Three Tails Parlor and Pantry Named One of “America’s Coolest” Pet Businesses by PETS+ Magazine
PETS+, the Better Business magazine for American pet professionals, chose Three Tails Parlor and Pantry locations in Columbia and Waterloo, Ill., in its sixth annual contest.
In 2018, Taylor Gonzalez opened Three Tails Parlor and Pantry in Columbia, naming the store after the “three tails” she and her mom Renee loved most – their family dogs, Samson, Sawyer and Scout.
The store logo is a depiction of their very own tails. Before long, Renee Gonzalez rebranded her store – Waterloo Feed and Pet Supply – to Three Tails Parlor and Pantry of Waterloo.
“I knew immediately that I wanted Three Tails to be a place pet owners could trust,” Taylor said. “I became certified in pet First Aid and CPR, and certified as a pet nutritionist, and I research every product and brand we offer, from treats to food and toys, to be sure we’re giving your four-legged family members the very best.”
Beyond the traditional pet store fare of food, toys and treats, Taylor and Renee added a bevy of services, including dog grooming with self-dog wash stations, a frequent buyer program, pet food consultations, and cat care.
With the expansion of a new storefront for Three Tails Columbia in 2021, Taylor added additional services, including dog training with Graham’s K9 Training and pet chiropractic clinics with Dr. Leanne Parker from Sunny Rock Chiropractic. As of this month, Three Tails also offers canine massage therapy with Alyson from Ash & Oak Canine Massage.“
We also offer hydrotherapy with an underwater treadmill,” Taylor said. “Hydrotherapy for dogs is a form of occupational and physical therapy that uses resistance and buoyancy to rehabilitate injuries and relieve pain.”
Their services, coupled with the appearance of their stores, helped Three Tails win America’s Coolest Pet Store from PETS+.“
I loved seeing and hearing about how Taylor took a nearly 100-year-old building and transformed it into a modern pet store, while maintaining the building’s historic character and rustic charm,” PETS+ Editor-in-Chief Pamela Mitchell said. “The thoughtful and accessible product selection combined with wellness-centric services — hydrotherapy via a water treadmill and chiropractic clinics — makes me wish I lived closer so I could shop there!”
The contest highlights the top independent pet stores and service providers from across the country. Entries were judged on their history, exterior and interior appearance, marketing, online presence and individuality.
Mitchell and SmartWork Media Group Managing Editor Chris Burslem conducted internal judging. Finalists were then sent to this year’s industry judges Jessica Cooke, Yuppy Puppy, 2021 America’s Coolest winner; Lyn Falk, Retailworks, Inc.; Anne Ferrante, American Pet Products Association; Jane Harrell, ‘cause Digital Marketing; and Bo Nelson, WholesalePet.com.“Small but mighty!,” Cooke said. “This business owner is a workhorse, providing a powerhouse of a business with limited staff!”