Pittsburgh’s dog owners truly love their pups, as evidenced by the number of animal-related businesses popping up all over town. From pup pastries and doggie day spas to photoshoots with Fido, our city has all kinds of resources dedicated to man’s (and woman’s) best friend.
Here are seven really cool ones — including some brand new shops and facilities — that you and your pooch will want to discover.
Do you — and your dog — have other favorite local pet-centric businesses? Let us know in the comments below or share them on our Facebook page.
Bark & Gold Photography
Sit. Stay. Smile! If you’re having trouble capturing your pet’s personality on a smartphone, hire a professional. Jessica Wasik was inspired by her own Siberian retriever, Hunter, to start snapping pics of other folks’ fur babies. Book a standard session at your home or another favorite location: She can capture everything from high-energy pups to dogs who are a little long in the tooth. Think your pooch is cute enough to be in a calendar? Bark & Gold holds a pet calendar contest each year to raise funds for local animal organizations. Since 2017, Wasik has generated more than $10,300. The next competition happens in January, so there’s still time to book an appointment at the groomer’s. A picture, after all, is worth a thousand woofs.
Kin of Duncan
Jazmiere Bates is only 13 years old, but she’s already a successful entrepreneur. Her business, Kin of Duncan, specializes in clothing for kids, dolls and dogs (because who doesn’t want to coordinate with their BFFs?). Jazmiere was recently awarded one of 12 Handmade Arcade Youth Maker Scholarships and sold her line of wares at their big craft market last weekend at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. You can also find Jazmiere’s hand-crafted pet products at the Gallery on Penn storefront in East Liberty.
PupCycled
Those old clothes taking up space in your closet would look great on a Golden Retriever. PupCycled, a Pittsburgh-based startup, takes unwanted items and transforms them into stylish outfits for the four-legged. Not only does it make your dog (or cat) look adorable, it keeps useable waste out of landfills. This is forward-thinking pet fashion, people! PupCycled gear is produced by Sew Forward at the East End Cooperative Ministry. You can find their garb online and at Petagogy and Soggy Doggy Shop.
Pet Pastries
Want to give your furry friend a treat that’ll make them happier and healthier? Pet Pastries provides 100 percent natural, human-grade goodies. Owner Corrie Lynn founded the online company in 2008 after nursing a sick ferret back to health holistically through wholesome foods. She’ll work with you to get your pet’s diet right. The selection ranges from Apple Cinnamon Pupcakes, Pumpkin Bites and Carob Cookies to full chicken, turkey or beef dinners packed with macrobiotics. In addition to the meals, Pet Pastries organizes playgroups and neighborhood strolls, and offers dog-walking, pet-sitting and other services to folks in the East End of Pittsburgh.
Wear Wag Repeat
Award-winning dog blogger — and mom to two Chocolate Labs — Tori Mistick knows everything there is to know about the canine crowd. Last year, she launched an online shop that carries goods for discerning dog moms and their pets. Most of the merchandise is made or designed by crafty females from across the country. You’ll find clothing, jewelry, greeting cards, toys, candles and home accents. All apparel and decor is printed when you place your order and then shipped in recycled packing materials whenever possible to reduce waste. Dog-friendly and earth-friendly? That’ll get tails wagging.
Hounds Town
There are a great many doggie daycares and play spaces in Pittsburgh, including several in the Strip. We’re including Hounds Town because it’s brand new: This facility recently opened and features 8,000 square feet of playrooms, overnight boarding suites and townhomes, as well as a grooming spa. Dogs can run wild in packs that complement their size, temperament and play-style, which helps socialize them. Hounds Town, a franchise started by a former New York Police Department canine handler, is set to open several other locations in the city, giving Spot multiple spots for mingling.
Joey’s P.A.W.
Does your pup have special needs? Joey’s P.A.W. is here to lend a hand. The Butler-based organization provides wheelchairs and prosthetics to dogs who could use a little help getting around. The devices can turn unwanted shelter dogs into most-wanted pets. Doing some (or all) of your holiday shopping online? Log on to AmazonSmile and Amazon will donate 0.5 percent of your eligible purchases to Joey’s P.A.W.
