“We’re a start-from-scratch kind of place,” says owner, manager and zoologist Kyra Foster, who with an investment from her mother, opened the Pet Place with this mission statement: “We’re here to help animals, better nutrition, better safety, better comfort.” That includes a stock of organic and raw foods for dogs and cats (soon to include goods from Katie’s Farm) as well as safe toys and humane leashes. “We do a lot of special orders for people we won’t get a pinch collar or a choke chain.” 1526 Dresden Row, 405-3161

First runner up: House of Dogs Grooming, 6448 Quinpool, 492-3647

Second runner up: Metro Dog Wash & Dog Gear, 6021 Cunard, 422-9364