12 New Jersey Pet Shops You Need to Know

New Jersey has some of the best independent pet shops in the country, and the 12 below are the ones every pet parent in the state should know. Each one is locally owned or family run, and each brings something the big box chains do not: real nutrition advice, raw and limited ingredient diets, self-serve dog washes, fresh baked treats, or a staff that knows your dog by name.

We pulled this list together from North Jersey to the Shore to South Jersey, so there is a great shop within a short drive no matter where you live. Here is who made the cut and why.

Why Shop at an Independent Pet Store?

Independent pet shops tend to carry smaller, higher quality brands that never make it onto big chain shelves. Many have staff trained in pet nutrition who can help you switch foods, manage allergies, or try raw and freeze dried diets the right way.

They are also part of the community. A lot of the shops on this list host adoption events, support local rescues, and stock treats made by New Jersey bakers. When you spend money there, it stays close to home.

12 New Jersey Pet Shops You Need to Know

1. Brookdale Pet Center (Bloomfield)

Brookdale Pet Center has been the neighborhood pet store in Bloomfield since 1994. It specializes in natural and holistic products, including raw and natural diets, for dogs, cats, fish, reptiles, birds and small animals. That range makes it a one stop shop for multi pet households.

Brookdale also offers free local delivery and an online store, serving Bloomfield, Montclair, Glen Ridge, Verona, Nutley, Clifton and nearby towns.

• Address: 1054 Broad Street, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
• Website: brookdalepetcenter.com

2. Well Bred (Madison and More)

Well Bred is a go to for owners who care about what goes in the bowl. Owner Joanna and her team are known as the “Diet Gurus,” and they offer diet consultations to help you find the right food for your pet. Shelves focus on healthy and organic foods, natural chews, supplements and safer products.

The Madison store also has a grooming salon with online booking and self-wash options, plus same-day local delivery. Well Bred has locations in Madison, Bernardsville, Chester, Livingston, Basking Ridge, Chatham and Clinton, and runs a program for veterans and police officers.

• Address: 235 Main St, Madison, NJ 07940
• Website: wellbredonline.com

3. L&B Healthy Pet Markets (Montclair, Summit, New Providence, Hoboken)

L&B Healthy Pet Markets is a family owned shop that opened its first store in 2019 and has since grown to Montclair, New Providence, Summit and Hoboken. The focus is healthy food and supplies, backed by a full service grooming menu.

Grooming options include full grooms, bath and basic packages and nail trims, and there is a self-wash station when you would rather do it yourself. L&B also hosts seasonal community events, so follow along for pet photo days and costume contests.

• Address: 15 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ (plus three more locations)
• Website: lbhealthypetmarkets.com

4. Home Towne Pet Shoppe (West Caldwell, Morris Plains, Pompton Lakes)

Home Towne Pet Shoppe is the kind of shop that becomes part of your routine. The West Caldwell and Pompton Lakes stores have self-service pet washes, with shampoo, towels and dryers provided, so the mess stays out of your bathroom.

The Pompton Lakes store hosts a local veterinarian twice a month for vaccine clinics and nail trims. Home Towne also offers grooming and dog training, supports local rescues and pet food pantries, and hosts regular adoption events.

• Address: 756a Bloomfield Ave, West Caldwell, NJ 07006
• Website: hometownepetshoppe.com

5. Petzlove Food ‘n Stuffz (Montvale)

Petzlove is a family owned shop serving Bergen County and nearby towns like Park Ridge, Woodcliff Lake, Hillsdale and Pearl River. It is a strong pick if you are curious about raw feeding, with brands like OC Raw, Raw Dynamic and Rawternative on hand.

The team offers nutritional counseling, and you can choose in-store pickup, curbside pickup or local delivery.

• Address: 54 Farm View, Montvale, NJ 07645
• Website: petzlovefoodmontvale.com

6. Maxwell & Molly’s (Sparta and Hamburg)

Maxwell & Molly’s is an independently owned pet boutique led by Bonnie and Rick, and it has served Sussex County for 19 years. The shop was named the 2026 Best Pet Store in Sussex County by the NJ Herald.

Expect premium nutrition and personal guidance rather than a wall of generic bags. Maxwell & Molly’s offers free local home delivery on orders over $50, with recurring deliveries available so you never run out of food.

• Address: 4 N Village Blvd, Sparta, NJ (second store in Hamburg)
• Website: maxwellandmollys.com

7. CB Pet Market (Washington, Clinton, Garwood)

CB Pet Market is a Warren County business with deep roots. Claudia and Roy Loomis bought Cherrybrook in 2005, grew it from one store to six, and later rebranded the shops as CB Pet Market.

The focus is holistic wellness and nutrition education. The team includes groomers, breeders, handlers and trainers, and nutritional counseling is available if you are trying to sort out a picky eater or a sensitive stomach.

• Address: 405 East Washington Avenue, Washington, NJ 07882
• Website: cbpetmarket.com

8. Barkley’s Marketplace (Flemington and Branchburg)

Barkley’s Marketplace is family owned and has a great origin story. Andy opened the first store on Main Street in Flemington in 2011 and named it after his retired racing greyhound. A second store opened in Branchburg in 2021.

Barkley’s supports local makers and says it has the area’s largest selection of made in the USA toys. The Branchburg store has a self-serve dog wash, and both stores offer local delivery and curbside pickup.

• Address: 79 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822
• Website: barkleysmarketplace.com

9. The Hungry Hound (Somerville)

The Hungry Hound on West Main Street is the treat stop of central Jersey. It specializes in premium dog treats and cakes, from cookies and biscuits to bacon bones, parmesan twists and dog-friendly ice cream.

The real showstopper is the personalized dog cake, in flavors like bacon, carrot, peanut butter and peanut butter banana. It is an easy win for a birthday or a gotcha day, and the shop also ships.

• Address: 93 West Main Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
• Website: thehungryhound.com

10. T and T Pet Supply (Skillman)

T and T Pet Supply in the Montgomery Shopping Center makes bath day easy. Its self-service dog wash has elevated tubs that fit everything from a Pomeranian to a Saint Bernard, so you are not bending over a bathtub at home.

The shop offers nutritional counseling by appointment, carries frozen raw and freeze dried foods, and has local and same-day delivery plus curbside pickup. It serves Belle Mead, Skillman, Princeton, Plainsboro, Hillsborough, Hopewell and nearby towns.

• Address: 1325 U.S. 206, Skillman, NJ 08558
• Website: tandtpetsupply.com

11. Doggie Sweets Pet Cafe (Long Branch)

Doggie Sweets is a dog friendly pet cafe and bakery at the Shore. Owner Patty started as a pet sitter in 2005, launched a food truck and online store in 2020, and opened the Long Branch cafe in 2022.

Come for the limited ingredient treats, stay for the dog birthday parties and community events. Doggie Sweets also offers free local and same-day delivery, including frozen foods.

• Address: 15 Morris Ave, Unit 119, Long Branch, NJ 07740
• Website: doggiesweets.com

12. Garden State Pet Center (Audubon)

Garden State Pet Center in Camden County started in 2018 as Feather Fabulous Birds, an exotic bird specialty store. After a fire destroyed the shop in 2022, it was rebuilt into the full pet center it is today.

Owner Victor Santucci is a Certified Clinical Pet Nutritionist. Beyond food, the shop offers grooming, boarding, a dog bakery, bird DNA and disease testing, and supplies for birds, reptiles and small animals, which makes it a rare find for exotic pet owners in South Jersey.

• Address: 226 S White Horse Pike, Audubon, NJ 08106
• Website: gardenstatepetcenter.com

How to Pick the Right Pet Shop for You

• Ask about nutrition help. Shops that offer diet consultations can save you a lot of trial and error with picky eaters and sensitive stomachs.
• Look for a self-serve wash. If bath time wrecks your bathroom, a store with raised tubs and dryers is worth the drive.
• Check delivery options. Many independents now deliver locally, often free over a set order amount.
• Think about your pet. Bird, reptile and small animal owners should favor shops with real expertise in those species.

Shopping for gear while you are at it? Our guides to the best dog harness and the best dog crate are a good place to start, and our what can dogs eat hub answers the food questions that come up at the register.

FAQ

Are independent pet stores more expensive than chains?

Sometimes, but not always. Many independent shops offer loyalty perks or free local delivery that close the gap. The bigger difference is the quality of the brands they carry and the advice that comes with them.

Do New Jersey pet shops sell raw dog food?

Yes. Several shops on this list, including Petzlove, Brookdale Pet Center and T and T Pet Supply, carry frozen raw or freeze dried diets. Talk to your vet before switching your pet to raw.

Where can I wash my dog myself in New Jersey?

Home Towne Pet Shoppe, Barkley’s Marketplace (Branchburg), T and T Pet Supply, L&B Healthy Pet Markets and Well Bred all list self-wash options. Check each shop’s site for current pricing.

Know a New Jersey pet shop that belongs on this list? Tell us, and while you are here, see our picks for the best low dust cat litter and more in dog supplies.