Mission Critter (CLOSED)

Despite its location in the oft-swarming Mission, Mission Critter has a breezy layout with plenty of room for shoppers and their pets. Spaciousness is achieved by way of a carefully curated collection of wares that cater mostly to cats and dogs. Small dogs, especially, will feel at home here, where they can represent their favorite team with an ample selection of puppy sportswear repping the Giants, Warriors and Raiders. What keeps neighborhood animal lovers coming back? A staff who’ll remember your pet’s name, and Polka Dog’s chicken jerky, a bestseller that will have your dog on her best behavior. An additional treat is Louise, the store kitty. (Barkers beware: Louise has little patience for nosy hounds; get too close, and she might bat your pup on the nose.) Mission Critter also offers low-cost vaccination clinics and Ask the Expert events, in which professional trainers and behavioralists come in to field your burning questions.