How to Pamper Your Pup in Princeton

The pandemic has brought on a Pup-a-demic to the country with shelters and breeders left with no pups to care for. With so many new puppy owners, we thought it’d be the perfect time to round up some of Princeton’s best pet services.

Veterinary Services 

Princeton Animal Hospital
726 Alexander Road, Princeton 
(609) 520-2000 | princetonvet.com 
Princeton Animal Hospital & Carnegie Cat Clinic is a full-service, technologically advanced dog and cat veterinary hospital. An American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredited, 7- doctor practice and their staff of veterinary technicians, assistants, and customer care specialists, are on hand to provide the most knowledgeable, informed and compassionate veterinary medical care possible for your pets.

They offer medical, diagnostic, and surgical services, an in-house laboratory, pain management services, 24-hour nursing care and various boarding options for your fluffy feline. The hospital also works with local organizations and shelters to provide quality care for our community's pets. They offer extended hours to meet your family's needs.

“We are excited so many families have decided to bring a new furry member into their home during this pandemic. Our compassionate staff are ready to help you and your pet with all their healthcare needs!” says Allie Whartenby, Practice Manager.

If you recently got a puppy, check out Princeton Animal Hospital’s advice on everything from socialization, housebreaking, crate training & more. (https://bit.ly/NJPuppyTips). 

Pet Portraits
Kapup Patel Photography offers “Moment-In-Time Pet Portraits” -- one of their most cherished and fun offerings! You can include your pooch in your family portraits, or in portraits with your child and your pet, or create a photo session for your pet all by themselves. Find more information on their website. 

Also, check out Color Me Mine website, as they have Pet Portrait to-go kits available at certain times during the year. After you send them a picture of your fur-baby, their Artist, Lexi, will make a custom canvas and color key just for you to paint yourself at home.

Pet Shop Supplies

Dogs & Cats Rule was founded in Sept 2001 by “Lead Dog,” George Parente. They carry a wide selection of all-natural pet foods, supplies and supplements, also stocking a large selection of pet treats made in the USA. You can shop online on their website.  Concord Pet Food & Supplies offers dog and cat supplies, including food, treats, toys, leashes, beds and more, with same-day delivery via Instant Cart. 

Dog Training 
Webers Training School has been around since 1925 and offers boarding, professional training and grooming services.  All of their training is held outdoors at their facility. The distractions of the world – other dogs, people, and a few passing cars on Route 1 – are truly a benefit. It’s a realistic test to have your dog pay attention to you with inviting distractions all around them. They offer group classes,private one-hour lessons that include curing bad behavior like stealing food, jumping up,
digging, chewing and barking, as well as In-residence or at-home training. 

Princeton Dog Training Club has registration currently open for classes that begin September 1st. Classes include: Competition (Beginner Novice/Novice), Open/Utility, Rally for All, Beginner, Intermediate/CGC Prep, AKC STAR puppy, AKC Family Dog and more. They also offer training for “Nose Work,” a unique activity and sport, inspired by working detection dogs and developed into an enriching and bonding activity for you and your companion dog. It is easy
to learn, builds confidence and is a safe way to keep dogs fit and healthy through mental and physical exercise. K9 Nose Work starts with the ‘box game,’ using your dog's favorite food or toys to encourage them to begin searching boxes. The box game develops the dogs’ hunt drive and desire to search.
The game then expands to searching entire rooms, exterior areas, and vehicles. 
There are no requirements to begin K9NW— dogs of any age with no obedience experience can start training. Within the group class structure, dogs work individually (dogs rest in their crates between runs) so dogs with fears are welcome. 

Paws On Dog Training offers services throughout Mercer and Somerset counties. Training begins the day you bring your puppy home. Full services range from housebreaking your puppy to basic manners such as greeting people and leash walking, mouthing and nipping, as well as behavior modification addressing fear and reactivity.

Amy Jacobsen, owner & operator, is motivated by creating rewarding relationships that are strengthened through proper education and training. 

Mobile Dog Grooming 

Princeton Grooming offers cat and dog grooming. A special feature includes a full-service in-home washing & spa treatment for your dog (under 40lbs) on a once a week basis, whenever you wish, during certain hours. The full-service washing & spa treatment includes a warm bath with natural specialized shampoo and moisturizing conditioner, blueberry facial, full-body brush out & blow dry, ear cleaning & post-wash consult. 

Pet-Friendly Restaurants 
If you're looking to take your pooch out for dinner, consider many dog-friendly restaurants in town. Sidewalk seating is available with your dog at restaurants including Witherspoon Grill, Despana, Teresa Caffe, Blue Point Grille, PJ’s Pancake House and Mediterra (to name a few). Please call the restaurant for specifics.

Dog Walkers
Princeton has dog walkers including Pawsies of Princeton and Princeton Errands that are there to make your pup happy while you’re away at work or play.
Princeton Errands, a company that is insured, bonded and Pet CPR and First Aid trained, has served the area since 2006 and they not only walk but play fetch, tug-of war and give belly rubs.

They will also change water, feed your pet (at your request) and more. The company also offers pet sitting while you’re away. 

Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails
Getting your pup out on the trails is key to keeping a happy pup. Area parks like Delaware and Rarity Canal State Park, Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve, Mercer County Park and Mountain Lakes Open Space are all great options to explore the outdoors with Fido.

Pet-Friendly Hotels
Whether you're looking for a fun staycation or have visiting friends with pets, there are some local pet-friendly hotels in Princeton. While Extended Stay American Princeton West Windsor and Nassau Inn permits any sized dogs to stay; Hampton Inn Princeton, Holiday Inn Princeton, Sonesta ES Suites Princeton and Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village do allow small dogs.

What’s your favorite dog-friendly spot in Princeton? Show us your pups using the hashtag #PrincetonOnlinePup and we’ll be sure to share them on our feeds.

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