About Us
Promoting Positive Community and Economic Growth in Pittsburgh's Northside.
Wagsburgh is a locally owned and operated specialty pet store located on the Northside of Pittsburgh. Developed out of the need for pet owners in the area, Wagsburgh's mission is to build a healthy, lasting relationship with our two and four legged guests. We offer some of the most healthy and nutritious foods and treats available in the market. We also carry grooming supplies as well as toys that keep your pets physically and mentally stimulated. In addition to our products, we are dedicated to giving back through fundraising, volunteering, and education.
You and your pets are not just customers, but part of our Wagsburgh family. We are here for you and the communities we serve.
About Joe
A native of the South Hills, Joe worked 20 years within the grocery retail industry in sales, store operations, marketing, and merchandising. Having left in 2005, Joe pursued a business opportunity, but after being sidelined due to an injury and 5 months of rehabilitation, Joe followed a passion of his and studied Patisserie at Le Cordon Bleu. Enjoying the creativity as a Pastry Chef, Joe’s world was turned around when his dog Mocha tragically passed away. At that time he decided to dive head first into giving back and working with homeless dogs who deserved feeling the love and compassion that Mocha had always experienced. Since 2012, Joe has volunteered with numerous shelters, rescues, and transport organizations to save and rehabilitate as many dogs as possible. In 2013, Joe adopted Cayenne Pepper, a young pit bull from Animal Friends. Between the loss of Mocha, the feeling of saving a life through adopting Cayenne, and working closely with sheltered dogs, Joe felt there was something much bigger on the horizon…and more rewarding than making pastries. Recognizing a need for pet owners on the Northside, Joe decided to open a specialty pet food and supply store. Opening March 2017, Wagsburgh not only offers healthy and nutritious products for pets, but Joe strives to give back through donations, fundraising for local animal rescues and shelters, educating guests on pet ownership, and providing training tips so pets stay safe while at home and in public.
Fun Facts About Wagsburgh
Why a pet store on the Northside of Pittsburgh?
After a local shelter had closed their small retail store, Northside pet owners then had to buy their pet supplies outside the community.
Where did the name Wagsburgh come from?
In the early planning stages, the original name was Tails n’ Whiskers. But while visiting the current location in the neighborhood of Deutschtown, the historic plaque on the building read WAAG Building built in 1872. At that moment, Tails n’ Whiskers was a thing of the past and the ideas for a new name started. First, the thoughts of WAAG being an acronym that represented animals faded. Then a couple of ideas were born, Wagstown and Wagsburgh. Since we are Pittsburgh, the name Wagsburgh felt right and shares both passions…animals and our city.
How did you determine the products to carry?
From day one, Wagsburgh was always going to carry healthy and nutritious foods and treats. The majority of the consumable products we carry will not be found in the big box stores. We feel that when your pet eats healthy, they’ll retain the nutrients to be more physically and mentally active.
What is the heart and soul of Wagsburgh?
Wagsburgh was developed with the philosophy of giving back. As a small, independent pet store, it is important for us to not lose focus on that simple approach. Either through our knowledge, actions, donations, or giving our time, Wagsburgh will do its best to always support this goal.