Pet Paradise

In a town where nearly half of all households include a pet and that is consistently ranked among the most pet-friendly cities in the country, the need for a trusted neighborhood pet shop feels almost essential. For more than 25 years, P.C.’s Pantry has filled that role, becoming a familiar stop for fur families.

In 2000, Mary Lee La Croix opened P.C.’s Pantry in a small, 500-square-foot house on the corner of 9th and Walnut. As word spread and shelves filled, the space quickly proved too small. A move to the Boulder Steel Yards followed, and eventually the store settled into its forever home at 30th and Bluff. Today, the 5,000-square-foot space feels less like a retail shop and more like a neighborhood fixture.

P.C.’s Pantry (P.C. standing for “perfect cat” and the name of the cat Mary Lee found when she opened the store) is a store for dogs and cats, where there’s something for every paw. Built on love and a passion for four-legged friends, the pet supply destination offers everything from toys and beds to food and fresh-baked treats. And it’s not just about the products, it’s about connecting with every pet parent who walks through the door. 

Mary Lee, who has three dogs and four cats of her own, is a steady presence in the store six days a week. Often, her dogs are nearby, and occasionally even the cats make an appearance. From the beginning, she and her small but mighty team have welcomed customers to bring their animals inside, creating a space where sniffing, wandering, and chance encounters are all part of the experience.

Over the years, Mary Lee has become a trusted resource for pet owners navigating everything from diet and allergies to weight management and veterinary care. Her approach is hands-on and deeply considered. “I have very high standards regarding the products that customers take home for their animals,” she says. “Not only do I do my own research, but I’ve built strong relationships with knowledgeable distributors and reps in the pet food industry.”

“I still have customers who have been shopping with me since I opened on Walnut,” says Mary Lee. “They come back not only because of the knowledge and service, but because we regard them as friends. I’m humbled and grateful that they trust me to help care for their animals.”

Still, it’s not just what’s on the shelves that keeps people coming back.

Upon walking in, the scent of homemade goodies fills the air. The bakery is located in the back of the store and offers both meat-based and non-meat-based biscuits. And for special-occasion celebrations, they also craft small meat loaves and birthday cakes. All delights are freshly baked daily, and all ingredients are human-grade and natural (with no salt, sugar, or preservatives added).

That sense of familiarity is easy to spot. Regulars chat in the aisles while first-time visitors are welcomed just as warmly, often leaving as future regulars themselves. Conversations about food, health, and behavior blend easily with updates about aging pets, new adoptions, or the small, everyday moments that come with sharing life with an animal.

For more than 20 years, Audrey Benedict has been one of those regulars. What keeps her coming back is more than just products—it’s the sense of community. “It’s a place where you feel like part of a family of people who truly love their pets,” she says. “The environment is welcoming and comfortable, and customers know they can rely on thoughtful, trustworthy advice.”

It’s that genuine compassion that defines the experience. More than a pet store, P.C.’s Pantry has become a cornerstone of the community—a place where relationships are built, advice is trusted, and community is nurtured, one furry friend at a time. 

Visit P.C.’s Pantry at 2828 30th St., Boulder, or at pcspantry.com.