Since COVID hit, supporting local is now more important than ever and I wanted to take a moment to list a few local pet businesses in Ottawa that I love and support (in alphabetical order).
1. BYTOWN BARK & BATHE
Bytown Bark & Bathe is a fresh new business that opened at 422 Bank street in Ottawa. It is locally owned by a wonderful lady, Suzanne, who has the cutest English Bulldog with a patch around his eye – Bubba.
Bytown Bark & Bathe was made for all the urban dogs out there that regularly need to keep clean and healthy. In their boutique, you can help your dog climb into their luxurious bath tub and give them a nice shampoo with all their organic products they have to offer. Best part of all? You can leave the mess behind!
They have many beautiful products for sale as well, such as the Bonne et Filou Dog Macarons, and the interior design is just gorgeous. Worth a visit with your pooch!
Bytown Bark & Bathe’s Website: Click here
Bytown Bark & Bathe’s Facebook: Click here
Bytown Bark & Bathe’s Instagram: Click here
2. DOGGYBATHROOM
Ok. Technically, they’re based in Montreal (still Canadian, eh?) but I HAD to add it to my list because my Doggy Bathroom has been a lifesaver. Before I got the Doggy Bathroom, I was always frustrated with the pee pad situation at home – and I had tried everything to try and solve the issues :
1 – Benji lifts his leg and there was often pee everywhere;
2 – Tofu was missing the whole point of a pee pad and only had one paw on it when she peed, so half of the mess ended up on the floor;
3 – Benji doesn’t like people watching when he goes to the bathroom (I agree with him 100%) so he sometimes went to hide to do his business.
Since I got the Doggy Bathroom, all these problems were solved.
The bathroom has 3 walls, allowing males to lift their leg without making a mess, so this item has saved my sanity and HAD to be included. Not to mention that the walls offer some privacy for Benji and Tofu has to completely get in to pee, so no more mess on the floor.
If you know me, you also know that I’m very conscious about the environment. The DoggyBathroom is made with 100% recycled plastic and their manufacturer is ISO2000 certified.
Their service is always on point and their staff is so pleasant to talk with, which is probably the most important aspect in a business. 200% would recommend.
DoggyBathroom’s Website: Click here
DoggyBathroom’s Instagram: Click here
DoggyBathroom’s Facebook: Click here
3. INSPIRED BY PIPPA
Inspired by Pippa has become quite popular since I first discovered them, for a good reason!
Alison and her sidekick Pippa the sausage dog make custom shirts and goods where you can have your pet printed on them. How cool is that?!
The process is so simple – you only have to send a photo of your dog, cat or hamster (I know!) and Alison takes care of the rest.
I got all my work clothes made here and I love everything about it. The shirts are good quality, the logo is clear, the service is great and my dogs actually look like my dogs. We all know that’s not always the case (who else ever got a Smeagol back instead of a dog?)
Inspired by Pippa’s Instagram: Click here
Inspired by Pippa’s Facebook: Click here
4. MARLY MCGUIRE BEAUDOIN
Marly is a water color artist and although I have never had a commission made (yet!), her paintings are just so detailed and beautiful that I have been following and supporting her for a while now. Her Instagram page is filled with portraits of people’s dogs that she made, but also paintings of wild animals such as foxes, deer and hyenas. Sometimes, I just love to stare at her page and admire it!
If you are looking to have a portrait of your dog made, Marly is your girl. I am yet to find another local watercolor artist as talented as she is.
Marly’s Instagram: Click here
Marly’s Etsy: Click here
Marly’s Facebook: Click here
5. WOLFPAKSTITCHIN
Fantastic local and lady owned business that also donates to rescues.
April has a crew of little dogs and she is a big rescue supporter. She fosters, adopts and donates part of her income to animal rescues (like we do!).
She has a talent for crocheting and she can make anything you wish for! I had asked her to have handknitted bow ties and snoods made for my dogs and I cannot be happier with the results. She really nailed what I had in mind!
