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Healthy Spot
Categories: Pets Pet Services Pet Boarding/Pet Sitting Pets Pet Services Pet Groomers Pets Pet Stores Pet Boarding/Pet Sitting, Pet Groomers, Pet Stores [Edit]
1110 Wilshire BlvdSanta Monica, CA 90401
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
(310) 458-2004
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 9 pm
Sat-Sun 9 am - 8 pm
112 reviews for Healthy Spot
112 reviews in English
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Review from Mimi E.
Los Angeles, CA
1/20/2012
For Healthy Spot Grooming:
Sometimes, I look at the little ball of fur I've loved for the past 7 years and only think "damn! You need a bath!"
Of course, when I realize this - its one of those things I want to get done right away at 1pm on a weekday afternoon. However, most groomers require an advance appointment. I've tried calling groomers the day of to ask for an appointment and they kind of act like I'm asking for their first born. But not at Healthy Spot! They talk walk-ins until 3 pm on weekdays, which is an invaluable positive for a last minute nelly like Jack (yes, all this last minute planning is the dogs fault).
They also will get the dog back to you in a couple of hours, and not do that thing where they want to hold onto the dog for a better portion of the day. Tons of options here included teeth brushing and even painting your dogs nails (Jack is too manly for that, but it is available).
The dog comes out happy, smelling good, and looking adorable. I always double check a groomers work and have never caught them missing anything (clipping nails, cleaning ears, etc). -
Review from Kali M.
2/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've only been to Healthy Spot's retail side (likewise for their WeHo location). Their stock is always impressive as compared to other pet suppliers in LA, in my opinion... the first time we went in we got a spiel about their standards for food, that they only carry the top-of-the-line (I did the research to back up this claim) kibble, treats, frozen and soft foods, and that they do not carry brands that have EVER issued a recall. While one could argue the necessity of that last requirement, it meant a lot to know that they take their health standards very seriously.
I do my own research in choosing our pup's food, but choose to purchase at Healthy Spot for the above reasons. I also purchase his bath products (oatmeal shampoo and shea conditioner/moisturizer) here.
They have some gorgeous carriers/soft crates, leashes, clothes, etc. as well. Pricey, but fun stuff! -
Review from Kori S.
Updated - 1/13/2012 1 photo
After trying my lot at My Pet Naturally for grooming and ending up with an EPIC FAIL,
( see my review - they seriously suck:
http://www.yelp.com/bi... )
I went back to HealthySpot because hey, they always did a phenomenal job on Smudge and the price... well I guess I'd just have to space out the grooming appointments a little bit longer than usual.
I called this morning and Lo and behold they had a last minute weekend appointment on Sunday AAAAND they lowered the hand-strip price!
I heart you Healthy Spot. The only suggestion I have for you going forward is that if you lower your prices, you should call everyone in your system who has used that service to let them know. Bet you'd get more business :)2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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10/20/2011
Jeez louise - $100 + tip. I guess I must have gotten a first-timer's discount but for the standard… Read more »
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Review from Nicole D.
Los Angeles, CA
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've gone to this Healthy Spot quite a few times.
This one is FAR better than the West Hollywood location, customer service wise.
Day care wise, they are the same, they ignore the dogs entirely. Grooming wise, it's a tie. You will hear dogs yelping occasionally at both, bu that's all I can comment on, grooming and day-care wise, since I've never used those services.
Apparently, they have training, but (yet again) I have never used those services.
I went today with my mom, and the experience was pretty good.
The store smell is a little unappealing. Sometimes when you walk in, it smells like pee and air freshener. Yeah, not that appealing, but after a few minutes you get used to it.
They have some pretty cool products, like some really nice airline approved carriers.
They sell raw chicken rolls for $4, and my dog seems to LOVE it, so a new diet!
So the store itself: 5 stars
I would NEVER leave my dog with them.
In the 15 minutes we were there, the person who was in that glass enclosure with the dogs was paying NO ATTENTION TO THEM.
She was writing something, and I understand that she was probably working, but every single time I'm here, NOBODY PLAYS WITH THE DOGS.
The dogs break up into little groups, some play, some try to get the people working to pet them, some just sleep. They might pet the dog, but its pretty rare.
One dog, a black/gray poodle, kept standing on its hindlegs to see if its owner came to pick it up, and after a ltitle while put its front paws on the person 'watching' the dogs, and she ignored him/her. When another employee stepped in for a few minutes, she pet the dogs, and that was the only attention they got in the 15 mins when when we were there.
Day care: 0 Stars
The customer service, in the store (which is all I ever use Healthy Spot for), is always fantastic. When I walk in, I am greeted by the people working the cashiers, and as we walkled through the store, three different employees asked us if we needed any help, and when we said no they just told us to ask if we did and left us alone. Great, no nagging! After we picked out what we wanted to buy, we went to the cashier. We asked the price on a really cute Argo airline-approved carrier, and asked if we need to cook the before-stated chicken. The person working the cashier told us the price and gave us some really helpful info on the raw diet. She even gave us a decent ammount of sample lamb treats. Sweet! Thank you!
Customer Service: 5 stars
Overall, I give Healthy Spot 5 stars. I make no comment on the grooming department, as I have never used it for my dog, and my comments on the day-care are just based on what I see every time I visit. -
Review from ivy h.
Los Angeles, CA
12/18/2011
Our shivering dog needed a sweater and we wanted a better selection than our local pet shop so we came here. The staff was very helpful, the prices were the same as you'd find online for a well-made sweater ($34), and we had our dog's nails trimmed for $8.
Great experience and better priced than we expected. Happiness. =) -
Review from Miss S.
Los Angeles, CA
9/30/2011
This is a review for Healthyspot's grooming and doggy day care services.
After searching for a few days, we decided to take our new little Lhasa Apso puppy to this place and were so happy with the grooming and the day care services. The people there were super sweet and our lil guy felt comfortable immediately. Since this was his first bath, they recommended a puppy package with teeth brushing ($47 with 10% discount). We took our own flea shampoo and they agreed to use it on his body and use a gentler oatmeal shampoo for his face and legs. He smelled so fresh and looked so handsome with his nails filed, facial and tail hair trimmed, ears cleaned and a-gland cleaned. They even gave him a cute blue bandana.
Took him back again for Half day day care, which was about $30. He passed the initial evaluation with flying colors and had a great time. He got to hang out with other dogs which he loves. Got along well with staff as well. He was so excited to see us later. They even gave us brief notes about how he did and who he played with. Overall, we had a very good experience.
The people in the store were also quite friendly and knowledgeable and answered a lot of our questions (since he is our first puppy). Overall, I would definitely return every few weeks and would highly recommend this place for small dog owners for grooming and day care. -
Review from Pamela W.
Los Angeles, CA
6/29/2011
So, I never thought I would be one of "those" dog people. Then we adopted Larry.
The main reason I love Healthy Spot so much is that the people who work there, especially in the retail space, genuinely adore dogs as much the customers who shop there do. They never seem to lose their excitement or enthusiasm for customers and their pets. They even remembered my puppy's name when I came back for my second visit.
The management at Healthy Spot has done a great job of hiring true animal lovers who also also very knowledgeable and savvy about their products. They knew details about our particular brand of food (Ziwipeak-word.) and truly did all of the work for us by explaining that their products were free of all of the crappy ingredients we struggle to avoid in normal pet stores.
Yes, it is expensive. I have a small dog so I can afford his pricey food. However, when you consider your pet a member of the family, you want them to have the best. -
Review from Tamar F.
9/22/2011
I shied away from here for the first six months of having Murray because it seemed like the chic-chich uber-expensive place in town. Now, I love my Murray Monster to smitherines, but I'm also the type that buys most of her clothes from the Old Navy clearance rack, so spending more on a collar than a pair of jeans is a tough sell.
It wasn't until I felt like Murray needed his teeth cleaned that I even considered venturing into Healthy Spot. And I'm happy I did! I have heard the whole anesthesia vs. anesthesia-free teeth cleaning debate, and considering that he was young and his teeth are in good shape, I didn't want to put him under anesthesia right away. So I looked into various teeth cleaning options. There are some solo practitioners that do house calls, and other grooming salons also bring in vet techs. I started calling around to try to find a place where I felt comfortable with the procedure and cleanliness, but also where they weren't going to price-gauge me.
So boy was I surprised when Healthy Spot was amongst the least expensive anesthesia-free options. Yes, a solo practitioner may be $10 less (HS charges $80-120 depending on buildup; Murray was $100; the cheapest I had seen elsewhere was $85) but I was confident in the procedure at Healthy Spot as it's conducted by practicing vet techs and they sanitize all of their equipment between clients which is extremely important. I also liked their complete honesty with the procedure - while some places said that it's just the same as an anesthesia cleaning, HS did not bend the truth and admitted that the techs can't go under their gum lines like you can if your pup is knocked out. This makes total sense, and I appreciated knowing exactly what would be going on.
When I came in with Murray, I was first taken aback by the amazing smell of the place (which I've since learned is an air freshener). The place just smells clean. I didn't feel rushed in the least, and the vet tech answered all of my questions. When Murray came back post-cleaning his teeth looked great and the vet tech gave me an overview of his oral exam. I was very happy with the product and Murray didn't seem scarred in the least.
After his cleaning I perused the store. Most of the products are high-end: organic, raw, you name it, so the prices are higher than what you'd generally see at Petco. The food didn't seem more expensive than at other places: the Stella & Chewy's treats are the same price as Centinela Feed, his Taste of the Wild dog food is the same price as Centinela, etc. but the larger stores (like Centinela) regularly have sales and then their 10-15% discount which makes it seem cheaper. Other items - like bark collars and treat bags - are actually less expensive than Petco for the same product. So it's worth looking around - I eat my words over not coming in here for 6 months because of perception of cost.
I returned after receiving a coupon in the mail for a free day of doggie daycare. Murray loves other dogs and we try to take him weekly to daycare to break up his week. Again, I never contacted Healthy Spot prior because I saw a $45/day charge which is a lot more than others on the westside. Little did I know that if you purchase a package that the price is knocked down to $35/day, which is competitive with area daycares. Murray loved his day at daycare and was tired and happy when I picked him up. And his "report card" was a nice touch. You have to make a daycare reservation so that there's not too many dogs at once and the daycare fills up, which is very understandable but not ideal for me (as I tend to make a last-minute decision on what day to take him based on my husband's and my workload). The daycare hours are 8am-9pm, which is really great... only drawback for me is that I generally start work at 7am. If I become a little less spontaneous and can decide on a specific day for Murray's daycare, I would strongly consider purchasing one of their prepaid packages and sending him here regularly.
Most important to a boutique dog store is the service. This is what sets Healthy Spot apart from the Centinelas and Petcos. I've only been here 3 times and yet almost everyone sees Murray walk in and knows him by name. My little brother joined me in picking him up and left saying "wow, everyone there REALLY loves dogs." No one seems like a disgruntled employee, and there's a lot of positive energy and doggie love. Because you can see everything - the daycare, the grooming - there's nothing to hide.
My apologies to Healthy Spot for shirking them for a whole 6 months. My loss, but now their gain in me finding this gem.Listed in: A Dog's Life
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Review from Ben L.
Los Angeles, CA
4/28/2011
I love Healthy Spot! I think even more than my dog...
I haven't used their grooming service or daycare so this review is solely for their awesome shop.
They have a great selection of healthy, high-quality food for your pup. I use Stella & Chewy and Primal raw chicken patties and ZiwiPeak venison jerky after switching from the more generic pet food brands. She absolutely LOVES her food now. They'll give you samples of anything so just ask!
Their selection of treats is great and they recently added a lot from Dogswell brand with their Healthy Hips and Heart line, which my dog loves!
They also have a cute selection of harnesses and outfits like tees, sweaters and jackets. I've purchased several of each and they're all made well and very stylish, too. My dog is now giving Tinkerbell a run for her money, so watch out, Paris!
But what I love most about Healthy Spot is their customer service! Though everyone there is super friendly and helpful, Tina is just the BOMB! She's very knowledgable and always goes out of her way to help in any way she can. She also seems to genuinely care about all the animals she encounters. Love her! And my dog loves her, too!
Don't forget to sign up for their free rewards club as you get discounts on all the food.
Parking is in the rear or you can just park on the street. I usually go on the weekend so there's lots of street parking.
Healthy Spot, you're just too dog gone good!Listed in: Doggy Style
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Review from Florence L.
WOODLAND HLS, CA
6/12/2011 30 Check-ins Here
The healthy spot is a great place to come to for all your pets needs. It is a little expensive compared to other places, but they are different then most other places. Actually, you will not find anything there in your local petcos. They have high quality stuff all over the store, whether its food, clothes, training tools, treats, etc, its all great quality stuff. They also have a daycare room for little dogs and on sundays they have rescues show their dogs for adoption. The staff at the store are all knowledgeable and they are all very friendly. You will always have a good experience at their store.
Oh, and let's not forget to mention the grooming. The grooming/groomers kick butt there. They do an awesome job on the pooches. Don't be shy, stop on by and check them out. You won't regret it. -
Review from Belinda l.
Los Angeles, CA
6/29/2011 1 photo
Expensive... but the service and the staff here cannot be beat. I get my little shih tzu groomed here every month with Cameron. He's so great with her, and she looks SO CUTE right after the haircut (not always true for all groomers!). And her haircut looks better and better as it gets longer.
The staff in the retail store are knowledgeable and very nice. They are always looking to help you find what you need. -
Review from Mimi H.
Topanga Canyon, CA
10/9/2011
The grooming is the best! The best ever. My dog came here to repair the mess another groomer made of him a few months back. Now that he had more hair to deal with he went in for the works. He looks amazing, gorgeous, cute and the cut totally matches his personality. He seems very confident with his new style. The last couple of times he went to other groomers he had nightmares afterwards. He's been nothing but happy and healthy since his grooming here. I can not recommend them enough.
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Review from Kelly H.
4/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love going to Healthy Spot. This place is truly a pleasure to shop in, and it's my go-to spot for healthy dog food. Everyone who works there is nice, friendly, and knowledgeable. Their staff will really take their time with you to inform you and help you make the best choices. The store is also clean, well-stocked, and actually, kind of beautiful.
Their prices on the food are reasonable relative to what I have found for the same brands elsewhere. Plus, if you join their rewards club, you get 10% off. Their leashes, dog beds, etc.. are nice, but pretty pricey.
I also had my dog groomed their once, and they seemed to do a good job, but I take her to place closer to where I live now. Additionally, they have "small dog" sitting during the day, with convenient hours, as they open early and close late.
Overall, Healthy Spot is a wonderful place to take your dog, hang out, and find the doggie stuff that you need! -
Review from Casey S.
Los Angeles, CA
7/23/2011
Great place for grooming and buying dog beds.
The employees on the retail side remembered my name and my dogs name on visit two! Very nice people. We ordered a couple of custom dog beds and they were very helpful.
Grooming and dog treats are bit more expensive. The groomers seem to do a good job though. -
Review from Beth Anne B.
Marina del Rey, CA
2/15/2011
Friendly service.
Shiny, happy dog.
Helpful.
Will be returning soon. -
Review from Anonymous N.
Los Angeles, CA
11/13/2011
This place has the best food, toys, and treats your dog could ask for, but it's very expensive and I'd say the service is so so. If you can, try to get your dog to the Halloween party they have...it's awesome!
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Review from Ana F.
1/31/2011
I give Healthy Spot 5 stars for service and grooming. I took down one star just because their markup is ridiculously high!
I've taken my rescue dog Sullivan here 3 times - for his very first haircut, for a nail grind, and for his most recent haircut this past weekend.
The staff here is SO friendly and so loving towards all dogs, and not in the creepy way. I can't count how many times I've gone to some dog store and the employees have worse social skills than their pets. At Healthy Spot Santa Monica, all of the employees are approachable, friendly, and always willing to give your puppy a treat if they have one on hand. Also, all of the grooming staff are so helpful and really make you feel at ease; like most dog parents, I get anxiety leaving Sullivan with strangers. I never know how they really treat him when I'm not around; I'm glad to know that I can trust the Healthy Spot employees to make him feel safe while I'm gone.
I absolutely LOVE that they keep records of the hairstyling your dog has previously had - it made it SO MUCH EASIER to describe that yes, I wanted the same exact haircut again, despite having a different stylist. I also love that they call me 15 minutes before Sully will be ready - it gives me a good headsup to drive on over to pick up my little guy. Appointments take about 2-3 hours and they are easy to book over the phone. Yes, the prices are a little bit higher than your average mom and pop dog groomers, but they do a GREAT job, they are very gentle with the dogs, and all grooming is done in the front room for customers to see. I'd rather pay for trust and quality work than save a few bucks for some inexperienced teen to go at my dog with clippers inches from his eyeballs. (Face trims are difficult with my dog)
Thank you Healthy Spot Santa Monica! I have yet to visit your other location, but you have my loyalty always for dog grooming.
(As for treats and toys - you are better off getting supplies at Centinela or Global Pets for at least 20% less) -
Review from Mot C.
Venice, CA
12/15/2010 1 Check-in Here
Huge fan of this place. They even have fake grass out front for the furry walkers! My dog loves the lamb chewys you can get here. No other place sells them. I wish my job in life was chewing.
They actually care about your pet. Great advice and they actually have knowledgeable employees!
If you get a chance, check out the grooming area in the back. All the dogs are so happy + fluffy! LOL. -
Review from Jackie G.
Los Angeles, CA
2/1/2011
I went here during the recent torrential rains to get my dogs a Ruffwear Sun Shower rainjacket, since it was the closest place to me that carried it. My dogs (55 and 65 pounds) share the rainjacket, which kept them almost totally dry when I took them outside about 8 times/day in the pouring rain. I'm so happy that Healthy Spot had it in stock ... if you've ever had to take 2 large dogs out in the rain and not have them shake wet fur all over your light colored carpets, you understand.
I also got a box of healthy treats, which they have in abundance. Even though I haven't been back yet, it's good to know they're around and I like supporting good small local businesses. -
Review from Melissa G.
Los Angeles, CA
11/6/2010
Past experiences would have rated Healthy Spot higher, but not today's visit. Sadly, we won't be returning.
For those curious why...
I called healthy spot this morning looking to get an appointment to bring my dog in for a bath. Appointments were booked up but they said I could bring her in as a walk-in. They asked what time I would be coming in, and I said Noon or after. We showed up around 1:15pm for a walk-in and they then asked if I could come back later or, better yet, tomorrow. I explained that I was told they were accepting walk-ins and that we drove from another part of town to bring her in. They said they didn't have any kennel space for her. While I understand that, it'd certainly be nice to warn me before I bring my dog in... and I told them that! After that one of the groomers said "just take her" and that she'd be able to do it. Well, cool.. right?
The girl at the front desk told me they'd call when my dog would be ready. I asked for an approximate time and we settled on a couple hours. To me a couple hours is 2 to 3. After 3 hours I called to check on my dog. THEY HADN'T EVEN STARTED!! I asked how much longer and they said probably a couple more hours, closer to closing time (8pm). At that point I was pissed. I didn't want my dog sitting in a kennel any longer so I said, that's fine we'll just come pick her up now. I was pretty done with it at that point, but they asked me to hold and then came back with the option to have a student bathe her and she'd be ready in 40 minutes. It was just a bath -- so I said sure.
She was ready 40 minutes later but when I picked her up her ears didn't even look clean! They followed us out and asked if there was a problem and they said they could re-do her ears but at that point I was ready to go.
Healthy Spot used to be our place of choice to take our dog. We'll be looking for a new spot now. -
Review from Hilary M.
Santa Monica, CA
9/14/2011
My dog walks me here at least 3x a week. They know my name and my dogs. I love a neighborhood business that recognizes we are locals. They also give your "change" to a local charity. What an easy way to give.
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Review from C S.
Los Angeles, CA
9/11/2011
We love it here. The place is clean, welcoming with lots of healthy options for our pup. If you are looking for run-of-the-mill supplies you may still need to go to Petco/Petsmart (i.e. doggie bags). The staff is super friendly and remembers our little guys name and likes. All in all I don't give many five stars but they deserve it!
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Review from adam K.
Culver City, CA
8/15/2011
5 STARS!!
You are doing yourself and most importantly your pet a favor by coming to Healthy Spot in Santa Monica. The staff, is SUPER friendly and knowledgeable . They have some of the best and high quality products for your pets needs. You will find things there that you usually will never see at a "Petco" or "petsmart". I took my dog in there for a grooming session and I payed 50 bucks for their award winning groomers to cut my dogs hair, wash her, trim her nails, and an anal glad cleaning. My dog came out looking gorgeous. They did an excellent job, it took me like a week to get over it. On top of their award winning groomers working on your dog, the very cute receptionist that works there, I believe Jenny is here name. She took the time to answer all of my questions in great detail and she was friendly and patient with me. Jenny is part of the reason why I'm coming back to place. Defiantly recommended to anyone who wants to do their dog justice. -
Review from Amber P.
Santa Monica, CA
1/17/2011
Murphy, our Miniature Schnauzer, had a grooming appointment here today. It was our first visit ever to Healthy Spot.
AMAZING RESULTS & SERVICE! We showed up for our 9AM appointment and were received immediately. We were told to expect a call in 3 hours. 3 hours later, on the dot, they called and said he would be ready in 20 minutes (giving us the perfect amount of notice).
Murphy looks great! The staff were GENUINELY kind and proactive, letting us know how he behaved, which is equally as important as the results...knowing how the dog felt about the process.
Healthy Spot gets an A+! We will definitely be back! -
Review from Vanessa F.
Covina, CA
11/14/2010
Came by here because I heard they were having $5 microchips today. Figured what better time than now to get my 3 month old baby chipped?
Took the drive out here (a bit of one), and was surprised to find the place so crowded.
The staff was amazingly sweet, helpful, and loving with my pup.
The selection of treats they have to choose from are healthy and great for my pup.
The toys and apparel were cute, but I refrained from buying any knowing that my little beast would just rip it all to shreds.
I will be back though to pick up a Tuffy T-Rex I've had my eye on for a few months now. They've had the best price around that I've seen for it. -
Review from Christine L.
West Hollywood, CA
8/30/2011
They do anesthesia free teeth cleaning for cats and dogs. Always had great experiences with my cats teeth. Healthy Spot in Santa Monica is great.
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Review from Oliver L.
Los Angeles, CA
5/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great store. A bit expensive, but if you have the money to spend, it's a vey nice store. The people are friendly the store is always clean and neat and theres a ton of choices for quality food for your pets. It is a VERY nice place with a huge collection of stuff. Good quality stuff all around. The workers are very knowledgeable and willing to help in a heart beat. GREAT STORE!
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Review from Julia b.
7/20/2010
Great Place! We came here to get Mr. Bear's teeth professionally cleaned. he just turned 3 and we figure it was about time he had this done by a pro.
The facility itself is nice and clean with a large grooming area in the back. There is convenient parking right behind the store which is helpful in santa monica.
The technician was running late, so they asked us to leave Mr Bear with them and they'd call us when he was done. We walked down to the promenade and by the time we were back, he was ready to go home. They did a really great job on his teeth ( all plaque is gone!). It cost about $100. He is a golden retriever, so im sure it would be less for small dogs.
Very cute store too, although things are pretty expensive. -
Review from N F.
El Segundo, CA
6/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I like this place. Customer service is good at this location. I usually buy the halloween costume as they are extra cute here.
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Review from Jen K.
Brentwood, CA
10/26/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Really cute place.. My dogs love to come here.. I think they like the friendly staff even when getting groomed (nails clipped). My favorite time is when they have the Halloween costumes available so we can pick outfit for the holiday.
The store is quite clean and very welcoming. They have the cutest selection of clothes and a variety of products that you cannot find at other pet stores.
They always have coupons and events available to engage the community and pet owners in the neighborhood.
The prices are comparable to other pet stores (yes, this will be definitely spoiling your pets!)...
I look forward to checking out their WEHO location soon... -
Review from Jessica C.
Santa Monica, CA
6/11/2010
I always take my dogs here to get their nails trimmed, they are quick and priced fairly. ($9)
My complaint is that their products are overpriced, their doggy daycare is TINY and astronomically expensive.
They do have a good selection of products though. -
Review from Suzanne C.
Santa Monica, CA
9/10/2010
I'm a huge fan. When I first moved here I was unsure where to go to get my doggie bathed and groomed. So I read reviews about healthy spot on Yelp. The only bummer is that I have two dogs and one is 45 lbs which is over the limit for the healthy spot - I think they only take dogs 30lbs and under.
BUT I still decided to take my Shih Tzu...
The store is beautiful and always very clean. The staff is SOOOOO friendly and welcoming. I always book with Mike, who gives my dog the best haircut she has ever had! Plus it's great that they'll brush her teeth.
In fact, I've been there about every 6 weeks (with baths in between) since May and it's been SO consistent. I just earned a free bath too - so that's great :) -
Review from Amy W.
3/27/2010 1 Check-in Here
This is just such a happy place! I come here once a month to have my doggie groomed. I've been with my groomer, Miki, for almost 3 years now, so when she made the move from her previous place to Healthy Spot, I, of course followed her over. So, yes I did come over here because of Miki, my most awesome groomer, but I fell in love with the store itself as well.
They use all natural products to care for my doggie. He always looks and smells so good afterwards. The employees are always smiling, happy and ready to help. They carry holistic and high quality food. Lots of adorable toys and fun accessories. And I love the day care area, with the fake patch of grass in the middle for all the happy doggies that are playing.
There's a small parking lot behind the building to park, but not all the spots belong to Healthy Spot, so just make sure to read the signs. It's located in a great area surrounded by lots of cafes, restaurants and shops within walking distance so you'll have plenty to do while waiting for your doggie to get groomed! -
Review from Drea M.
Los Angeles, CA
12/6/2010
(This review is for the store only, not the grooming or boarding services) Healthy Spot is a great all-around pet store. They support local rescue orgs; I actually got my dog through a Bill Foundation adoption fair they hosted. They definitely take a lot of care in selecting their products. I know I once asked about Innova Evo, a popular food, and they said they weren't carrying it anymore because it got bought out by Proctor & Gamble so they were expecting quality to go down.
One drawback is the prices can be pretty high depending on the product (for example, nail clippers, brushes, Furminators). But for the most part they are comparable with Centinela Feed.
Also, I wish they would carry my favorite dog food, Nature's Logic. I got a sample of it from Got Pet Food, and I was hooked! Healthy Spot may not carry it because it has millet...I haven't asked. But from now on, I'm going to Got Pet Food for my food and treats, and Healthy Spot for nearly everything else. -
Review from Kimberly F.
Santa Monica, CA
8/7/2011
I love Healthy Spot! When this place first opened up in Santa Monica, I started going in there occassionally to buy my dog food. Now I am a regular. They have a great selection of foods that are really healthy for you dog! After doing some research I couldnt imagine feeding my dog anything but the best and healthiest foods for him!
Healthy spot also really shined when I recently went in there for a groom. I do have a regular groomer who was out of town. My dog happened to be a bit more knotted then usual. I went to take him somewhere else first, and the groomer there was completely rude and said she would not groom our dog because he had some matting, unless she could shave him. She pretty much left me no choice but to leave. I went to Healthy Spot and they were very patient and they were kind. They got all his knots out and took their time with him! I am so happy I went there. The people who work there are all really friendly and are genuine dog lovers. My dog gets really excited when we go there so thats the true test! -
Review from Eric T.
West Los Angeles, CA
11/18/2008
Best. Pet shop. EVER.
I gotta tell you, I hate going to most pet supply shops. Other than the cute puppies occasionally there for adoption, the service generally is crap, nobody knows what they're talking about, the places look like a warehouse, and the staff of zombie-teenagers generally couldn't give a hoot about your pooch.
Healthy Spot is totally different and in a world of its own. I trekked over here to stock up on Souplements for my dog (btw, awesome product for those of you who have dogs with hydration issues) and discovered what an amazing shop it is.
This place is spic-n-span clean and modern, with a funky but functional product layout. Everything is displayed attractively and alluringly (sp?). But the best thing is the service and the knowledge. These people really know every product that they carry in the store - the pros, the cons, the why or why-nots. These are true animal lovers. I got some great samples of healty snacks and organic domestic foods. And for those of you who don't think mass-market food is an issue, have you seen the news lately about the human food (let alone dog food) that comes out of China??
I liked it so much that I took my dog in recently for a nail clipping. The grooming area of this store is cleaner and nicer than most spas I've been to, and again, the service and attention was just amazing. Unlike most grooming places where your pet disappears into some hidden room, this grooming area is wide open and exposed so you have confidence that your dog won't be mistreated.
Yes, there are some crazy ridiculously expensive items in here. But rest assured that all of it has been researched and bought for a reason, and all you need to do is ask the staff.
If you care about your pet, pay Healthy Spot a visit. Totally worth it. -
Review from Kelley B.
Flower Mound, TX
3/31/2009
So by now I have tried out almost all the services at Healthy Spot, and everything...the owners, grooming, daycare, products, services...are amazing!
Andrew, Mark, and the entire staff are always helpful and go above and beyond to ensure you are happy and informed about their products and services.
On my first trip in, my dog Pom was checked into the groomer, given a full orientation with all the staff and other dogs in daycare, and pampered to the fullest. I liked that they were not only concerned about taking your dog, but really integrating them into socializing and being comfortable. They even give you a report card on your dog and how they interacted with the others. Kinda cheesy, I know, but it was nice to see she was so well cared for.
There was a little mix-up when I came to pick Pom up, because the groomer had thought she only wanted a bath/style instead of a haircut. The groomer got her back in immediately, even though he was I think leaving for the day, and did a fantastic job. Andrew then gave me a discount, although I told him it wasn't at all necessary.
Oh, and the first session of daycare...eventhough I had intended on paying for the four hours she was there, was free and comped as an "orientation".
Other great things - The entire staff cares...a lot! Very expert daycare. Clean, modern chic design and products. They have their own loyalty card and program. They support local shelters. Very cute customizable dog tags. Grooming product line "Ilse of Dogs" is I think better than what my salon sells :) Oh...and did I mention free parking...which is always better than hunting for quarters.
Shortcomings - The prices for their products are sometimes a bit high, so I do pick and choose...but the selection is unbeatable.Listed in: The Essentials...a kit for…, The Doggie Dos and Don'ts
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Review from Shirley C.
Playa Vista, CA
9/5/2008
My neighbor recommended me to Healthy Spot because she thinks I am abusing my dog by taking him to Petco grooming. In her mind, Petco does volume and they don't care about anything else. I was reluctant at first because I looked through the Healthy Spot LA brochure she gave me and it reminded me of the Bliss Spa inside W Hotels. I thought, no way will this upscale, doggie spa be reasonably priced & no way will this business located in Santa Monica provide parking for its customers. Street metered parking just don't mix well with me.
Then I was bored during the long Labor Day weekend and booked a grooming appointment and made my way down there. First of all, there is parking, LOTS of parking behind the store. I was in shock!!! Second of all, the grooming price costs the same as Petco. Extra brownie points for Healthy Spot because all the staff there are SUPER FRIENDLY and I really felt they loved my dog more than I did.
Put away your perception of upscale, snobby pet services located in hip, urban cities such as Santa Monica (been to plenty of those once and never returned). Try Healthy Spot! I was blown away because this place carries organic pet food and treats and they sell earth friendly doggie beds made from recycled bottles that are super soft! I love this store!
Top notch service, best quality of food you can give to Fido, and global sustaining products! Best of all, the prices are not that much more expensive. -
Review from Fara A.
7/6/2008
First off, there's no water bowl at the front door. What's up with that? This is the ultimate first impression. Oh well, they're new so...
The store is clean and modern - lots of windows and light and bright white shelves. Everything is organized in neat little rows.
I thought the selection was just ok. I didn't find anything that was unique but I like to support dog boutiques so I ended up picking a 4 oz.. bag of Real Toppers salmon for Simba. Much to my chagrin, it rang up as $19.00!!! My goodness, I'll grill and dry my own salmon (from Costco) next time! -
Review from Angie L.
Los Angeles, CA
7/14/2008
First impression of the store:
Clean, Bright, Modern, Dog-friendly! Lots of stuff, different, but in a good way. I think the super-cleanliness of the store reminds me of Apple - it's very inviting and open.
Staff:
And the staff is very personable. I've never gone into a Petco or a Petsmart to get even remotely the same service as this place does. It's obvious Healthy Spot is specifically geared towards Dog Lovers, and dog lovers only. (sorry cat fans!)
Products:
They provide a wide array of products I've never even seen in any other pet store. From cool funky toys, to wholesome nutritious foods, you can spend a bit of time in here, before deciding on all the goodies you want to treat your dog with.
Food:
My dog loves the new Evo "brand" of food. The one he eats is based mostly from chicken and turkey meat, and includes all that healthy goodness from whole, raw fruits and vegetables. The first day I put him on the new Evo food, he scarfed it down as if he was starving. We've always just bought like whatever brands that they carry at Costco, but the difference is totally noticeable. He used to just leave his food in the bowl and not eat it until whenever he felt like it. But this Evo stuff, he just digs in right away. I guess dogs have a pretty picky palate too.
I also highly recommend a lot of the snacks they sell! Try out the Dogswell brand if you haven't yet - they have a lot of snacks that are specifically geared towards different nutrients that supplement your dogs' well-being. My dog loves the Vitality line for healthy eyes, skin, and coat - it's like these sweet potato snacks wrapped in chicken jerky. He goes nuts for anything with chicken jerky!
Grooming:
It looks like they offer grooming and doggie daycare for those who are interested - I would probably drop off my dog if it was closeby... I drive out all the way from South Bay area just to buy food~ it's totally worth it! I have tried their Isle of Dogs line which you can find at a lot of the boutique type pet stores. But the shampoo/conditioner totally makes a difference in the fur. My "wolf" has been getting compliments for days!
Miscellaneous:
I like the fact that the store is really open, and they're not restricted to just one or two lines of product. And I like that a lot of their stuff isn't just for the overly-pampered high-maintenance dogs, it's for ALL dogs, of all shapes, kinds, and sizes. The staff doesn't hound you (no pun intended), but if you ask them questions they're courteous and knowledgeable. So you can even bring your dog and walk around the store together while you shop.
And some other guy on here mentioned their frequent email newsletter you can sign up for. It's great because they keep you updated on what's going on with the store. They don't just sell stuff, they work with the community to provide dog adoptions, TV viewings, and community events. I went to the annual Walk for the Underdog nearby and Healthy Spot was there providing water to all the dogs that participated! It's so refreshing to see a dog store that actually reaches out to the community.
While the only thing is the price may not be exactly bargain priced or dirt cheap - this isn't a Walmart or a Food 4 Less for dogs...it's premium products. I've always firmly believed you get what you pay for. It's healthy, nutritious, and you won't have to worry about what your dog is eating. One time I went to Petco and found a bunch of bugs crawling around in a bag of biscuits (I'm not saying all Petcos are like that) but... I don't trust Petco anymore after that incident. My dog gets enough protein from other sources.
They really emphasize that your dog IS your family - rather than just your pet. I like that. My dog has always been a part of my family, so I would definitely return to Healthy Spot for this experience.
