Luxury Adelaide dog experiences: Where you can spoil your dog

Here’s a tale about a butcher who has given meat for humans the chop and now only sells products exclusively for pets. Explore Adelaide’s spots to spoil your pets.

For so many of us, they are the light of our lives.

From the minute we bring them home, we’re chasing after them just as much as they are us.

It’s no secret dog owners are keen to splurge on their furry mates, from customised harnesses to specialised dog sausages; hosting birthday parties to taking them on a holiday – even if some think they’re barking mad.

Now we’ve compiled a guide to the creme de la creme of places to pamper your pupper across our great city.

For the owner of new Elthelton business the Pet Butcher Nick Martin, after three decades in hospitality, he noticed a significant gap in quality dog foods and decided to be the change.

Nick and Eliza Martin have converted a regular butcher shop at Ethelton to The Pet Butcher. Picture Dean Martin

“We know ourselves, the quality of food we put in makes us feel good; the same needs to be done for our dogs,” Mr Martin said.

“People have always been proud of the pets, but in the last two years we have seen it reach new heights and that is something we wanted to be a part of.”

Nearly two months into their new venture, Mr Martin and his staff pride themselves on good old-fashioned customer service by opening and closing their front door as they welcome their human and canine visitors into their business.

“We encourage our customers to bring their dogs in and make it a real family environment that everyone can enjoy,” he said.

“We have had people from Gawler to Burnside to Campbelltown all make the drive because they want the best for their dogs.”

New Elthelton business The Pet Butcher. Picture: Supplied

The century-old shop, which operated as a regular butcher for at least 90 of those years, is now stocked wall-to-wall with the freshest ingredients including pre-made meals, smoked delicacies, freshly grounded minces and a wide selection of doggo treats to satisfy any good boy.

“We are here every day from 6am to ensure that by the time our doors open at 9am there is something for everyone,” Mr Martin said.

“If a customer comes in a says they want something specific we will make it for them; if they want to buy in bulk we will do it. The possibilities are endless.”

With plans to get their online services off the ground in the coming week, Mr Martin has also set his sights on further expansion.

“We would like to open two more shops in the future and we also would like to supply regular butcher shops with some of our packaged products,” he said.

“It’s just so exciting.”

Laura O’Sullivan had been searching the market for high quality products after adopting her dog Bella in 2020.

“When we first adopted Bella it was really important that she gained some weight,” Ms O’Sullivan said.

“We found Scruffies in Glenelg who were able to give us information on what pet food would best suit her and then we’re able to provide us with information on what food would be best to maintain her weight.”

Bella and Laura O'Sullivan enjoy fresh new haircuts. Picture: Laura O'Sullivan

The 23-year-old had fostered rescue dogs from the South Australian Humane Animal Rescue Association but it didn’t take long for Bella to leave a mark and begin a new life with Ms O’Sullivan.

“As soon as Bella walked into my house I knew she was never leaving,” Ms O’Sullivan said.

“She had been quite neglected by her previous owners but warmed up very quickly to me and quickly began to show her personality.”

Despite being a university student, Ms O’Sullivan has not spared the expense since welcoming Bella.

Bella O’Sullivan enjoying her birthday cake from Scruffies. Picture: Laura O'Sullivan

“Bella has been bought many toys since adoption in 2020, I think she’a also successfully destroy every single one of them,” she laughed.

“I’ve spent around $300 to $400 on toys over that time with most of them only last a maximum of 30 minutes.

“Her favourite toys are balls so I try and buy her the hard ones so she can’t chew them apart straight away.”

Explore more of Adelaide’s must stop spots to spoil your pooch

The Woofery

Located in Richmond, the Woofery specialises in healthy, wholesome dog treats that contain all the goodness our furry mates deserve.

With a range for pups’ birthdays, Christmas and Easter, the Woofery also caters to dogs with wheat or egg allergies – yes, that is a real thing – so no pup has to go “untreatable”.

White Tail Dog Patisserie

If you’re sick of your dog eyeing off your pastry, then it’s time to indulge at White Tail Dog Patisserie in Rostrevor.

Specialising in just about everything, their cakes will have both you and your puppers drooling.

Whether it’s a birthday cake, celebrating their gotcha day or just because you’ve got a bit of extra cash to splash, this place needs to be on your list.

All products are made with human grade ingredients, and are made to order, never frozen, meaning that on your pooch’s big day, he or she can enjoy a fresh treat.

Scruffies Pet Shop

This family-owned business in the seaside community of Glenelg hosts a number of must-have products for your little guy or gal.

Dog owners from all across Adelaide have made their way to Scruffies since they opened their doors in 2007 to get their hands on cooked casseroles, gourmet sausages, meatballs and even the famous chicken jerky, which is dehydrated on the premises.

Brown Dog Bakery

As we become more and more aware of what we are putting into our bodies, one Adelaide business is doing the same for our dogs.

The Brown Dog Bakery is creating natural dog treats that can help the health and wellbeing of your pooch.

From “pupper puffs” to “pawnut butter”, there is something for every dog.

Dogcity Daycare

Looking to celebrate your dog’s special day with all of his or her mates?

Dogcity Daycare host puppy parties on Tuesdays through to Friday with a dedicated party planner to ensure it’s a day you won’t soon forget.

With packages starting at $34.99, why wouldn’t you celebrate your favourite pet?

Veggie Paws

Priding themselves on no “questionable” ingredients, Veggie Paws have a number of nutritious snacks available.

With eco-friendly packaging, doggos can indulge in a “pawty mix”, double choc mudcake and carrot cake.

All products are made in small batches and are ideal for training, filing puzzle toys or even as a small treat.

MikeNeko Pet

If you are looking to spice up your pet’s puffer jacket wardrobe so they hit those early morning beach walks in style, or if they are need of a new food dish, Mikeneko Pet have got you covered.

After picking up some new knick knacks, treat your dog to a spa day.

While it may be on the pricier side, the reviews are out of this world, with customers praising the quality products.

Beau’s Pet Hotel

We have to admit, leaving our furry mates to go on a holiday can be tough.

But knowing they will be running through a water fountain with some new pals makes it that little bit easier.

Beau’s Pet Hotel offers a range of services including daycare and boarding for those with a busy lifestyle.

Your dog can either socialise with others in an open space or have some quiet time to themselves.

Wildflower Dog Treats

Who doesn’t love a dog in a bandanna?

From snuffle mats, treats, goodie boxes to pupcakes, Wildflower Dog Treats will make any dog’s day with their Insta-worthy products.

If you are planning on throwing your dog a birthday party, Wildflower also hosts a range of party hats fit for any doggo’s head.

Pooch Palace

It’s called Pooch Palace, so you can imagine that the minute your dog walks in they will be in heaven.

It provides an indoor, airconditioned doggy daycare and grooming salon.

Your furry friends enjoy a daily routine that will engage their senses and natural desire for fun and if you’re feeling a bit generous, book your pal in for a deluxe bath.

Have we missed your favourite spot? Let us know in the comments!