Best Dog Park
The Dog Park at Palmetto Islands County Park has everything one needs to make a dog’s day and keep his human comfortable. The park features separate fenced-in areas for small and large dogs, a water fountain, restroom facilities and shade.
Other finalists: James Island County Park and Alhambra Hall Dog Park
Best Dog Trainer
Susan Marett, CPDT-KA, CSAT at Purely Positive Dog Training offers dogs and their families a compassionate, customized and results-based approach to training and behavior modification. Her ‘Purely Positive’ techniques help dogs and their families deepen their relationships while learning to work together.
Other finalists: Canine Revolution, Mary Leonardis
Best Doggie Daycare
With an in-ground pool, large outdoor play areas and climate-controlled indoor spaces, Paws in Paradise has doggie daycare down to a science. From separating dogs according to size and temperament to using specialty K9 grass and online webcams, their highly-trained staff prioritizes safety and peace of mind.
Other finalists: My Three Dogs, K9 Resorts
Best Local Animal Rescue/Shelter
Charleston Animal Society has been a leader in animal welfare since 1874. In addition to caring for homeless animals, adopting pets into new homes and reuniting lost pets, Charleston Animal Society’s combined animal shelter and animal hospital responds to animals in crisis due to man-made and natural disasters.
Other finalists: Pet Helpers, Dorchester Paws
Best Local Pet Instagram
Penelope, a 5-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, is the furry face behind the Instagram handle @Pnut_Chs. Whether she’s giving sweet, sloppy kisses to Santa, enjoying a luxurious spa day or stylishly riding in the car, Penelope always exudes royalty.
Other finalists: Michael’s Barkery, @pup_cleo
Best Pet Website
>Michael’s Barkery has long made inclusivity a central part of its business model. On their website, you’ll learn how Michael’s Barkery makes a difference in the lives of adults with cognitive disabilities while offering pet parents quality, pet-specific goods and services.
Other finalists: Chewy, K9 resorts
Best Pet Attorney
The Law Office of Seth A. Levy offers diligent legal representation in wills, trusts, estate planning, probate administration and asset protection. Ted Corvey of the Corvey Law Firm is a fearless trial lawyer and animal advocate specializing in animal-related issues.
Other finalists: None
Best Boarding/Kennel
Luxury suites and executive rooms are two of four boarding options available to the guests of K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel. Evian water, gourmet treats and delicious ice cream up the ante, as do upscale bedding, customizable group or individual playtime and optional sound-resistant environments.
Other finalists: Pooch Palace, Paws in Paradise
Best Cat Groomer
Social media sensation and cat wellness expert, as well as Charleston’s only Certified Feline Master Groomer, Whitney Bullock, The Charleston Cat Groomer works with cats of all ages, temperaments and hair types. A former vet tech, Bullock knows her way around a hissing cat, a matted coat and a TikTok video on cat acne.
Other finalists: The Southern Cat, Village Groomer, Paws in Paradise
Best Dog Groomer
Warm, massaging baths with customized shampoos, hypoallergenic blueberry facials, a blowout and nail trims… for dogs? Ziggy’s Dog Parlor specializes in making dogs look and feel their best. They even de-shed, brush their teeth and express their ‘certain somewhere’ for a fee.
Other finalists: Pleasant Paws, Beachpups fka aFORTable Grooming
Best Local Pet Pharmacy
In addition to the many human-specific products and services they offer, Pitt Street Pharmacy compounds medications for veterinary patients. By using compounded medications, pet owners can more efficiently administer their pets’ medications, avoid medication shortages and access doses that are not commercially available.
Other finalists: Sweetgrass Pharmacy & Compounding, Costco
Best Pet Photographer
Named Mount Pleasant’s Best Pet Photographer for the seventh year, Jeanne Taylor has a gift for photographing pets and their people. Specializing in natural and studio pet portraiture, Taylor puts pets at ease and captures their spirit and personality with each stunning shot.
Other finalists: Rose Newman, Jeannie Franco, Valerie & Ed Photography
Best Local Pet Store
Hairy Winston Pet Boutique & Grocery carries the best of the best in pet products. From human-grade pet foods and treats to chew-resistant toys that are proudly made in America and all-natural grooming products, Mount Pleasant’s most discerning pets love Hairy Winston’s top-of-the-line wares.
Other finalists: PetSmart, Woof Gang Bakery
Best Pet-Friendly Apartment Community
The Grove at Carolina Park offers urban living with small-town charm, spacious floor plans and an outstanding location. A pet-friendly community, they cater to the modern pet parent by welcoming up to two pets and featuring a dog washing station and pet park.
Other finalists: Grande Oaks Parc, The Six
Best Local Pet-Friendly Business
Bring your pets to Bubbles Gift Shoppe and you may meet their resident ‘petfluencer,’ Penelope, but you’ll certainly fall in love with their unique selection of gifts. Similarly, at Michael’s Barkery, you’ll be welcomed with open arms and a homemade treat — for your dog!
Other finalists: Dog and Duck, Woof Gang Bakery
Best Pet-Friendly Realtor
A good realtor recognizes that, for many families, meeting pets’ needs is a significant part of the home-buying process. Paul Smith of The Paul Smith Real Estate Team gets to know his clients, their families and goals to match them with a home where everyone — including the pets — thrives and lasting memories are made.
Other finalists: Kat Drerup, Erica Zepp
Best Pet-Friendly Restaurant
Red’s Ice House puts the happy in happy hour with their pet-friendly patio and human-friendly libations. As if chicken tenders, wings, football and sunsets on the creek weren’t enough, dogs are welcome and can smell the seafood and spicy margaritas a mile away.
Other finalists: Dog and Duck, Saltwater Cowboys
Best Veterinary Practice
The Animal Medical Center of Mount Pleasant offers personalized veterinary care and the most innovative diagnostic and treatment tools available. A Fear Free® veterinary practice, they use positive-based handling techniques to alleviate fear and anxiety during examinations and treatments.
Other finalists: Long Point Animal Hospital, Crescent Care