Best of Clark County 2011: PETS
PET STORE: Petsmart
Looking for a new pet, or supplies and accessories for your current best animal friend? Clark County has a range of national chain stores and locally owned shops, all in business to help you with keeping your pets healthy and happy. PetSmart takes top honors for service and variety.
Comments from our readers:
"Knowledgeable and friendly staff."
"Good prices on the foods my cats like!"
"They always have everything I need, and are very helpful."
"Excellent groomers, and great selection of products."
WINNER: Petsmart (multiple location): 130 SE 192nd Ave., Vancouver, (360) 256-8667; 7603 NE Vancouver Plaza Dr. Vancouver, (360) 256-7082; 316 NE 78th St., Vancouver, (360) 574-3182.
RUNNERS UP: Petco, All Natural Pet Supply, Natural Pet NW, Beastie Boutique
BOARD YOUR PET: Susie's Country Inn
When you need to leave your pet for a few days, they will be happier, healthier and more relaxed if they have fun, too, during your absence. Food, pampering, exercise, and fun all help make the pet (and its owner, of course!) feel comfortable with being apart.
Susie's Country Inn stands out for the décor and uniqueness of the facility. All of our winners have been pet lovers for years, and lavish special attention on you and your pet during separations.
Comments from our readers:
"AWESOME place, they love your dogs almost as much as you do! I won't leave my dog anywhere else!"
WINNER: Susie's Country Inn, 7418 NE 159th Street, Vancouver, Washington 98662, (360) 576-K9K9.
RUNNERS UP: Montage Happyland (Kennel), Little Pup Playcare, Mind Your Manners Dog Training.
VETERINARIAN: Orchards Veterinary Clinic
When a cherished pet is injured, ill, or just needs a wellness check, the friendly, caring attitude and knowledge of animals possessed by your neighborhood veterinarian is just what you need. Of the many in Clark County, five stand out to our voters, with Orchards Veterinary topping the list.
Comments from our readers:
"Dr. Eric takes extra care when handling my dogs. He is caring, gentle and very knowledgeable."
"Knowledgeable, reasonable, kind."
"The doctor has expanded his practice to include additional vets, who are also of the same high caliber as the original vet. He is very concerned with family dynamic, especially when it comes to pets that have been severely injured and have to be euthanized. He is a very caring and professional vet."
"Dr. Rick is the best. The very, very best."
WINNER: Orchards Veterinary, 6307 NE 117th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98662. (360) 256-3878
RUNNERS UP: Evergreen Animal Hospital, Mountain View Veterinary, Alder Creek Veterinary, Salmon Creek Veterinary
GROOMER: Franko's Dog Grooming
So Fido needs a little prettying up? Much loved pets get pampered, shampooed and loved at their favorite grooming salon.
Yes, you can even find full wardrobes of sweaters, jackets, and rain gear, along with the more mundane but required-by-every-dog collars and leashes.
Groomers in this area have devoted followings for their services. Franko's takes top honors this year, with Beastie Boutique, Designer Dog, Pet Smart, and Dog Gone Clean following closely.
WINNER: Franko's Dog Grooming, 2704 E Evergreen Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98661, 360-695-7145
RUNNERS UP: Beastie Boutique, Designer Dog, Pet Smart, Dog Gone Clean
BREED: Golden Retriever
What, no kitties or birds? It's all "Woof!" this year!
We must be a canine-loving community at heart, since dog breeds won top favorite honors. Medium to large sized dogs seem to be favored this year, including boxers, mutts, and German shepherds, but for their friendly, devoted, fun-loving personalities, the golden retriever was the top favorite.
These breeds have family friendly qualities, need people to lead them and exercise with them, and are trainable to perform all kinds of functions, from fetching a kid's ball to retrieving hunting quarry, from guiding and supporting those with physical disabilities to experiencing the dangers of police work.
And mutts? Well, they can be any mixture of fun and unique personalities!
WINNER: Golden Retriever
RUNNERS UP: Labrador (Black, chocolate, others), Boxer, Mutts, German Shepherd
