The best gifts for pet lovers (and their pets)

Bark Social membership

Bark Social is a (relatively) new members-only club for dogs. There’s a location in Canton, and one in Bethesda, if your pet-loving gift recipient lives that way. You pay a membership — or buy a pass — to enter the property with your dog, where they’re then free to run and play with other dogs on the property.

It’s also a restaurant, bar and coffee shop, so you can grab a drink or a meal while letting your dog play. And yes, there’s a menu for dogs, too.

You can’t technically buy a membership for someone, but you can buy a gift card that covers the cost of membership. Membership is $364.99 for the year.

Health and wellness from Happy Dog Boutique

Happy Dog Boutique in Fells Point is a retail store meets spa meets wellness clinic for dogs. They sell some toys and treats, and even some dog-sized sweaters to keep your four-legged friend warm in the winter. But their big focus is on dog health and wellness. You can pick up a paw-soothing ointment ($18.99), an all-natural bottle of salmon oil ($25.99) or an oatmeal-based shampoo for dogs with sensitive skin ($18.99)

Also of note are the services they offer, from dog walking and training to animal acupuncture.

Kitty clean-up from Howl

Howl, in Hampden, is one of my favorite stores for pet shopping. It’s a local business, and while they don’t ship, they will deliver if you’re nearby. In addition to toys, treats and a truly large selection of food for dogs, cats, birds and other animals, Howl has a robust selection of those necessary but pesky supplies — like cleaners.

Two in particular stood out to me, especially useful for the renter in Baltimore whose cat might have had an accident on the carpet. There’s Skout’s Honor urine & odor destroyer ($15.49) and Wee Away green tea scented odor & stain remover ($14.99). Both are cat-friendly, and Howl says on its website that they wouldn’t sell anything in the store that they would not personally use at home.

While I’m not a cat owner, I can tell you I’d be absolutely thrilled if someone bought me cleaning supplies (or other utility items, really) for my dog — it’s the least exciting part of owning a pet, and sometimes utility is really the best present.

Gift card to Loyal Companion

I know, I know, two gift cards on one gift guide? Lame, right? But the one for Bark Social doesn’t really count. That’s more about buying an experience for a pet lover.

This, though, is a recommendation for a gift card to Loyal Companion, a semi-local chain with locations in Baltimore, Pikesville, Catonsville, Clarksburg, Columbia, Annapolis and points beyond. The pet owners in your life will be able to choose what they need — or want — most. Practicality is sometimes the best gift. Pick up a gift card in any of their store locations or on their website.

A baked treat from Sea Dog Pet Boutique

In Annapolis, Sea Dog Pet Boutique will sell you anything from a leash and collar to a brand new toy. But my personal recommendation is that you take a look at the treats they have on offer, especially from local sources.

Right now, the shop is carrying four flavors of treats from Sweet Piggy Baking Company, available in-store for $12. The treats are made in Maryland, too — Sweet Piggy is based in Millersville, also in Anne Arundel County.

Make a donation in their honor

If your pet-loving friend already has all they need, why not make a donation in their honor? There are quite a few organizations in Baltimore and around the region that work to house and take care of animals.

Here are a few local organizations to consider:

Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Center: BARCS operates Maryland’s largest animal shelter and pet adoption center in Cherry Hill. They’re open admission, which means no animal is turned away. I am biased — we got our dog at BARCS — but they’re truly a great shelter and provide services for adopted animals, too.

Maryland SPCA: Operating out of Hampden, the Maryland SPCA gets dogs into adopted homes and provides resources for owners every year. They also provide spay and neuter services for free for low-income pet owners and other veterinary services.

Baltimore Humane Society: Founded as the Humane Society of Baltimore County nearly 100 years ago, the Baltimore Humane Society has subsidized veterinary care, adoptable animals and a memorial park that provides a resting place for beloved furry friends. The nonprofit also has more than 300 acres of land that it preserves to protect wildlife.

Small Miracles Cat & Dog Rescue: In Ellicott City, Small Miracles is a no-kill shelter that’s housed more than 12,000 cats and 7,000 dogs since it opened in 2006. They especially advocate for the rescue of abused, abandoned and homeless cats and dogs.