These 6 Pet Businesses Also Won 2026 America’s Coolest Honors

Agri Feed Pet Supply
KNOXVILLE, TN

As the second and third generations in their family to own and operate the community-rooted business, mother and son Melissa and Britt Sturm celebrate their store’s 50th anniversary this year. The two thriving Knoxville locations each have a personality of their own, carrying a large variety of pet products and services, from a full English equestrian apparel and tack department to an on-site dog park. Judge Claudia Loomis says, “Agri Feed Pet Supply has adapted to the changing needs of its community, beginning by serving family farmers and evolving into pet supply while continuing to serve farmers and even equestrians. Being able to evolve and grow for 50 years — that is a huge accomplishment!”

Two Bostons
NAPERVILLE, IL

Named after Boston Terrier rescues Roscoe and Daisy, Andy and AdreAnne Tesene opened their first store in 2005 and have expanded to eight locations throughout the Chicago area — the latest one earlier this year. Wanting a place where pet parents could ask questions, learn and feel confident about pet products, they slowly and purposely grew their business with carefully chosen teams and locations. Judge Jolanta Smulski says, “They have mastered the art of curating the store experience, and clearly part of it has to do with the teams and with the owners’ ongoing investment and involvement. It’s impressive how they continue to scale not only their locations but marketing and digital presence, too.”

Fetch & Friskers Pet Shop & Barkery
BOERNE, TX

Michele Jaime grew a 900-square-foot pet boutique into a 6,000-square-foot location featuring 15 freezers of raw and gently cooked products, an open “barkery” of baked goods, and a cat café. She considers her team, which includes seven certified pet nutritionists, as key to her success by being pet wellness advocates instead of regular retail staff. Judge Claudia Loomis says, “You can clearly see the passion and the authenticity of mission. The displays are lovely, the store is very nicely merchandised, and the number of freezers is impressive — I particularly like that they are branded.”

Crossbones
PROVIDENCE, RI

A wide variety of dog training services mixed with recommended retail products make the industrial-feel training center from Katherine Ostiguy and Daniel Lombard a stellar standout. The 8,000-square-foot warehouse and 20-by-40-foot outdoor yard allow the brand to offer everything from Puppy Day School and behavior consulting to agility classes and other intensive training programs. Judge Krysta Fox says, “I wish I had a training facility like this near me, absolutely beautifully done. Everything looks clean, organized and superbly well-maintained.”

Le Gray Haus Dog Boutique
OLMSTED FALLS, OH

Located in a historic bank building, artisan Eden Le Grand’s style and creativity can be seen throughout her store’s decor, curated treats, “in-haus” goods, and events. The brand’s signature handmade items and custom sizing make it a personal shopping experience, while its themed community-building parties and meetups make it the gathering place for dog lovers. Judges especially loved the store’s socials, with Jolanta Smulski praising, “It has some of the best pet retail Instagram video content. It really connects with customers, and the engagement speaks for itself.”

Groomington & Co
WESTWOOD, NJ

Mobile and salon grooming, a pet boutique, and a treat line and truck make up Cait Lauria’s business as three separate brands: Groomington Coat Factory, Westwoof by Groomington and Groomington Eats. She started the business in 2010 as a 21-year-old with a Jeep, a bathtub, and the conviction that pet care could feel more personal, evolving it into today’s complementary divisions and elevated, seamless customer experience. Judge Jennifer Larsen says, “Great branding across all platforms including website, van wraps, custom treat packages, in-store signage, marketing materials, storefronts and more.”