Our favorite local gifts: Pet stores

Unleashed has two locations in Raleigh, one off Lake Boone Trail and one off Creedmoor Road. The chain is locally owned and operated, with another store located in Wilmington. Unleashed offers safe, affordable and healthy treats, toys and food for your cat or dog. If you need any recommendations, ask which products the owners' pets liked (they are all "official" product testers).

Woof Gang Bakery also has two locations in the Triangle: one in north Raleigh and one in Cary. Although Woof Gang is a national chain, both stores are locally owned and provide an upscale shopping experience for you and your pet. The stores sell items like healthy, natural treats and fun toys for cats and dogs. They even offer training classes and grooming services (not "baths"). Our favorite section of the store is the dog treat buffet! 

Just Dogs Gourmet is a little kiosk in Crabtree Valley Mall (in front of Belk), but they offer a wide range of unique treats your dog will think are delicious. They also have a small selection of dog accessories and other gifts, like leashes and stickers. You can even special order birthday cakes for your dog here. The peanut butter cake is a favorite for most dogs. 

Phydeaux offers a large range of products, not just for cats and dogs, but for birds and other small animals too. This pet supply store has one location in Raleigh and another in Chapel Hill, and you can shop online. Phydeaux only allows the best food and toys on its shelves, and they offer many brands and products that are not available at larger chain stores.

The Chocolate Boutique isn't a pet supply store, but if you're there anyway picking up some holiday gifts, why not bring some dog treats home too? They make carob-covered bacon and dog bones covered with carob and yogurt, both of which are safe for dogs to eat. Just don't accidentally eat some of the wrong treats!