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Animal Farm Discount Pet Foods & Supplies
Category: Pets Pet Stores Pet Stores [Edit]
1531 San Pablo Ave(between Jones St & Cedar St)
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 526-2993
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 7 pm
Sat-Sun 9 am - 6 pm
57 reviews for Animal Farm Discount Pet Foods & Supplies
57 reviews in English
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Review from Robert H.
Berkeley, CA
4/25/2012
Have been shopping locally here for years and love the personal touch of advice for various dog issues I've had, the comprehensive selection of products considering the compact and manageable size of the place, and the frequent-buyer discount card. Animal Farm has everything that Pet Food Express down the street has, but my dollars stay in my own community.
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Review from Jana S.
4/4/2011
Just bought some high-end cat treats for my wonderful inspirations....
Great fresh catnip grass plant, a can of salmon treats, and another canister of gourmet catnip treats for them...
And it's not even their birthdays...lucky I'm so enamored with them!
Small but well-organized store, plenty of high-end products for your pets of all kinds, clean, and easy access across the street from Acme Bread.. NE corner -
Review from Tom S.
San Francisco, CA
4/12/2011
I love this place. I don't know what's up with all of the negativity, which seems quite over-the-top to me.
Never had a bad experience, all questions asked and it's local, so the dollars stay in my community.
All that, and it has character. What's not to love?
T -
Review from Elon B.
Oakland, CA
1/30/2011 11 Check-ins Here
I have recently begun to use this store as our preferred local pet store. Not only is it conveniently located for us, but they have a great selection of EVERYTHING your pet could want, reasonable prices, and really great customer service.
They always greet me upon entry and ask if I need any help finding anything, but they give me space too. Everyone there seems to know how to offer the right amount of attention, without being in-your-face about it. Today when I left I seriously wondered if everyone there is related and that's why they all act like they care about doing a great job. -
Review from Laura D.
Berkeley, CA
9/20/2011
This place is wonderful. The people are super helpful. I have cats who used to throw up all the time, but they advised me to pick out a food that is single-protein and grain free, and this has reduced the problem significantly (the other solution, in case you're wondering, was to clean the food/water daily and the litter every other day or so).
They also helped me pick out a really awesome pheremone collar, which calmed my cat down (hissing to relaxation in 5 minutes!)
I highly recommend these to take to the vet if you're cat stresses out with vet visits. I bought two; the second one was broken in the package and they took it back with no hassle.
The people are nice, they have a good selection of high-quality cat foods, and their hours are convenient. And the name is catchy. What else could one ask for in their locally owned pet store? -
Review from Kathy W.
Berkeley, CA
5/28/2011
Our first visit was excellent. I read the yelp reviews, but I disagree with some of them.
I keep a list of prices in my phone, and Animal Farm's prices were exactly in line with one of the big box stores we go to, for both IAMS and Organix.
The woman at the counter was nice, and they have a frequent buyer program she hooked us up with.
Everything seemed well stocked, a lot of variety, and easy to find.
We will make it our regular spot. -
Review from Krista C.
4/26/2010
This is what you are likely to get at other more "foofoo" pet boutiques:
1). Fake friendly service
2). Sugary pet cookies with food coloring, grains and harmful preservatives
3). Non-functional dog clothes: http://farm4.static.fl...
4). One of these: http://www.foundshit.c...
Ok I admit it! I LOVE foofoo pet boutiques! My dog wears sunglasses and a designer brand collar. He gets foie gras doggie treats from Bouchon Bakery. He has a collared polo shirt with a little rugby insignia. He's rockin' a mohawk and wears booties in the rain.
Am I insane? Yes. But for all you normal people who just want to buy great pet supplies without being committed to a residential care facility by a psychiatrist, then Animal Farm is the perfect place for you. It's not a foofoo pet boutique and is a no-frills store that stocks quality products.
The Gizmo only eats a brand of dog food that is all natural, grain-free and cannot be found in any large retail chain. That pretty much translates into almost $40 per 16 lbs bag of premium dog food. The prices at Animal Farm are much cheaper than other places I found that carry both Orijen and Acana brand. That is all.Listed in: Locales for The Gizmo
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Review from LCAandJon B.
Oakland, CA
10/6/2011
I get why some people find the woman who runs the place (owner?) rude--I almost didn't stop in after talking to her on the phone when I called to check prices, but once you get past her prickly exterior she's actually nice and helpful, even a little funny. (She and the man working when I was there were both really helpful, ordering up some dog food that wasn't in the store and suggesting some decent alternatives for the interim.) Plus, that parrot behind the desk is out of hand; worth a visit all by itself. It'll be our new regular pet store.
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Review from Stephanie W.
Oakland, CA
1/23/2009
Hooray for new neighborhoods!!!
I simply adore the chance to explore the unique & (if you're lucky) amazing finds of a new 'hood.
I recently moved (yes, AGAIN) and this time I was Berkeley bound.
In search of a new spot to replenish my kitties survival basics, I walked over to Animal Farm.
First off, the location is brilliant. Right on San Pablo and directly across the street from Cafe Fanny, Kermit Lynch and Acme Bread.
Brilliant I say.
The sheer mass of products in the store can be overwhelming, but it's big, well laid out and the prices are totally on par with other places I've shopped. In fact, they might be a bit cheaper.
They have all the fantastic natural foods for your pets including the raw frozen foods and a great selection of dry food as well. Everything from litter to grooming products to clothing and toys. It's a one stop shop.
One of the greatest things they offer is a punch card for frequent shoppers. This may not sound like much, but when you're dropping large chunks of $$$ in a store, it's nice that they recognize and at least give you some free shit once and awhile.
Hooray for free stuff!!! -
Review from Dea R.
Berkeley, CA
3/27/2010
Great place to shop. While the owner can feel like rubbing up to a porcupine sometimes, she has personality and a well stocked and competitively priced store.
What else do you want? Perfection? Then buy a stuffed animal. -
Review from Veronica H.
Berkeley, CA
2/19/2010
I've been shopping here for over 4 years, and love this place. The prices are competitive with other major outlets (PETCO, etc), but the service and super super knowledgeable staff is priceless. Plus they are locally owned. It's important to support locally owned businesses because for the most part, and especially at Animal Farm, they can give you really good, informed advice about just about anything pets. Don't always get that at the other places.
And the owner, or lady who is always behind the counter, is a very nice person. Some reviews say she is not friendly, I have known her for several years and I think she' s slightly gruff, but if you talk to her she is actually very kind, just not overly chatty. She has given me tons of phenomenal advice through the years and I really appreciate her. I love it when people are good at their jobs. Kudos!! -
Review from Trixie J.
San Francisco, CA
5/16/2006 1 photo
I introduced wiener dog to his first retail shopping outing and bought the little booger 3 toys.
1) Bouncy rubber ball thing with legs. Wiener dog did not care for. Waste of my money. :(
2) Rubber barbell-shaped thing with holes to stuff treats in and grooves to slather some peanut butter into. Great toy to occupy wiener dog's attention and get him out of my hair.
3) Bone-shaped plush toy with squeaker. Wiener dog was giddy as heck and proceeded to destroy it in record time by shaking the life out of it and stripping the faux fur off.
I'm heading back today to see what other wiener dog entertainment device I can blow my salary on.
::original review 5/16/06::
One of my favorite pet supply places is Pawtrero Bathhouse & Feed in Potrero Hill, because of their selection of organic, byproduct-free or raw diets for your furball (and great staff). Unfortunately, some of the everyday items such as litter is so expensive, even though it's not Gucci or Hermes brand litter.
Not here at Animal Farm. If you live in East Bay, this is a great alternative. You get a similar selection in terms of healthy quality pet food and litter. They also have a bird annex, so the bird and small animal supplies are pretty comprehensive as well. Things are not Pet Club cheap, but affordable.
Street parking in front of store fairly easy. They have a punch card that gives you a discount toward a future purchase once it's filled up. -
Review from Luke M.
Palm Springs, CA
5/14/2007
Great stock of supplies in a convenient location.
Unfortunately the owner is one of the most consistently unpleasant people in retail I've ever encountered. She loves (and is knowledgeable about) animals. People? Not so much. -
Review from Kelly S.
Berkeley, CA
8/16/2011
Convenient location, locally-owned, friendly service. They carry the brands my pets prefer and the prices are competitive. I'm making an effort to shop local, and Animal Farm makes it easy. There's no need to give your money to a chain store when this place is open.
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Review from Nancy W.
San Francisco, CA
2/13/2007
When I used to work in the East Bay, I did most of my household and personal errand shopping in Berkeley and Emeryville.
Animal Farm was my 'go to' for pet (cat) stuff and there's a wide selection of food, accessories, litter and toys all reasonably priced. The folks who work the store have always been helpful and friendly. They also offer a 'frequent buyers reward' card - when you the limit you get some money off your next purchase (As of my last visit those amounts were $100.00/$5.00).
I'm not a bird kind of gal, but as noted in other reviews, they have a well-reviewed bird annex.
Support the good, local independents at Animal Farm! -
Review from Mollie M.
Berkeley, CA
2/16/2007
I hate shopping at chains, like Petco!! but what else is out there? well I found it.
Animal farm is a quality affordable pet food store, with friendly staff and great selection. Sold.Listed in: Puppy Love
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Review from Lauren S.
6/14/2007
My local pet store... with a hilarious name and house-wife like owner. Reasonably priced. Three stars cause they aren't very good for rat-owners ... cant find a terrarium there?
When my flower shoppe received orders for a doggie gift basket, I got to shop here for pup-sized treats of all shapes and sizes (they sell in bulk!). I was impressed by the fact that they have a "frequent buyer" card. But there's a weird vibe about the place... dark, quiet, and a barely perceptible tension between the owner and worker... -
Review from Silvia S.
Albany, CA
8/17/2011
I am happy to say Animal Farm now stocks chicken feed!
I have shopped here on and off for my various pet needs. (dog, cat & chickens) I have never had a bad experience. -
Review from Fred W.
Berkeley, CA
6/4/2010
Divided into 3 (?) separate stores, I only really know the bird store, and I love it and spend way too much money there:
Excellent supply of bird feeders, seed, etc. with great variety of everything. Lots of field guides, pocket guides and other supplies. All packed into one tiny little room, with still enough space so it doesn't feel cramped and you can get a sense of what the feeders look like hanging up.
Very helpful, very knowledge folks.
Not terribly pricey, and their blue frequent-shopper punch card gives discounts very quickly. -
Review from Anne M.
Oakland, CA
5/11/2011
I checked out Animal Farm for the first time the other day, and I was pleased to see that they do not sell animals (yay!), AND they have the Busy Bunny wicker rabbit toys that my rabbits love, as well as the Oxbow Bunny Basics/T food that I recommend to rabbit adopters.
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Review from amber l.
Redwood City, CA
4/16/2008
I buy good food for my pets and this place has lots to choose from. The chains just have the nasty by-product filled food. I'm so glad there are a few non-chain stores around still.
The staff has also been helpful when I've asked for advice. -
Review from Peri D.
Berkeley, CA
7/10/2011
I was a customer for a number of years. No more. Return/exchange policy is not clearly stated and is misrepresented on printed receipt.
My advice would be not to shop at Animal Farm or the Wild Bird Annex unless you are absolutely certain that you will never want to return or exchange anything. Apparently the owner would rather lose a long-time customer than lose even a small sale. I won't go back.
Sophia R (below) seems to have had a very similar experience.
I would prefer to support a local business however in this case mail-order or the big-box chains would be preferable. -
Review from Rachel F.
Fremont, CA
2/13/2009
I found the best dog toy here - a plush tree stump with squirrels that "live" inside. You can hide treats in it too. Very little in the way of toys seems to entertain my dog, but this she likes.
p.s. They carry Eagle Pack dog food here. That's a plus. -
Review from Maresa D.
Berkeley, CA
4/21/2009
I know this place is more expensive than Pet Labyrinths which are springing up like weeds all over the place, but I feel obliged to support the local vendors.
I like the knowledgeable staff, even if they would rather not interact with people. That's okay, they like my dog and that's their business. -
Review from Michelle L.
Oakland, CA
7/16/2009
I like the idea of supporting local-owned even if it's more expensive, and they carry hard to find brands like Orijen and Innova Evo. I've never had a problem with product freshness or quality. I also feed canned Wellness that I typically go to PFE for (hey I'm human and I'm trying to feed high-quality foods on a budget), but if I'm here I'll stock up. My kitties also love the Wellness "Healthy Indulgences" chunks-in-glop packets that they sell.
THey also stock lots of different frozen food for raw feeders and their selection of supplies for non-dog and non-cat varmints seems extensive. I figure if I someday obtain a pet gazelle I could come in here with no worries, and they would blithely hand over a bag of gazelle chow.
And the frequent-shopper punch cards do come in handy, although they don't amount to much in the grand scheme of things. I figure it's the gesture that counts. -
Review from Judii Y.
Berkeley, CA
6/22/2011
We've been shopping here for years...it is close to home and has everything we need for our 'inside' pets (rabbits, canaries) and 'outside' pets (great selection of wild bird seed).
Love the discount cards, and the staff is helpful and business-like...not effusively friendly, perhaps, but surely not as off-putting as suggested by some of the other reviews. -
Review from Jenn C.
12/25/2010
Excellent selection of food and accessories for all sorts of animals here. I am always able to find some excellent replacement cat collars (I love Beastie Bands) and they have very good prices on cat litter. The bird annex has tons of great stuff for feeding the primary players in "kitty tv" (the squirrels and the birds outside the window). Nice folks, great location.
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Review from Vanessa Y.
Los Angeles, CA
9/17/2010 4 Check-ins Here
They have all the premium brands and a frequent buyer card with perks! Friendly staff and for you premium pet food buyers -- this place has the lowest prices among the shops in Berkeley/Emeryville area.
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Review from Laura H.
Oakland, CA
11/30/2011
I found a new pet store which I love! Animal Farm carries high quality, grain free dog food that only a few other select boutiques have. Yes, there are places closer to my house that carry the food my dogs eat but after the customer service I received from the first visit I would much rather spend my money here. The owners are very nice and never hassle me as I run into the store real quick 5 minutes before closing (sorry). I always drove by this store not thinking they would carry high quality dog and cat food but boy, was I wrong.
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Review from Gee S.
Berkeley, CA
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Review from Sophia R.
Berkeley, CA
4/16/2010
I believe in supporting local business, and I really wanted to like this store. But the owner is an appalling bitch, rude to her employees, rude to her customers...it pains me to say it, but no one ever treated me like shit at Pet Food Express, so that's where I'll be shopping from now on.
I came back after a $250 purchase to return one of the items (a giant box of wee pads, only 2 used) and explained that my puppy kept shredding them up instead of recognizing them as a place to pee. The incredibly rude owner tried to refuse the return, and not in a respectful or gracious manner. She was antagonistic and blunt, flat-out refusing to accommodate my request in any way. I said I'd be happy to accept store credit. She refused. I pulled out my receipt and pointed to the return policy, which clearly states that returns and exchanges (with some limited exceptions) will be accepted within 30 days. I made the purchase a week before, and the item I was attempting to return wasn't prohibited. She raised her voice, refused to do the return, and started trying to guilt trip me into taking a $50 loss on the pads, ranting about how I was going to "put her out of business" and telling me that I had "no right" to ask for my money back.
I remained calm and told her that her financial predicaments are not my problem, and that I have rights as a consumer. One of her clerks AND her return policy explicitly stated that I could return whatever didn't work for me, provided it wasn't a crate or similar item. At that point she tried to yell me into submission again, crying the blues about how long it would take her to recoup the loss inflicted by the return. I told her that I was very sorry for her troubles, but if she had treated me with respect instead of blatantly disrespecting me, I would have more than made up for the loss she was taking today through my repeat business over the duration of my 9 week old puppy's life.
I had planned on applying the store credit I expected to receive towards a carrying crate, a nice retractable leash, and a variety of wet foods for my picky eater. I still would have spent at least $70 additional that day. But because of her horrible attitude, I demanded that she give me my money back instead, and told her I wouldn't be returning. Ever. When she saw I wasn't the average deferential 20-something knucklehead, and I wasn't going to let her intimidate me, she grudgingly gave me my 50 dollars and hurled a few more rude remarks at me as I walked out the door.
Never in my life would I have expected to be treated this way by a small business owner. I've worked retail positions similar to this establishment, and I would NEVER have treated a customer the way she treated me unless they walked in and slapped me in the face. There was no justification for her behavior, there is NO WAY I'll be spending another dime in her store, and I'd encourage you to steer clear too. -
Review from Jon E.
CA
10/9/2011
I really wonder about those reviews bashing the nice lady who is often behind the counter here. I go here frequently for cat food and toys, and she has never been anything but totally pleasant and helpful to me, along with the rest of the staff. I'm always greeted with a smile and always find what I'm looking for. I like supporting a locally-owned business, too. I've shopped here for over 4 years and have never been disappointed. They have a good selection, it is NOT dimly lit, nor "dingy" (WHAT?). My cats have always dug the toys and treats I get here. Plus they have cool birds behind the counter :)
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Review from Jennifer R.
Oakland, CA
4/10/2011
Very good selection for doggy stuff at better prices than the big chains (and I have nothing against the chains). I go out of my way to stop here when I can.
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Review from floating c.
Berkeley, CA
10/5/2011
This was my neighborhood store. I could walk to it and so I shopped here for years. (Recently moved to another state). It was fun to stop for fresh bread across the street at Acme, and then shop for pet goodies. The prices were comparable and often less than other pet stores around, both big box and independent. Many items, especially food, were substantially less than Pet Food Express, another local store. The pet food variety was huge. It was always well stocked and fresh; the staff helpful, but not overly solicitous. I hate having sales people in my space, so I preferred this. I loved the talking parrot who always struck up a conversation with me. My little dog, Daisy Mae, loved visiting this store. She went from being a shy, scared shelter dog to a happy, people friendly dog with the help of Gayle and staff who always greeted her by name and offered treats. This store is more functional and practical than boutique. I tend to like cute trendy dog collars, leads and clothes for my jackchi. I needed to shop in SF or online for those sorts of things. But, all and all a decent store. I shopped here often, and I enjoyed supporting a local, neighborhood business. Thanks, Animal Farm. We miss you.
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Review from Jolt G.
Berkeley, CA
7/22/2007
This is an establishment run by committed, knowledgeable folks. I have eaves-dropped on conversations regarding the difference between organic and people quality (!) pet foods, what makes a dog's skin itchy and what steps to take to address the problem and what toy will best suit your particular pet. I like the fact that I can ask a question and receive personal attention or wander the aisles and not feel that they'd really prefer that I buy something and leave. On Saturday's parking can be a challenge, but if you ask, they'll tell you to pull around to their driveway on Cedar and load your big bags for you.
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Review from melissa r.
Oakland, CA
6/15/2008
what does a gay bunny eat?
haaaay.
;)
love this place for all the fun and crucial stuff i need for my bun-bun! -
Review from tiffany m.
Albany, CA
7/17/2010
I just wanted to let folks know that I have been shopping here on and off for several years and I have always gotten great service. No hugging when I come in, but that is OK. They have regularly special ordered food for my aging dog that no one carried on the shelves and after I added chickens to my back yard, they started carrying organic chicken feed again. Staff always offers to carry my heavy bags to the car and I appreciate the discount card plus their prices are on par with the larger chains. The store is well stocked and has surprisingly more variety than you might expect.
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Review from Markito M.
Oakland, CA
8/16/2009
Very nice independent pet store with a great selection of all the usual stuff - food, toys, collars, etc. etc. Their Wild Bird Annex next door is the best for everything BIRD. They have feeders and tons of different kinds of bird seed.
Listed in: Wag Wag
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Review from Kaethe S.
Point Richmond, CA
10/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
Nice selection in this rare breed of Mom and Son store. Too bad Mom wasn't a little nicer, I probably would have dropped that $100 for the cool bird bath. Oh well. Probably would have done higher stars too... if I had that warm fuzzy feeling like I enjoyed spending money there. Sales, doesn't it suck!
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Review from jen n.
Long Beach, CA
1/2/2008
I come here not because it's close to my home/work, but because they carry the food I prefer to feed Klausy. I feed him a hard to find kibble, and Animal Farm always has it. They carry a selection of high end, good quality pet food and pet products. It's not just for dogs and cats, but they also have things for other critters. The folks behind the counter are nice and knowledgeable. If you find yourself across the street getting a cafe au lait at the infamous Cafe Fanny and you have a furry friend, pop in and check it out.
