Doolittle’s Chateau-Animaux, a pet supply and grooming shop in Washington, D.C., has broken ground on its future location, designed to allow the company to expand its current offerings.

The new facility at 524 Eighth St. is being renovated to almost 5,000 square feet of space on two floors. Dennis Bourgault, company president and owner, said this makes it the largest independent pet retailer in Washington.

The new store will feature several new additions, including a dog bakery and self-service dog wash. The company reports that it also plans to increase its all-natural food and treat lines with additions such as a frozen dog food diet. The store’s aquatics section will also be expanded.

The renovations, which began in August, are expected to be completed in December.

Bourgault and his partner, Mike Suddath, began selling pet products at a Sunday flea market in 1994, and the pair opened the store in its current location the following year.