About Three Tails Parlor And Pantry Of Waterloo In Waterloo

About Us

Three Tails Parlor and Pantry is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving pet owners since 2006. Founded by a mother-daughter duo, our business is deeply rooted in our passion for providing pets and their owners with the best products and services to promote the overall wellbeing of the animals we love.

At Three Tails Parlor and Pantry, we are committed to offering high-quality pet products, focusing particularly on nutrition. We believe that a well-balanced diet is essential for the health and happiness of our furry friends, and we strive to provide a wide selection of premium pet foods, treats, and supplements to support their nutritional needs.

Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service and personalized recommendations to help pet owners make informed decisions about their pets' health and nutrition. We take pride in being a trusted resource for pet care and are grateful for the opportunity to serve our community of pet lovers.

Three Tails Named America's Coolest Pet Store by PETS+

In 2022, PETS+ Magazine, the Better Business magazine for American pet professionals, chose Three Tails Parlor and Pantry locations in Columbia and Waterloo, Ill., as one of America's Coolest pet stores.

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.

“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!”

Meet Our Team

Taylor Gonzalez

For Taylor, pets are family, and that philosophy is at the heart of everything she does at Three Tails Parlor & Pantry. A lifelong animal lover and dedicated small business owner, Taylor is driven by her passion for making sure every pet that walks through the door is treated with the love and care they deserve. Her goal is simple: to create a space where pet parents feel welcomed, supported, and confident in the choices they make for their beloved companions. Recognized as one of Pets+ "America's Coolest," Taylor’s leadership and vision have made a lasting impact on the pet community in Columbia and Waterloo as well as a nationally recognized brand within the pet industry. As a certified pet nutritionist, she has a special talent for selecting products that are not only safe but also enhance the health and happiness of pets. She believes that every animal deserves the best, and she takes pride in helping customers find exactly what they need. Taylor graduated in 2017 with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Edwardsville University, and in 2018, alongside her mom, Renee, she co-founded Three Tails Parlor & Pantry. Opening her very own store in her hometown of Columbia, Illinois, on March 12th, 2018. Today, she continues to lead with the same passion and care that started it all. When you visit the store, you’ll likely meet Taylor’s furry family members—Goose, her playful one-year-old black lab, and her two store cats, Nellie & Finn, who are adored by many of the regular customers. Taylor and the entire team, all certified in pet first aid and CPR, are dedicated to making sure your pets feel just as much a part of the family as theirs do. At Three Tails, you’re not just a customer—you’re part of something special.

Renee Gonzalez

For Renee, taking care of pets isn’t just a business—it’s a lifelong passion. Since 2006, when she purchased a small feed store and introduced Waterloo Feed and Pet Supply to the community, she has poured her heart into creating a place where pets and their people feel at home. What started with livestock supplies soon grew to include grooming and dog training services as Renee’s focus shifted to the well-being of companion animals. As a certified pet nutritionist, Renee is committed to providing only the best for the pets in her care. Every product in the store is thoughtfully chosen with your pet’s safety and health in mind. And it’s not just about the products—Renee and her entire team are certified in pet first aid and CPR, ensuring that every pet who visits is in safe, loving hands. Renee is not only dedicated to her business; she’s a devoted wife and mother. Married to Bob Gonzalez, she is a proud mom to Robby (married to Megan), Taylor, and Maggi, and an even prouder "GiGi" to her grandchildren, Owen and Addie. Her own pets—Scout and Sawyer, two of the original Three Tails—and her four store cats, Ted, Tina, Larry, and Moe, bring her joy and are familiar faces to regular visitors. In 2018, Renee and Taylor co-founded Three Tails Parlor & Pantry, turning their shared vision into a thriving local business that serves the community with love, knowledge, and care. Being recognized as "America's Coolest" by Pets+ is a reflection of the warmth and dedication that Renee brings to her work every single day. When you walk into Three Tails, you’ll not only find expert advice and top-quality products—you’ll find a family who treats your pets like their own.

Samson

We lost our sweet Samson on March 30th, 2022, but his spirit continues to inspire everything we do at Three Tails. Samson was the oldest, the wisest, and if you asked him, definitely the best-looking of our three pups. He carried himself with the dignity of an elder statesman, tolerating his younger brothers with deep sighs and doggy eye rolls that let you know exactly what he thought of their antics. But don’t let his tough-guy attitude fool you—Samson could still run and play like a puppy, chasing Sawyer until they were both dizzy. His one kryptonite? Bees. Despite his brave front, he had a very real fear of those buzzing creatures, and it was one of the many quirks that made him so lovable. Samson left a lasting impression not just on our family, but on the community as well. He’ll always be the heart and soul of Three Tails, reminding us daily why we’re here: to honor the love, joy, and companionship that pets bring into our lives.

Scout

Scout is the youngest of our three beloved pups, and while he may be the youngest of the bunch, his heart is as big as his patience. Sweet, empathetic, and endlessly patient, Scout has a calm presence that makes him the perfect companion. As Taylor’s heart dog, he holds a special place in our family, and we’re incredibly proud of his Certified Canine Good Citizen title. At the end of the day, Scout’s love and loyalty remind us why we started Three Tails—pets like him deserve all the love and care in the world.

Sawyer

Our Sawyer is a lovable goofball who keeps us on our toes—and laughing—every single day. He’s the classic “middle child” with a heart bigger than his brain, and we wouldn’t have him any other way. Whether it’s jumping on the counter, getting into something he shouldn’t, or chasing his brother in circles, Sawyer is always finding a way to get himself into mischief. Rescued from Helping Strays of Monroe County, he’s brought so much joy and energy into our lives. Sometimes we’ve had to save him from his own curious adventures, but that’s just part of his charm. His playful spirit, loyalty, and endless affection are a big reason why Three Tails exists—to celebrate the quirks and joys that come with every pet’s unique personality.

Ted

I think everyone knows this handsome fella but if you don’t, Ted is our oldest cat at the store. He was a stray on the street when we found him and he claimed the store as his home when he openly walked through the door. His favorite pastimes are: running a muck in the warehouse, micromanaging while on your back, napping on the counter, and giving dogs the side eye. If you see Ted give him some extra smooches and tell him how cool he is!

Tina

This sweet girl is the newest addition to our cat clan. She was a stray living in the drainage system on the street. We had been feeding her for months but she wouldn’t let us get close enough to pet her. We finally were able to trap her and once we realized how sweet she was we had to keep her. That makes cat #4. Tina’s favorite past times are: announcing her presence, snuggling with Renee, and running in the warehouse with Ted.

Larry

We adopted Larry as a kitten from helping strays. At the time we were looking to add another store cat and wanted to adopt Moe, but the foster mom said they were a bonded pair. That’s how we added two cats instead of one. Should have known Larry was trouble when he was riding the rumba around the foster home! His quirks are why we love him. His favorite past times are: greeting all the dogs, eating-obviously, sleeping, and disturbing the peace of his brothers. If you see Larry this month, give him some extra butt rubs!

Moe

Fun fact: Moe and Larry are brothers! We adopted them from helping strays as kittens (and yes, there was a curly) but he stayed with his foster mom. Even though they are siblings, they are complete opposites. Moe is the cool, calm, and relaxed of the pair. Moe’s favorite past times are? stalking people on the dog food bags, ?being anti-social,? lounging in the cat tree,? and snuggling with Renee. If you see him, which you probably won’t, give him so extra love.

What Our Customers Say

Three Tails Parlor and Pantry is a highly-rated local pet supply store serving the Waterloo community and surrounding areas. With 5-star reviews from customers in Waterloo, Columbia, Millstadt, Red Bud, Freeburg, Smithton, Valmeyer, and more, Three Tails Parlor and Pantry is the go-to destination for pet owners in Southwestern Illinois. Offering a wide selection of high-quality pet food, toys, accessories, and grooming services, the store has consistently provided excellent service and products to pets and their owners. Visit us today and see why it's the top-reviewed pet supply store in the Metro East area!

Joe Mueth

2024-09-03

Wonderful, polite, professional employees. They turned my Kitty Kate into a little lion.

Casey Kolmer

2024-06-27

Highly recommend this place very good business

Riley Goodwin

2024-02-26

This amazing store had everything.

Anita Wirth

2024-01-27

We LOVE Marie, she's the best! She trims my spicy Chihuahua, Miss Elle Woods, nails. She does a great job and never complains that Elle was crazy acting. I honestly don't know how she does it!

John R

2024-01-12

Super groomers. Great job. Took a lot of care with my older dog.

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About Three Tails Parlor and Pantry of Waterloo