When it comes to pampering our pets, Texans know no limits. We’re sixth on the list of states shelling out big bucks indulging our furry friends.
And it’s not just baseline care, according to North Dallas-area Petbar co-owner Trish Judson. They throw pet birthday parties, purchase lavish gifts, and even give their dogs “Pawdicures.” The upscale pet grooming and self-wash franchise Petbar has locations in Lakewood, Preston Hollow, Park Cities, and throughout Dallas as well as Florida, Georgia, Missouri, and South Carolina.
Today, Judson and her partner Kristi Long are throwing a Mardi Gras-themed bash celebrating the opening of their new Frisco location. Bring along the pups and kitties; from 2 to 4 p.m., they’re offering treats, complimentary pet caricatures, and membership incentives.
“Petbar really makes caring for your beloved pet fun and easy,” Long said. Interiors are designed for comfort—think stained concrete floors and custom ventilation systems. “Our private grooming suites look like something you’d find in a high-end med spa.”
Turns out, spending goes beyond services. North Texans are also adding dog-friendly additions to their homes.
Just ask Chris Black, owner of Dallas-based Blackline Renovations. A recent blog featured custom washing and feeding stations, sleeping nooks, and electronic dog doors.
“There’s definitely an interest,” he said. “A post we did on a hidden litter box got more hits than just about anything else on our IG feed.”
When it comes to our pets, it seems the sky’s the limit.
Case in point: Paris Hilton’s Beverly Hills two-story doggie mansion, a replica of her personal home “but obviously smaller,” according to the heiress/reality star. Interiors are painted bright pink; rooms sport designer furnishings complete with a custom chandelier.
Kelly Wearstler, an Architectural Digest AD100 Hall of Fame inductee, is equally passionate about her pups. The renowned designer recently launched a high-end pet accessory collection featuring $2,500 dog beds and $6,500 doghouses.
“Designing our doghouses is like any project we take on,” Wearstler told AD PRO. “These were a mini exercise in architecture, and we’ve created shelters that are comforting for an animal, easy to clean for their owner, and super stylish.”
It gets even more specialized. Designer Alex Papachristidis, author of “The Elegant Life: Rooms That Welcome and Inspire,” has been creating dog-centric projects for years. A personal favorite? Repurposing vintage gout stools as steps to help small dogs onto bigger furniture.
“I wouldn’t have a client who didn’t love their dog more than anything,” he said.
Adds Petbar’s Judson: “Our pets aren’t just like family, they are family. From our amazing line of private label shampoos, conditioners, ear cleaners, and colognes to the curated collection of pet foods and products we carry, we’re designed to ensure that our pet clients and their owners have an elevated experience.”
