Tails in the City
1 E. Delaware Pl., Gold Coast
The chic boutique caters to those who want designer bling for their fur babies.
Gotcha day
Established in 2004, the store’s original muse was co-owner Phillip Emigh’s dolled-up terrier, Miss Genevieve. She’s since died, but framed photos of her remind customers who will always be top dog.
Pawsome vibes
What the slim store lacks in size, it makes up for in chipperness. Clerks greet everyone with questions about their pet, and neighbors with dogs routinely pop in for a free treat.
Designer dupes
Bandanna options include the Furberry plaid in beige, red, and black. For Pendleton panache, check out Up Country’s green tweed or buffalo-check coats. And Fifi can get her buzz on with a Starbarks Pupkin Spice latte or Woof Clicquot plush toy.
Drool worthy
Yogurt-frosted cookies that say “Princess” are gourmet indulgences that look almost too fancy to gnaw on, and bone-shaped peanut butter lollies come on edible sticks.
Ruff Haus Pets
4772 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincoln Square
The hip one-stop spot specializes in pet nutrition.
Gotcha day
Founded in 2000, the store carried its glampsite aesthetic to a bigger space in 2019, using salvaged wood from its first location. The furry ruler is a 6-year-old tabby. “Rocky mean-mugs everybody,” says manager Tonya Prodromos.
Pawsome vibes
Customers love the “third space” feel and hang around to chat about everything from pet shenanigans to healthy diets. Commonly sighted: kitties that come along for the ride (the shop sells cat backpacks, after all).
Designer dupes
Cotopaxi-wearing humans can’t resist Fabdog’s navy jacket with chevron stripes. Frisky pets may want to dig into Dogiva faux-chocolate squeakers after chewing on a Grateful Dead crinkly concert ticket toy.
Drool worthy
Wag your way straight to the raw bar, where doggie delectables include chicken chips and cod skins. The brand-new Wiggle Whip freeze-dried treats, locally made with goat milk and fruit, taste just like baby snack food, according to Prodromos, who, yes, has tried them
Web Behrens is a freelancer writer and contributing Go editor for Chicago magazine.