Aqua Dog
1325 Mackey Branch Drive
East Brainerd
(423) 596-4748
What they offer: Aqua Dog is all the buzz in East Brainerd for its grooming services and K9 Social Club (aka doggy daycare).
Sit. Stay. Bathe: Puppy and adult spa packages with treatments like “pawdicures,” blueberry facials, volcanic mud bath and calming music therapy during baths.
The best place to: Stop in after a morning romp at nearby Heritage Park, and while Fido enjoys his spa day, walk next door to Zaxby’s and have lunch while you wait.
Photo by Susan Pierce / Fish ManiaFish Mania
4330 Ringgold Road, No. 11
East Ridge
(423) 629-4107
What they sell: An extensive collection of freshwater and saltwater fish and all equipment needed to get along swimmingly.
One fish, two fish: Actually, more than 500 species of sea life.
Red fish, blue fish: Aquatic creatures on offer include orange and white clownfish, Halloween hermit crabs, angelfish, porcupine pufferfish, purple reef lobsters and peppermint shrimp.
The best place to: Find a Mbu pufferfish, a carnivorous puffer originally from the Congo River in Africa.
Photo by Susan Pierce / Nooga PawsNooga Paws
313 Manufacturers Road, No. 111
North Shore
(423) 531-6113
What they sell: Dog and cat food lines, pet supplies, toys, beds, self-wash pet-bathing stations and a bakery.
Sit. Stay. Wash: Reservations are needed for the DIY bathing stations, which come complete with everything from towels and shampoo to combs and blow dryers. Priced at $15 for 30 minutes; buy five, get the sixth free.
The best place to: Buy a “barkuterie board.” These doggy charcuterie boards include a range of canine-friendly treats.
Photo by Susan Pierce / Slobberbones Pet Bakery and BathSlobberbones Pet Bakery & Bath
1414 Jenkins Road, Suite 120
East Brainerd
(423) 531-7562
What they sell: A complete line of dog and cat foods, treats, toys, self-serve wash basins and bakery. They also stock hard-to-find interactive slow feeders and lick mats for dogs.
Sit. Stay. Treat: Slobberbones was founded by a local family who had trouble finding healthy treats that didn’t make their chocolate lab turn up his snout. They make their own dog treats from all-natural healthy ingredients. Their specialty: custom birthday cakes and cupcakes.
Best place to: Join the Scrub Club. DIY dog washes are $15 each, which includes supplies. Scrub Club members pay $20 per month for two baths, with discounts on retail merchandise and upgrades on shampoos and conditioners.