When you walk into Top Dog Pet Store, you’re not just stepping into a pet store; you’re entering a space built on heart, hustle, and a true passion for animals. At the center of it all is Anthony Pavan, owner of the family-run business with locations in La Mirada, Riverside, and Oceanside, California.
Anthony and his wife opened their first store in La Mirada nearly five years ago, fueled by a dream and a deep belief in doing things differently. Since then, they’ve expanded to two more locations; all while staying rooted in their mission: to support the independent pet market, serve their community, and fight for the “little guy.”
Betting It All on a Dream
Starting Top Dog wasn’t just a business move for Anthony, it was a leap of faith. He and his wife left their careers behind and went all in, unsure of what the future would hold. But with a shared vision, relentless dedication, and a love for dogs, they built something truly special.
What makes Top Dog different isn’t just the hand-picked products on their shelves, it’s the experience. Customers come in with real questions about their dogs’ health, nutrition, and behavior, and they leave with real answers. Anthony and his team aren’t just salespeople. They’re pet parents, breeders, and dog lovers with firsthand knowledge and a genuine desire to help their community.
A Store That Understands Bully Breeds
One of the things that sets Anthony apart is his deep connection to the bully breed community. As a breeder himself, he understands the breed’s unique needs and the stereotypes they often face. That’s one reason he proudly supports Maximum Bully, a premium dog food brand that focuses on nutrition specifically tailored for bully breeds.
In Anthony’s words, “Maximum Bully represents a community. It’s a brand that isn’t afraid to take a stand for a breed that gets misunderstood. They’ve developed great products with great ingredients, and they support a breed that many others turn their backs on. That matters.”
He especially recommends LiL’ Bully, one of the fan favorites in his store. And when it comes to canned options? The Tuna recipes are always a hit.
Supporting Family-Owned, Supporting Quality
Anthony believes in supporting brands that reflect his own values, family-owned, community-minded, and committed to quality. When you shop at Top Dog, you’re not just supporting a local store, you’re supporting a family, a dream, and a team that puts everything they have into helping pet owners make the best choices.
There are plenty of big box options out there but there’s something special about walking into a store where people know your dog’s name, where the team actually understands nutrition, and where you can trust that every product was chosen with care.
Anthony Pavan is more than a store owner; he’s a community builder, a bully breed advocate, and a reminder that sometimes, the best businesses come from those willing to risk it all for what they believe in.