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Alpha Pet Supply & the Wild Bird's Nest
Category: Pets Pet Stores Pet Stores [Edit]
960 San Pablo Ave(between Buchanan St & Solano Ave)
Albany, CA 94706
(510) 525-7361
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 6:30 pm
Sat 9:30 am - 6 pm
Sun 10 am - 5 pm
71 reviews for Alpha Pet Supply & the Wild Bird's Nest
71 reviews in English
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Review from Erica L.
Oakland, CA
There are food and treat items that I have never seen anywhere else that the furballs go nuts for. This store has an attention to detail and sustainability that I appreciate great prices and knowledgeable staff. Not your pop up overpriced puppy boutique. This is the real deal real people who know what there talkin about and been in the bix for a while. Always pleasant stop after a walk at the point Isabel.
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Review from Richard P.
Oakland, CA
I went here warily thinking that small shops like this = crazy high prices. Not so. They carry a brand of cat food I can't find anywhere else and it's CHEAPER than the commercial varieties available anywhere AND the quality is top notch. I regularly buy my cat food here. The staff (ALL of them) have never been anything but incredibly friendly, superbly knowlegible and always willing to go the extra mile. I've never had to wait in line. They have a frequent buyer card that let's you earn $10 off pet accessories or treats... AND you are supporting a local business which may bore the crap out of the leadened eyed corporate pottie trained robots who can't wrap their minds around why that's so important and think good customer service is a plastic name tag that says "Have a Nice Day."
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Review from Kimberly D.
Richmond, CA
Rude, overpriced, full of opinions, store stuffed with so many useless products can't walk or figure out the price. Most people equate them with the soup nazi from seinfeld - I have shopped there for the last time today.
ps - the 1 Star rating is because you cannot give them a zero -
Review from Elinore S.
Berkeley, CA
I Love this store and all the people in it! The people here are very attentive and helpful which may feel funny, not used to it I guess. Also their suggestions are genuine not sales out the door kind. Support these folks!
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Review from Buck Buck M.
Sorry if my cat likes a "corporate" treat every once in a while. It doesn't mean I don't feed him good, healthy food. I do. But like all of us he likes a little junk food sometimes. It is fine if this store doesn't want to carry Friskies and all that crap. I support that totally. But it is not fine to get attitude for even asking if they carry a particular cat treat. I am not the only person I know who has gone in here and been met with thinly disguised contempt for asking for a product that they refuse to carry. Just say "no, sorry, we don't carry that" and I'll still buy my stacks of cans of healthy, expensive, non-corporate cat food. Or rather, I would have. Now I won't. Pet Vet just up the road is cheaper and has a really nice staff and better prices and is an independent store as well. I'll drive the extra mile to get good customer service. (note--not everyone here is bad...just one or two but that's all that it takes, isn't it?)
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Review from Emily Z.
Berkeley, CA
Alpha Pet Supply is the best! The owners and staff genuinely care about animals and provide expert advice on good diets to feed your pet to meet their specific needs. They even special order my cat's food at no additional cost.
Their store is clean, organized and offers a wide array of foods, toys, and lots of other fun stuff.
Alpha Pet's prices are significantly lower than the other local pet stores as well. Please support Alpha- they are a locally-owned small business doing great work! -
Review from A K.
Oakland, CA
I love that the staff is knowledgeable, and they have opinions (that they will give to you). It's so frustrating when you're looking for help, but you are met with workers who don't care or have no idea what they're talking about, or when the owner of the store pretends to have no opinion.
Not so at Alpha... Here, when you're suffering from option paralysis, you can just ask the friendly staff, and they'll help you make the decision. Chances are, they've tried all the products, themselves. I learn something new, every time I visit there. -
Review from Sabrina N.
Berkeley, CA
This is the place to get excellent dry cat and dog food (grain free~!)! Along with raw :D
I feel that they have a great selection of treats for a whole range of dogs (lots of different sized treats friendly for small dogs) that are grain free!
Their pricing is competitive which is also a plus!, but what makes this store even better is how friendly and knowledgeable the staff is. Every time I have purchased 2 or more larger food items, at least one of the staff members would ask me if I needed assistance to my car! Also, they greet their customers with a pleasant smile and hello. Which is kind of rare now a days... not everyone is so friendly anymore. :(
So, if you like good pricing and want to get a awesome punch card you can use for treats and accessories :) AND you want good service coming from happier people, please come here. :D -
Review from Isa T.
Albany, CA
Local pet store with best prices on dog food in town...or the SF Bay Area. In addition to fresh (new), high quality products...always restocking shelves.
Knowledgeable, experienced & patient owners & staff. Thank you for all your advise...you did better then the Vet!
Problem solvers: they know their products & they have the best interest of your pet (not the most expensive they offer).
Conveniently located on San Pablo Ave in Albany; close to the freeway. Easy parking.
They are also active and generous in the community (seen at events with goodies). -
Review from Rocco M.
Berkeley, CA
Great store and great customer service! We have been in a few times to set up a little bird sanctuary on our window and the folks from the store have given us great (and successful) advice without a strong armed sales pitch.
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Review from Brad L.
Oakland, CA
Had a very bad experience. The "woman" who owns the business told me to F***K Off. true story. I would go anywhere but here and i certainly would NOT take a loved pet there. bad energy inside the store.
Comment from alpha pet s. of Alpha Pet Supply & the Wild Bird's Nest 10/19/2011
Nobody here recalls an incident or recognizes you. You must… More » -
Review from M.C. H.
Berkeley, CA
I am so sad that it took me this long to find out about this place. Maybe because Alpha Pet Supply is tucked away in the armpit of a stinky little strip mall that I would otherwise have no reason to visit. It is, however, much nicer and pleasant than most armpits that I've ever nosed my way into.
Um, okay, I'll drop that armpit analogy and get down to details. I first entered looking for Primal Raw and found that they had the best prices in town, which I will not disclose for the sake of allowing them to keep their competitive edge. They also offer frequent buyer discount programs for Primal Raw, Canidae/Felidae, and some others. Perks like that, on top of their already great prices and discount card ($100 in purchases nets you $10 off any non-food or flea medicine-related purchases) stretch my limited grad student budget.
But I'm not just cheap. I'm also concerned about quality, and from what I've seen, Alpha is extremely conscientious about only stocking the best. Every food on their shelf is consistently top-rated on independent dog food review sites. I do both Primal Raw and kibble, for which I'm switching back and forth between Taste of the Wild and Orijen these days, which they stock alongside a respectable variety of other brands.
I'm also impressed with their full range of treats. They've got many different brands, loose cookies, bully sticks, and novel proteins. My recent favorite is Himalayan Yak Chews, mmm... They're also one of the few pet stores in town that is *still* able to offer treats to my two dogs when I tell them they can't have chicken, beef, or grain. Most other pet stores have to back off once I tell them that, but Alpha busts out the super FANCY treats -- duck liver, human grade salmon, lamb... No wonder my dogs get so excited about coming here; they'll bolt out the car door as soon as it's opened, though I thought I taught them NOT to.
I've also bought a lot of supplements, shampoos, ointments, and accessories (like a clear Kong E-Collar), particularly over the summer when I was waging war against one of my dog's allergies. I can't say everything I purchased actually *worked*, but I know I much prefer browsing actual items on a shelf rather than over the internet, where I can't examine the packaging and check out ingredients lists and expiration dates with my own eyes.
The only downside to this place is that it's a little cramped, since they're trying to offer such a large amount of inventory in a rather, ah, cozy area. I think this makes one of my dogs a little claustrophobic, as he's gotten snarky with other canine shoppers. However, the store owners are extremely vigilant about monitoring in-store interactions; they're always aware of who's in the store, and they'll warn owners before dogs go around blind corners. It's one indication to me that these folks not only *like* pets (a bare minimum at any pet store), but also understand something about animal behavior, which goes beyond acknowledging your pet as merely a wallet on a leash.
Seriously, they're fantastic. I haven't been disappointed yet.Listed in: Shibasenji's List: Places I…
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Review from J p.
San Francisco, CA
I think this store is very well stocked, and run by knowlegable and very kind animal lovers. The staff works very hard to give customers good service, and I have found that they have the best deal in town on raw Primal dog food. For a small store, it has a lot; a lovely array of colorful and comfy dog beds, snazzy dog and cat toys; even a selection of food for poultry.
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Review from Tobie K.
El Cerrito, CA
Absolutely love this place, and the owners. My partner and I have gone through at least five of their 'frequent buyer' punch cards by now; no regrets. ;)
Orijen is priced extremely well here, almost insanely well compared to other boutiques in the area, so we always load up for Keeper here, and they usually also have treats/canned wet food that he loves. Recently I was even given a frequent buyer pouch for the Orijen bags I buy, in order to help save me more money! The owners and staff are incredibly considerate and friendly, and I really love coming in, knowing I'm always going to be greeted by pleasant, no-nonsense real 'animal people'. They always toss us some free treats for the foster dogs/cats, for which I am eternally grateful; those kids' treat bills run us out of house and home!
All in all, we'll continue to shop and recommend Alpha for as long as they're in the biz! -
Review from Mariela D.
San Francisco, CA
I didn't expect to be writing a five star review of this place after just one visit.
What immediately stands out about this place is their attentive, knowledgeable service and the abundance of healthy pet food options.
My cat is on a restricted diet and cannot eat gluten, so I have to buy him all-natural/limited ingredient organic food and treats. It's diffiult to shop for him necause I don't always know what to buy. Thankfully, the staff was helpful enough to recommend different options to me.
In fact, I'm trying a new food for my cat that will save me hundreds of dollars over the prescription food he's currently on - and that's all thanks to these great folks who recommended a lower-cost alternative. They even offered to refund the price of the food if my cat didnt like it. Amazing!
Alpha also carries a ton of cute pet toys and beds. This place is definitely top notch. -
Review from Marian S.
Berkeley, CA
I love this store. I love the products they carry, I love their prices, I love the owners, and I love the employees. Sometimes at certain times of the day there isn't enough parking to go around, but YMMV. I love the punch card! I'm saving mine up to get a scratching post for my cat.
I don't know why people are allowed to review businesses they've never been to (like the people who gave one star for their business policy of not giving prices over the phone). Multiple reviews refer to that policy, so if that is a problem for you DON'T CALL THEM. Don't go there. More cat food for me. Geez. Just because you MIGHT throw a little money at someone doesn't mean that they should do whatever you demand. Deep discounts they do provide but they don't OWE you anything, especially if you're a jerk. -
Review from amber l.
Redwood City, CA
Great selection and helpful service. They are also about 3 minutes from my house so it's a convenient place to shop.
I would recommend them for all your pet needs. -
Review from Judy H.
I LOVE this place!! I met the owners 6 years ago when they used to work at another store. I had adopted my first dog Puca, the most crazy-hyperactive 6-week-old puppy, and hopelessly lost about what to do, what to buy, everything. The competent, knowledgeable, opinionated folks at Alpha have helped me with everything from picking dog food (Natural Balance) to dog bed (a bagel bed still in use), and the right kinds of treats to shampoos... I bought absolutely everything I've ever needed for the spoiled pups (I've added another one, George, later on) at this store and never regretted it. Sure, the prices may be cheaper at some big box discount store, but the guidance and advice I get at this place? Priceless.
Sadly, we've moved out of the Bay Area, but boy, do we miss this place. -
Review from Chalk A.
El Cerrito, CA
I love the fact that a) there are spray bottles of rescue remedy by the cash register and that b) they carry the big bag of organic dog food that my girl likes. But most importantly, the people here are AWESOME. Always nice, always helpful and just downright cool. There's an amazing selection of dog treats as well as a good collection of all the best doggy accoutrements. I wish they were open a little later, because they're not open by the time I get home from work, but I just wait until it's Saturday that way I can avoid Petco, which is fine and all, but I love supporting Alpha. And the prices are really good here too!
Btw- I love the mellow mut treats! They totally calm my girl down and are just plain, healthy chicken strips with calming herbs (hops, etc). -
Review from Jen A.
El Cerrito, CA
Truly great local pet store. They have almost everything you need and they are SO friendly. My new pet store.
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Review from Kelly M.
Berkeley, CA
This place is so awesome. I stopped by here my first week or so in the area, I was wandering around and they had the rabbit food I needed (Oxbow). Before I got my kitty at the Berkeley Humane Shelter, I went shopping for all the Kitty Necessities (litter, box, collar, temp. tag, food, etc.) and started out at PetCo. I was really disappointed by their lack of toy choices, litter pan options (they had 3 different kinds?!). I stopped by Alpha on my way back and found everything I needed and MORE.
Their food was cheaper, the toys were cheaper, and the litter pan that I wanted they didn't have, but ordered it for me, and got it in in a week.
This place is so much better than any of the Big Box stores. They'll put up with you talking about your new cat, your old cat, your rabbit, and your fiance and they have a nice bonus-card system too.
The only complaint I have is that I had to go back to PetCo and take back all the stuff I bought there, because I got it cheaper and better at Alpha! :) -
Review from Richard C.
Berkeley, CA
The best place on several levels. They're friendly and know their stuff.
I hate giving money to large corporate stores and would much rather spend locally! Alpha is actually a little cheaper than the big box stores if you use their frequent buyer card. Their customer service is priceless. -
Review from Craig W.
CA
After The Village dog closed their doors for shopping we decided to buy our Primal dog food here. We have had some great experiences, but today when I called to confirm they had a product and it's price I was told they don't give prices over the phone. Well, I don't think I will buy from a store that will not tell me the price over the phone. You would think in this economy they would be more careful and not want to loose a continues customer. I know they didn't know I was a regular customer and that makes it even worse. Time to find a new place to buy our pooches their Primal. Good Bye Alpha Pet Supply!
Update:
I decided today that I might have been to harsh and wanted to go to the store and explain that they might be loosing a customer. They explained they don't give price checks over the phone because other stores, etc might be checking prices. Well, I do not subscribe to that model of customer service. If someone called me and wanted to know my price I would most certainly tell them the price.
To that end, when I said i disagreed and was ready to make my purchase of $100.00 plus one of the owners shook her head no to her partner and it was decided I was no longer a customer. The owner seemed more upset about the fact that I had rated them on yelp than trying to keep a customer. While I was there a customer said they did not need me as a customer and they were the nicest people. I agree and disagree to her statement. I agree they are very nice individuals, but their customer service policy really lacks. I disagree that they don't need "me" as a customer. One customer can lead to many lost sales and this is NOT the only negative review on this site. -
Review from Edi B.
Vallejo, CA
My dog is on a low fat diet because he had pancreatitis. So I thought I would see if they had any here after getting a manicure next door at Amy's. They did, they had 5 different kinds to chose from. I picked the one that has a frequent buyer card so after my 7th purchase I get one free.. 7 or 10? I can't remember and think I am confusing my Safeway sandwich club with this deal.
They have a whole corner dedicated to wild bird feeding. Looks pretty interesting.
Also at the counter they have gourmet doggie treats that really look like fancy people desserts! -
Review from Paul E.
Oakland, CA
If they were in Oakland I would probably try to do my own personal grocery shopping here. Seriously, I like this place that much.
The workers are superb, and the selection of weird/awesome dog stuff is great. And on the way home from Point Isabel Dog Park it's even convenient!
Any place that makes me feel good about spending too much money on our dog is probably a good place, right? -
Review from Puppy Love R.
Richmond, CA
I LOVE THE PRICES AND QUALITY! MY DOG LOVES THE RABBIT EARS AND TOYS!
My only qualm is ... Once I asked the price of a stuffed cat and happend to mention how much my doggie would like it and the guy behind the counter said " We would never sell a toy that looks like a cat to a give to a dog". At first I thought he was joking-but no. OK-then why have one in the store !? And if I was to buy it for another kitty would that make said kitty a homicidal maniac!? I like to promote the small guy for the most part, but come on! A plush toy turning a doggie into a bloodthirsty killer of cats, give me a f-ing break!
This doesn't mean I won't be back, just wont be asking for advice. I'm also hard to please at this stage of my life - when it comes to pets, dogs mostly, I've been in the know most of my life. -
Review from Buddy's Mom T.
Emeryville, CA
Update: Regarding Sarah R. below, I spoke to the store owners about it and they explained that the treats had been purchased in December, they explained to her when she bought them (as they do with everyone that buys these specific treats) that the treats should be kept refrigerated, and it appeared that she had left them in the car. The treats were not moldy when they were sold. I felt they were completely justified (and going above and beyond!) by offering only a partial refund. Certainly not worthy of a bad rating. Maybe it was just a bad day for the reviewer. Now back to your normal review...
Also - was in there recently for pill pockets and they were cheaper than Petco.
Love Alpha Pet!
The staff is SO helpful, and will always help you find a solution for your pet - in my case with everything from food sensitivities to leash pulling to solutions for a visiting dog gulping all of his food down and causing us massive stress!
They are also the only ones that carry the only kind of canned food my little one can eat - Evanger's meat-only food. No additives, no corn, rice, wheat, flour - nothing but meat! Buddy loves meat.
So, tomorrow morning I will haul my butt down there to stock up again with my frequent buyer card, and they even directed me to my now-favorite car wash, just down the road.
Love them!!! -
Review from Anne B.
Santa Rosa, CA
Wowser Bowser. The worst thing about this place is that I didn't find it sooner!!! Tina, Chris, and Vicki are awesome. They are beyond helpful.
They are very knowledgeable without being pushy, and are happy to listen to you talk on and on about your dog's itchy skin allergies. They gave me great input as I ventured into the world of raw food, and when they raw food diet didn't quite work out-they were happy to tell me about the next best thing.
They have just about everything you need for you beloved pet, and are more than happy to snuggle your pooch if you happen to bring your dog on your shopping trip. Don't forget to get a punch card with your purchase so you can get a future discount.
Oh yeah-they support their local animal rescue groups....way to step up guys! You put the rest of the pet food stores to shame. -
Review from Christina S.
Berkeley, CA
The only place I go for my dog's supplies. They are so helpful and answer all my questions. They truly love to see your pet. They have punch cards that reward you for shopping there, too.
They made me a fan for life when my dog had an injury and needed wet food, which we had never gotten for him before. They explained all the different brands, types, prices, etc. and helped us decide what to get. Then they told us to just bring back unopened cans if our dog didn't like it. With that assurance, I bought plenty of food to not have to do too many more errands while our dog recovered. When the dog was well, we brought back the extra food and they gave us store credit as promised.
Great, friendly, and helpful staff and quality products for your pet. -
Review from alex m.
Albany, CA
These guys are the best! They know there stuff. I recently changed dog food from Innova EVO and The staff gave me great information and also understood the needs of my dogs. My dogs are now on Orijen dog food and my dogs have had no issues.
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Review from Laura D.
Berkeley, CA
As Tina says, "Simply the best... bettah than all the rest." The staff here is awesome. Whenever we have an issue with our rescue "kids" they always have a solution, idea, suggestion for us. They carry excellent products at good prices and really know their stuff about all of it... for real! You get true personal service here, they always remember our dogs, how they are doing, how we liked what we purchased last. You are also able to get some hard to find supplies and if they don't have it, will certainly go about trying to order it for you if possible. They also have a frequent buyer program which saves a bundle if you go on a regular basis.....
At the end of the day, they are all very skilled, professional, yet kind and generous small business owners. Support them! -
Review from Timm T.
Kihei, HI
I can't even remember how I found this place. I've been coming here seems like forever. These guys know their stuff. They know everything there is to know about all the dog food, meds, supplies, and everything.
Anyway, needed some more 8 is enough chow (Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance), so me and my peeps Trixie Belle (aka the Sweetest Dog in the World) and my wing man Hurricane Hank hopped in the FEH and headed down to the store.
There simply is no other place. If you love your pet like a part of your family, this is the place you need to be.
Don't be afraid of asking questions, everyone will take their time and do what they can to help. Also, don't get your feelings hurt with how they respond. They are all matter-of-fact, but you'll get the answer you are looking for.
We give it 5 paws! -
Review from Danya M.
Berkeley, CA
The other four-star reviews have said it all-- I would just sound repetitive...
Except that I don't know why I waited so long to give a shout to this place!!! Many times I've brought a more expensive food/treat/accessory to the counter for purchase, and knowing the beloved pup, they'll let me know there's a more appropriate product for him-- and it's WAY cheaper. The owners are in it to take care of your fur children as best as possible-- not just to make a profit.
You're also getting the most competitive price out there-- being a student (super, SUPER cost conscious, where mere pocket change is gold), Alpha's the best you'll get. Turn on a full punch card and you're another $10 better. Frequently I muse over how they can even break even, giving us pet parents such rad deals.
Thanks Alpha and staff for consistently being SO kick-ass, staying open late for me, and truly, truly caring.
PS. The pup also sends gratitude for the treat you give him every time he rumbles in!!! -
Review from Kathleen W.
Albany, CA
Super friendly and knowledgeable. I stopped by after a visit to the vet's office which is in the same complex.
I'm getting weary of the vet's constantly throwing meds at my dogs and then requiring $200 liver & blood tests. What am I going to say ..."no, let my dog's liver fail" ... and why are you giving him medicine that might hurt him ...
At Alpha, they were curious about my dog's ailments and offered food suggestions and natural products that might help. They answered all my questions patiently and thoroughly even though I didn't purchase any food during my visit. Will definitely be back. -
Review from Lyd D.
El Cerrito, CA
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the prices are very reasonable compared to the big chain stores. I think many people's perception is that higher quality pet food costs a lot more than the supermarket or big store brands. You will be pleasantly surprised to find that isn't really the case.
If you don't find what you want/need, just ask the staff. Sometimes they can order it for you. -
Review from Charline M.
Oakland, CA
The owners are so so nice and all of the staff is fantastically knowledgeable about the products. This is my go-to spot for pet supplies- never a single bad experience!
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Review from Jason C.
Sacramento, CA
Bottom line... Knowledgeable staff, great selection, great prices and convenient location equals a very satisfied customer!
This place rocks! -
Review from worm f.
Berkeley, CA
Good selection and fair prices. However, the service was quite poor. I made my first purchase with a friendly and helpful woman.
A couple days later, I went back to return an item (unopened with a receipt) and was asked to present them with a red frequent buyer punch card which I was sure was not given to me during my first visit. The woman who helped me the second time did not believe that I never got this card the first time I was there and said that they would have to charge me a 10% re-stocking fee. This was baffling to me because how do you prove that you were never given something? So I said, "Well, I am fairly certain I never got this card. Am I supposed to drive back home and check the bag to see if it's in there?" She basically gave me no other choice. I left rather frustrated by the ridiculousness of the situation. Once home, I checked and re-checked the shopping bag and found nothing but some chew toys that I purchased.
A few days later, I returned again and decided to make an exchange instead of trying to return my items. The man who helped me on the third visit tried to be helpful as I explained my situation to him, which he seemed to understand.
In the end, I was only able to exchange (not return) my item so I was left with the feeling that they were distrustful of their customers. After all, the woman who did not believe me was basically saying that I was a liar. Not a good way to treat new potential customers, especially if all they gain is a 10% re-stocking fee.
Wanted to like them but it's likely I will never return. -
Review from Miriam N.
Portland, OR
Unfortunately, I fall into the category of people who have only had bad experiences at Alpha Pet Supply--defensive and rude staff and owners. I always prefer to shop local, and regularly visit the local pet stores to see what's new and exciting in pet food and accessories (sad, I know). The owners and at least one of the staff at Alpha Pet Supply act as though they're already expecting to lose your business. I would guess that they've had some bad experiences with people coming to get information and then buying things elsewhere for cheaper. It does suck that people do that to save a few bucks, but it's also a reality of business. The only way to keep people coming back is to always be friendly and helpful. I'm always willing to pay for competent and friendly service, but apparently I can't get it here.
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Review from Jenny S.
Hercules, CA
I found Alpha Pet Supply while looking for a specific frozen raw dog food for my highly allergic & highly spoiled doggy. They are helpful, friendly & knowledgeable. The people at Alpha Pet Supply go above and beyond to meet any needs you have. They have recently expanded their store and it is fun to browse at all of the cool stuff. Don't go to a huge chain store with poorly trained staff that sells over-bred animals. Adopt a pet from a local shelter or rescue and keep them happy by shopping at Alpha Pet Supply.
