Popular Muttropolis helps keep pets happy, healthy

For 14 years Solana Beach’s Muttropolis, the sweet Cedros store with a front lawn and a white picket fence, has been the ultimate destination for people who love their pets, offering the best quality products, both fun and functional.

In addition to all-natural foods and treats, Muttroplis offers a one-stop shop with doggy bow ties and bandanas, stylish bowls and feeders, grooming and training accessories, stylish dog beds that promise “luxurious slumber” and humorous plush toys, such as “Chewy Vuitton” purses and “Starbarks” cups.

Owners Georgia and Steve Goldberg opened Muttropolis in 2002 due to their devotion as “pet parents” and aimed to celebrate that special bond between people and their pets.

“There wasn’t much out there then that provided what we wanted, an all-encompassing pet store, so we decided to create it,” Georgia Goldberg said.

Their goal was always to find the most top-quality products and over the years Georgia said they have really honed in on the market and have become sophisticated buyers, seeking out what is the most current and best.

They studied all-natural and grain-free foods to find the healthiest options for dogs that help reduce visits to the vets and the result is a carefully curated selection of food, a focus on quality over quantity.

“We did the research to make sure that we can stand behind every product,” Georgia said.

They offer the most creative and innovative toys and the best in apparel, leashes, bowls and beds.

“The industry has grown so much since we first started,” Georgia said of the now multi-million dollar industry. “There’s more of an awareness in home goods, on how things like dog beds will look in the home. It’s more designer-driven.”

Designer fabric is now used in leashes and collars, and more fashion is provided in dog carriers and clothing.

“When we first started people laughed at T-shirts for dogs, now it’s one of our biggest categories,” Georgia said.

The store also regularly hosts adoption and social events, such as its annual Halloween parade and costume contest to bring the community of dog owners together.

The Goldbergs also have a Muttropolis in La Jolla, which Georgia said has become kind of like the “Cheers” spot of the dog community, with many locals coming daily to hang out. Until recently the Goldbergs operated a very popular location in Newport Beach, their number one grossing store. After 11 years their lease was not renewed and the landlords offered a smaller space but it wasn’t quite right.

Georgia said they are working diligently to find a new space to have another Muttropolis open in Newport Beach next year. Some customers from their “loyal fan base” in Newport Beach have even taken to driving down to Solana Beach to get their fix.

Ever-busy, the Goldbergs also own the Belly Up and the Wild Note Cafe on Cedros, Pacific Coast Grill in Cardiff and three restaurants in Colorado. Not to mention since they opened Muttropolis they have added two kids to their pet children.

“It’s a great business, born out of a love of our dogs,” Georgia said. “Everyone that works here is here because of the passion they have for their pets. We all get it. We all understand that in the short lives of our dogs, they deserve to be the happiest they can be while they’re here.”

Muttropolis is located at 227 South Cedros, Solana Beach, and is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit muttropolis.com or call (858) 755-DOGS (3647).

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