If you thought your local pet store was just a place to grab some grub for your Great Dane, think again. It's not your grandfather's pet store; it's more like a trip to Urban Outfitters.

Today's pets - particularly the smaller fry - are turning heads and wagging tails as they strut the streets in canine couture. Here's what's "in-store" at two of the best boutiques around:

WAG N' TAILS
When Scott and Heather Grimes decided to sell the store they founded in the late '90s, they hoped they'd find a new owner who would want to "take it to the next level." They didn't have to look far; their employee Melanie Parks took the Grimes' solid foundation - pet grooming in the back, a dog wash in the center, and good nutritional foods and supplements - and added a whole boutique line of clothing and accessories for dogs and cats. "I was a contract designer and space planner before I met Scott and Heather," says Parks, "And I had a vision for what this store could be." Now an entire wall is outfitted with quite affordable dress-up outfits; among them are matching leashes, dresses and hats, camouflage gear (after all, this is SEAL territory), lifeguard outfits and nautical-inspired attire. Getting the outfits on and off the dogs is a snap in this age of Velcro.

Wag 'n Tails also stocks one of the most convenient pet carriers, "Pet Totes" ($185) that allows a dog or cat of up to 15 pounds to ride along with its owner on many airlines. The totes double as a car seat and backpack.

You'll also find a wide selection of leashes, collars, "Doggiedanna" bandanas ($5.99) and anti-microbial waterproof collars - "perfect for the beach, pool or pond," says Parks, who adds that everything wipes right off the rubberized collars.

A bakery case contains iced cookies in the shapes of palm trees, life preservers, lobsters, crabs and many more dog treats. There's also a "Happy Tail" ale - the non-alcoholic, non-carbonated brew is beef-flavored and has ingredients that make for shiny coats.

Among Wag 'n Tails most popular items are pet feeders made from recycled wine crates and other vintage boxes in various sizes to accommodate all dogs. Each is outfitted with insert bowls, many of which the designer/builder has scoured antique stores to find, says Parks. "We can even match shabby chic interiors and, yes, we take special orders."

LUCKY DOG
Just across the bridge at 415 Market St. in the Gaslamp, Jenna Fasack has created the ultimate pet boutique where Yuppies and their puppies meet nirvana. Lucky Dogs, says Fasack, are born to "eat, sleep, play… and shop! Fasack has coordinated many fashion shows at at W Hotel and Loews Coronado Bay Resort, including this summer's "Surf Dog" fashion show in Imperial Beach, where her models parade on the runways - hot dogs wearing haute couture. She also sells most of her merchandise on the shop's web site, www.shopluckydog.com.

Here the dogs have the run of the shop, including Fasack's pug, Sam, and frequent visitors, Bijou, a Chihuahua mix, and Norman, a Lhaso Apso. They scoot and romp on the red concrete floor, above which rise numerous racks of clothing and floor displays.

Among the shop's designer pet beds are a "Fur-rari," a NYC taxi, a pink "Cat-illac Convertible" and the Americana boat ($259). Designer satire chew toys take on a bit of class as well, including shoes (Bark Jacobs, Jimmy Chews and Manalo Barkniks) and purses (Chewy Vuitton and Pawda bags). The designer clothing includes holiday attire, tutus for dress-up, even wedding dresses and tuxes.

New at Lucky Dog are Pet-icures, offered by Tess Faulk ($18, including nail trim, lavendar aromatherapy massage and a paw-lish.)

Doggie birthday on the horizon? You'll find doggie party hats, birthday squeak toys and birthday cakes in the refrigerator case. And you can register your dog at the shop.