Susannah Moore
Rosie enjoys some dog-friendy ice cream.
Nearly half (43 percent) of dog owners and a third (29 percent) of cat owners celebrate their pet’s birthday (or “gotcha day”), according to the Purina Pet Institute. The American Pet Products Association estimates pet owners spent $99 billion on their pets in 2020.
With the number of pet adoptions soaring as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, these numbers could be even higher. While increased restrictions on social gatherings mean holding a large party with all your pet’s favorite animals and people may be out of the question this year, you can still celebrate your constant quarantine companion with a special birthday cake, treat or ice cream. Here’s a look at where you can find that celebratory splurge.
Smallcakes Nova, 1506 Mount Vernon Ave., offers “pupcakes” made specially for your dog. They are a carrot cupcake with peanut butter icing topped with crushed Milk-Bones. It is always best to order ahead to be sure of availability. Call 703-664-0312 or fill out an online order form on the shop’s website, at smallcakesnova.com.
The Dairy Godmother, 2310 Mount Vernon Ave., sells puppy pops for their canine customers. These frozen treats come in pumpkin or banana flavor. Made with plain yogurt, peanut butter and pumpkin or banana, they are wheat-free for dogs with allergies. The store also sells baked dog treats (they call “squirrels”) made from spent barley malt (a byproduct of brewing beer), eggs, vegetable oil and stone-ground wheat flour. See more at thedairygodmother.com/treats-for-pups.
You can purchase doggie ice cream created by Boss Dog, YöPup or Bear & Rat at The Dog Park store, 705 King St. Shhh, don’t tell your dog, but these ice creams are not only tasty, they are healthy too. Made from frozen yogurt instead of cream, they’re packed with probiotics to give your dog’s digestive system a boost. They come in flavors like banana and peanut butter, bacon and peanut butter, cheddar and bacon, apple and chedder and pumpkin and cinnamon. The Dog Park's website is at thedogparkva.biz.
Dolci Gelati’s Old Town location, at 107 S. Fairfax St., sells more than just sweet treats for humans. They also sell gelato for dogs made from pet-friendly ingredients like sweet potatoes, honey and peanut butter. You may want to check with the shop ahead of time to make sure they have it in stock. Visit Dolci Gelati at oldtowndolci.com.
Woof Gang Bakery
Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming has over 130 locations all over the country including Alexandria. The franchise at 6462 Landsdowne Centre Dr., is owned by Mina Kim. “Treats come in a wide variety of sizes, textures and flavors to please the palates of all pups,” she said. “Whether you feed crunchy, soft and chewy, training or freeze-dried treats, when it comes to treating your pup, it is important to provide them with healthy treats that do not contain corn, soy or byproducts. All of our treats use healthy, dog-friendly, natural ingredients and we always have a selection of birthday and seasonal treats in stock for your furry friend’s special day!” The Woof Gang Bakery website is woofgangbakery.com.
If you want to give your dog a gift that keeps on giving, sign up for a monthly treat subscription from Pawfectly Delicious Dog Treats. This Alexandria non-profit, founded in 2017, provides meaningful work and employment to persons with developmental and physical disabilities. On their website, you can purchase a yearlong treat subscription for $15 a month. Each month your dog receives one 8-ounce and one 4-ounce bag of Pawfectly’s signature all-natural ginger treats. Learn more at pawfectlydelicious.org.
For treats that are good for your pet and for the planet, check out Ruffio Dog Treats. The company was founded by Patrick Thomas to provide locally sourced, plant-based and “superfood” treats for dogs. Each treat is handcrafted using ingredients from local farmers. You can order a variety of fun flavors on the company’s website or by stopping by the Old Town Farmers market on Saturday morning. For fun ideas to create gourmet dog snacks using Ruffio treats, be sure to follow them on Instagram @ruffiodogtreats.
If you venture just outside of Alexandria to other parts of Northern Virginia you can find birthday cakes for both Spot and Whiskers. Dogma Bakery has locations in Arlington (2772 S. Arlington Mill Dr.) and Reston (11414 Washington Plaza West). Their dog treats are baked in the store from human-grade, dog-safe ingredients. They are also able to make custom dog treats and even cakes to celebrate any occasion.
MJ Pet Bakery
MJ Pet Bakery was founded by two friends, Julissa and Maria, who started out by making treats for their beloved dogs and cats before deciding they wanted to share them with other pets. They make cute, custom cakes and other tasty treats for your cat or dog.
The Manassas-based bakery delivers throughout Northern Virginia and D.C. They also regularly attend the Oakton Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.
They shared some advice to keep in mind when you are selecting a birthday treat: “Be specific when ordering treats and cakes. What flavors does [your] dog like/dislike? More importantly, what allergies or dietary restrictions does [your] pup have?”
