Our Story

The Paws & Whiskers Journey

Creating a sanctuary of luxury and comfort for pets and their discerning owners since 2021

Elegant pet boutique interior with natural light and modern displays

Where It All Began

Paws & Whiskers was born from a vision to create more than just another pet shop—we set out to establish a sanctuary where both pets and their owners would feel welcomed, understood, and catered to with the highest level of service.

Founded in 2021 by Alexandria natives and pet enthusiasts Claire and Robert Thompson, our boutique emerged from their shared frustration at not being able to find premium, ethically-sourced products for their beloved Golden Retriever, Maple, and Maine Coon, Oliver.

What began as a small curated collection quickly blossomed into Alexandria's premier destination for discerning pet owners seeking quality, luxury, and personalized attention for their furry companions.

"We believe that our pets deserve the very best—in nutrition, comfort, style, and care. That belief guides every decision we make at Paws & Whiskers." — Claire Thompson, Co-founder
Maple - The inspiration behind Paws & Whiskers
Maple - Where our story began

Our Core Values

The principles that guide our approach to pet care

Uncompromising Quality

We source only the finest products from ethical manufacturers who share our commitment to excellence and sustainability.

Personalized Attention

Every pet that enters our doors receives individualized care tailored to their specific needs, preferences, and personality.

Community Connection

We actively support local animal shelters and rescue organizations, fostering a network of care beyond our boutique.

Continuous Innovation

We constantly research and introduce the latest in pet wellness, nutrition, and comfort to bring you cutting-edge offerings.

Meet Our Team

The dedicated professionals behind our exceptional service

Claire Thompson - Co-Founder & CEO

Claire Thompson

Co-Founder & CEO

With a background in luxury retail management and a lifelong passion for animals, Claire oversees the boutique's operations and product curation.

Robert Thompson - Co-Founder & Creative Director

Robert Thompson

Co-Founder & Creative Director

A former interior designer with an eye for aesthetics, Robert creates the signature ambiance of our boutique and designs our custom pet accessories.

Sophie Lawrence - Head Groomer

Sophie Lawrence

Head Groomer

With over a decade of experience in pet grooming and specialized training in breed-specific styles, Sophie leads our grooming department with unparalleled expertise.

Dr. Marcus Chen - Pet Nutrition Consultant

Dr. Marcus Chen

Pet Nutrition Consultant

A veterinary nutritionist who advises on our food selection and creates custom dietary plans for pets with specific health needs.

Paws & Whiskers Interior
Boutique Display Detail
Grooming Station Detail

Our Space

Nestled in the heart of Alexandria's historic district, our boutique was designed to be a haven of tranquility and luxury for both pets and their owners.

The 2,500 square foot space features natural materials, soothing colors, and thoughtful touches that create a welcoming atmosphere. Our open-concept layout includes distinct areas for shopping, consultations, and our renowned grooming services.

We've carefully curated every detail—from the custom-crafted shelving that displays our products to the specially designed grooming stations that prioritize comfort and safety.

Plan Your Visit
"Paws & Whiskers has transformed the way we care for our Shiba Inu. From the moment we walk in, we're greeted by name and treated like family. Their expertise and attention to detail are unmatched in Alexandria."
Sarah & Kiko
Sarah Johnson & Kiko

Our Community Commitment

Supporting animal welfare and local initiatives

At Paws & Whiskers, our commitment extends beyond our boutique walls. We believe in giving back to the community that has embraced us and supporting the welfare of all animals, not just those who visit our store.

Each month, we donate 5% of our profits to local animal shelters and rescue organizations. Our team regularly volunteers at adoption events, and we host quarterly fundraisers that have helped place over 200 animals in forever homes.

Through our "Precious Paws" program, we provide complimentary grooming services and premium products to animals awaiting adoption, ensuring they look and feel their best as they search for their new families.

Our Partners:
Petco - Our Retail Partner PetSmart - Our Retail Partner
Paws & Whiskers Community Adoption Event

Experience the Paws & Whiskers Difference

Join our community of pet enthusiasts and discover why we've become Alexandria's premier destination for pet luxury and care.