Local Fun for Four-Legged Friends

From bakeries and spas to the latest in veterinary care – services and products for area pet lovers.

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In the old days, man’s best friend could hope for little more than a chewed-up broken stick and another hackneyed game of fetch. In recent years, pet care has graduated from bags of mystery-meat foods and untidy once-a-year groomings to everything from pet bakeries and boutiques to spas, day cares and specialty foods. Pets now have the ability to enjoy the same luxuries as their owners, thanks to entrepreneurs who think that if your spoiled sibling deserves a birthday cake, shouldn’t your dachshund? After all, your dachshund has never called you names or sabotaged your sleepover.

Pet Foods & Products

Petcetera (3205 Magazine St., 269-8711, PetceteraNewOrleans.com), a locally owned, full-service pet boutique, offers everything from natural foods, clothing and collars, to services such as portraits, grooming and custom baking. Bakery treats such as “pupcakes,” “pet me fours” and “lady paws” are available daily, and custom cakes and cookies can be made to your specification.

“We do birthday cakes, ‘barkmitzvah’ cakes and even wedding cakes,” says owner Diane Lundeen. “The weirdest thing we’ve created was a fish-mold cake for a cat.” With a passion for developing new products and satisfying customers, Lundeen offers something for everyone – from wheat-allergic dogs to bride-to-be cats.

Whether you’re looking for 99-cent toys or eyeing the latest catwalk designs from New York, Lundeen fits it all in her small store. “There’s a misconception that we’re expensive,” she says. “People are surprised at how affordable we are and how we’re competitive with ‘inexpensive’ box stores.”

For over 60 years, New Orleans pet owners have known Jefferson Feed Pet & Garden Center (4421 Jefferson Highway, 733-8572, JeffFeed.com) as a reliable local supplier of pet foods, supplies and grooming services. Additionally, Jefferson Feed works with local animal shelters and rescue groups in offering adoption services weekly for both cats and dogs. With a vast selection of pet food, Jefferson Feed maintains the trust of customers by offering the very best in nutrition.

“The quality of our pet food is exceptional,” says general manager Lynn Morvant. “We have natural and holistic foods that are chemical-free, all natural and much healthier than many common brands.” Popular natural brands include California Natural, Innova and Solid Gold, among others. Premium brands offered include Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan and Nutro.

In addition to their Jefferson location, Jefferson Feed recently opened Neighborhood Pet Market (231 N. Carrollton Ave., 488-8118, NeighborhoodPetMarket.com) in Mid-City.

“I enjoy taking my dog out to City Park and noticed so many other pet lovers walking their dogs in that area of the city,” says Morvant. “We wanted to be a part of that community.” Neighborhood Pet Market has everything you need for your dog or cat and carries the same trusted brands as Jefferson Feed.

“What makes our business special is our personal service,” says Morvant. “We encourage customers to bring their pets and enjoy getting to know them.”