier)

Underdogg has what most other pet boutiques have – cute toys, like the large Sniffany box pillow, bottles of Kitty Cabernet, and a table of specialty biscuits. They also sell several specialty brands of dog and cat food, such as Innova, Wellness and IAMS.  But practical gifts for dog owners are what set this store apart. Among the most-needed and best-appreciated items found here is a handy container of doggie bags that clips to a dog's leash. Some of their clients are pictured on the store's Paw of Fame wall.     

 

Wigglyville  (Lakeview)

East Lakeview is so dog-friendly, it's no wonder that it's home to such a great pet store. This neighborhood shop is for all the people who identify with their pets. With doggie martini shakers and Carnivale-style collars, Wigglyville has a wide selection of pet accessories that hint that your furry friend is quite a gal or guy about town. Wigglyville also sells a wide range of herbal treatments and a fridge full of doggie ice cream and other treats, including food for cats and ferrets. The store also hosts special events, such as adoption days with local rescue agencies.     

 

SeeMore Shopping Contributing Writer - C. Magnotta.

We recommend checking with stores for product availability. Suggested prices may change without notice. SeeMore Shopping strives for accuracy, but is not responsible for errors or omissions. 

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. SeeMoreShopping incurs all expenses associated with reviews.Publ. 11/06.