About Wag Nation

The Back Story

Wag Nation has always been more than a pet store — it's a labor of love, born from a mother-daughter team who couldn't imagine doing anything else. When the opportunity to take over Wag Nation came along in 2018, we didn't hesitate. We'd talked for years about building something together in an industry we genuinely cared about, and this was our moment.

What started as a small but mighty operation has grown into something we're truly proud of. In 2020, we relocated and expanded into a full-service grooming salon, and you can now find us just a few steps away on historic Bellevue Avenue in the Bellevue Gardens Shopping Center — a little bigger, a lot better, and still completely us. Today, we're excited to also offer small dog daycare, because we know your pup deserves a great day even when you're busy having one of your own.

Behind the scenes, it's a family affair backed by an incredible team of full and part-time rockstars who show up every day with heart.

The Soul Behind the Logo

The logo you see when you walk through our doors was inspired by Zoe, our beloved Boston Terrier, who lived a full and joyful 14 years and left paw prints on everything we do. She's the reason our tagline — "where pets lead the way" — isn't just a catchphrase. It's how we actually operate.

We believe animals aren't accessories or afterthoughts. They're family. And when you walk into Wag Nation, we want you to feel that — not just for your pet, but for yourself. Our retail space is deeply rooted in nutrition and food-forward thinking, and we take real pride in being a resource for our customers. Whether you have a question, a concern, or you're just looking for a better option for your pet, we're always here to talk through it and point you in the right direction — including alternative methods and remedies you might not find just anywhere.

Our community is the heartbeat of this place, and the incredible people who support us make every single day worth it.

Rooted in Community

From the very beginning, one of our biggest goals has been showing up for Newport the way Newport shows up for us. We partner with local businesses, sponsor events, make donations, and stay plugged into what's happening in our backyard — because we're not just a store in this community, we're part of it.

We also host monthly in-store events that are open to everyone — pets included, of course. Think fun, think samples, think giveaways, and think good people who all share one thing in common: they love their animals. It's our favorite way to bring the community together, and there's always something to look forward to.

Come see us at 181 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI — we'd love to meet you and your pets.