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K-9 Social Club
Categories: Pets Pet Services Pet Groomers Pets Pet Services Pet Boarding/Pet Sitting Pets Pet Stores Pet Groomers, Pet Boarding/Pet Sitting, Pet Stores [Edit]
25 E 25th AveSan Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 571-1090
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 7 pm
Sat 9 am - 5 pm
36 reviews for K-9 Social Club
36 reviews in English
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Review from Sara O.
San Mateo, CA
Thank you to all the staff at the K9 Social Club for being so wonderful with Gilhooley. Gil has been going there a couple times a week for more than 3 years now. Obviously, I like the place.
The staff really do love all the dogs there, no matter size or breed, active or shy. Also everyone who works up front is very nice and helpful.
It's easy to get to, just blocks off 92's El Camino Real exit. The hours are great 7 am - 7pm on weekdays (9-5 Sat. too).
Parking tips -Easy parking in the a.m. The evening is busy - take your dog in on Monday's when the Chinese restaurant next door is closed at night. Also easy parking in the vet's lot next door on Palm.
K9 gives you opportunities for free days - your dog's birthday, a Halloween costume contest and writing a review on Yelp! I also bring my dog in for bathing/grooming a few times/year and he stays in day care free on those days too.
Whether you need to get a birthday card for a friend who loves their dog, cool dog things like the super soft mat Gilhooley sits on in my car, or premium dog food, you can find it in the storefront. My Gilhooley grabs a sample dry food bag every time on his way out.
My other compliment goes to Eric Dorfman, a professional trainer affiliated with the K9 Social Club. Gil improved his doggy and people summer skills over the summer with help from Eric's classes. We start Canine Good Citizenship classes tomorrow! Taking their class to help me prepare my dog for the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen certification. You need this if you want your dog to become a therapy dog, looks good when you're trying to rent a place, etc. Though they can't guarantee your dog will pass the test, this is going to give us a really good shot. And if you don't pass, you can practic more to try again (probably not in all cases, ie. really bad during previous test).
I'll give the K9 Social Club 5+ stars when I can see what my dog is doing any time I want via web cams. My other wish is for outdoor area - some would play, my dog would book time to go out by himself and lie in the sun.
I enjoy the report cards - my friends can't believe my dog goes to doggy daycare and gets regular report cards letting me know who he played with and what he did that day. -
Review from Karin A.
San Mateo, CA
I've been bringing my small dog to the K-9 Social Club for socializing and grooming for just under 6 months now, and I'm very satisfied with the facility, staff, and other doggie guests. Staff are all knowledgable, friendly, & communicative--fun and easy to deal with. The groomer does a great job at a good price (you get a free day of day care on the day your dog is being groomed). The daycare cost is reasonable compared with other facilities and I like the fact there's a vet next door in case anything happens. I wish the play area was a little bigger, but my dog clearly gets enough exercise & love, so I'm happy.
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Review from Samantha Y.
San Francisco, CA
I was in a tough situation and was desperately seeking a place that I could take my dog where they would really take good care of her. She's a big dog and needs lots of play and exercise and K9 Social Club really caters to each dogs individual needs during play.
My dog always know when she's going to daycare cause she starts to get all excited when we drive up and she jumps out of the truck and pulls me to the front doors and her tail is going nuts when she's greeted by some of the staff who all know her name! When I pick her up, her tail is wagging and she's literally smiling!... and then we go home, play a little more and she passes out for the ENTIRE night!! It's great and a load off to know she's being taken care of and having fun :)
Good job K9 Social Club!! If I had to say just one comment or suggestion is that I know they take them out for short walks, it would be awesome if they took them on longer walks together with a pack, especially since the sunshine is coming out again :)
But no real complaints! -
Review from E C.
San Mateo, CA
My dog is basically banned from here. I took my dog to the groomer a while back and she was unable to finish grooming by dogs legs and paws. My dog wasn't cooperating so I was called to come in to hold him down, but he still wasn't behaving. OK I understand that he is not cooperating, but what made me give this place one star is that she then proceeds to tell me that she can't afford to get bitten because she will be out of work and that she has bills to pay. Umm, ok?!!? My dog had a muzzle on. Prior to bringing my dog to this place he never had an issue when getting groomed. I think he probably was not treated well here or something because I took him to get groomed elsewhere after and they finished him up and did a lovely job.
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Review from Jennifer M.
San Francisco, CA
Well, I do not have pets but a very special person does. Bought snacks for a *very special* four legged friend. The staff are super friendly to us two legged folks and I have to say they are also superstars to our four legged companions. Their selections are great, wheat free, grain free,berries,veggies and even pet snuggles!!! Someone is going to be very spoiled but I have to buy the best and I am so glad I came here to buy them:)
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Review from Peter M.
San Mateo, CA
Went back for another shampoo and cut- tune up. This time a little closer for the summer weather. Bambi took care of them quickly. Excellent! WOOF!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/16/2011
I have to PWDs and recently moved to town. Bambi took my call and set me for the next day! The… Read more »
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5/16/2011
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Review from April G.
San Mateo, CA
My dog, buster, and I love this place! I have a boxer mix with more energy than I have ever seen. I take him for daycare 2-3 times a week for playtime, love, and interaction. The staff is amazing! Anytime he gets hurt (he is accident prone) I am notified and they take care of it immediately. They all the animals names (impressive enough) and all their characteristics (who they play well with or not, if they're energetic/happy or in a slump) without looking at files. I don't know what I would do without them!
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Review from Lina M.
San Mateo, CA
I need to update my review in fairness to the business. I posted a not so favorable review because I had noticed changes in the store and with staff. After my reading my review, I was contacted. Based on this gesture, I will gladly give the K-9 a second chance. It shows that the read and care.
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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7/9/2011
I don't know what has happened to this place. It used to be good and there was friendly service.… Read more »
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7/9/2011
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Review from Kathy P.
Burlingame, CA
My dog RockSea and I LOVE social club. Emma, Nicole, D.J. and the supervisors clearly love animals. It is a comfort to me to be able to drop RockSea off for daycare; someplace where she LOVES to be. RockSea whines and cries when we make the corner onto k-9. She cannot wait till one of the girls takes her into the play area.
We are always cheerfully greeted by name and the girls up front are always happy to see us. Bambie is an excellent groomer. She is most professional and obviously loves her work in making my dog completely adorable. RockSea is never afraid to go for her grooming dates.
I highly recommend social club to anyone looking for a clean, safe, and mostly happy place for their pet. I always look forward to receiving my report card on RockSea. She is still a bit precocious, and a great report card makes mom feel super! 5 stars for k-9
Kathy P. -
Review from elizabeth f.
San Mateo, CA
My husband and I take our beagle Shiloh for day care a few times per week now that I have a new job far away and can't walk her on my lunch anymore. Shiloh is a hyper little beagle and very friendly, loves people and dogs, and is very social. So the K9 club is a perfect place for her.
After we picked her up on first day of day care a couple of weeks ago, she was pooped! She ate her dinner, then fell asleep on the couch. We were dead to her, she was too tired from playing all day! As they say, a good dog is a tired dog!
We will continue using K9 Social Club, the price is great especially if you prepay, which we did. And wow, the staff is AWESOME! They are so nice and helpful, and Shiloh loves playing with them. -
Review from noel h.
Foster City, CA
Let me get in and get out.
The Staff:
The staff is incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and honest. My girlfriend and I have 2 crazy pugs. The staff love not only my dogs but all dogs.
The Inventory:
They carry high quality dog food that can't be found at the chain places. The dog cloths are top notch and very functional, plus the prices are fair.
Grooming:
Grooming service is great, they use high end products. Pugs tend to have sensitive skin that can easily dry. When we take our pugs come out with shinny, hydrated coats.
They also use puppy cologne that smell great.
THE BAD:
Parking can be an issue.
Before you dog can be groomed you must present all proof of vaccination. -
Review from Amy D.
San Mateo K9 Social Club is owned by one of the vets at San Mateo Animal Hospital. After the recent pet food recalls, she wanted a place where her patients could buy only vet approved brands.
Aside from a large selection of (mostly) dog food, they have accessories like collars and leashes, shampoo, conditioner, clothes, toys, beds and crates for dogs and cats. Their small dog toy selection isn't the largest, but the few things that I saw were cheaper than at Plaza de Paws.
If you don't mind spending $50+ on dog sweaters, and $5 dog cookies, stick to Plaza de Paws; they have more selection, but you also pay for what you get. If you're looking for dog food, or something nice at a reasonable price, it's worth your while to stop by at K9 Social Club because the ladies who work here are nice, and at the very least, you know that what you're buying is vet approved. :) -
Review from Cheryl S.
San Mateo, CA
I take my shorkie Riley here to be groomed, every 2 month, should go more, but when I pick him up he looks sooo good, love it..
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Review from Nisee D.
Millbrae, CA
If you have a groom-able pet, bring him/her here! I just melt for every dog I see Heather grooming (and secretly wish that my shepherd were a poodle).
Sidenote, shepherds really are the sports car of dogs!! http://www.savegsd.org/1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/28/2008
Our Shepherd has gone here twice now and she LOVES it!
They take the time to give your pup a mid-day… Read more »
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6/28/2008
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Review from Celeste S.
El Granada, CA
I brought my 2 Siberian Huskies here a little over a month ago for grooming. They looked and felt amazing when I picked them up. The groomer did an outstanding job. There was a misunderstanding about pricing (the groomer did an extra service without first getting authorization from me for the extra cost.) The groomer was extremely rude but I attribute this more to the fact that some people are definitely not cut out to deal with customers.
The groomer's assistant was very nice and apologetic during and after this discussion. She took the additional charge off. And then the manager (owner?) called me later in the evening and apologized and offered me a discount on my next service. I didn't feel this was necessary (although I was was debating if I'd ever go back before that) but she insisted. I appreciate that she took the time and effort to make sure her customers are satisfied and happy. And the actual service of the dog grooming was very good. So I thought that I would likely take the buds back there for their next grooming in about 4 months.
Then last night, one of my dogs got skunked. So I called them this AM to see if they could squeeze him in for a bath. They were able to and he looks (and smells) great! And I mentioned the situation from last time and one of the girls who worked there remembered it and gave me my discount. That was very nice!
Besides the 1 groomer, everyone I talk to there is very nice and friendly. The storefront is very clean and orderly (customers don't go in the back so cannot comment.)
They also carry my very hard-to-find dog food (Eagle Pack) so this is great.
I will definitely take my buds back again for grooming. -
Review from jill p.
Wallingford, PA
I visited the Social Club to look for specialty dog treats for my pup's birthday party - they had a great selection and the woman behind the counter was incredibly nice and pleasant. She was the type of woman that can restore your faith in the human race. They have a pastry display case and sell: cookies, donuts, cupcakes, canolis, cakes - you name it.
They also have an excellent selection of leashes, bowls, food, treats, toys and travel bags. They are connected to the Animal Hospital and hold doggy daycare, but no boarding. -
Review from Adrienne C.
Philadelphia, PA
Summary: If this place wasn't so close to our house and open until 7 p.m., I would not take our dog here. We have been taking our dog here since Aug 09 and it just isn't as good as it used to be.
Details:
-I think the staff is fairly disorganized and slow. Beyond a couple staff members like Ricky and Bambi the groomer, I am not impressed. I've taken our dog to several daycares in SF in the past, and for the price this place is not worth it. However, it's clear that they like dogs and always have a positive attitude.
-Our dog once came home with matted blood over her head and shied away for two days whenever we tried to touch her ears. We were never called about this incident and I had to track them down the next day to get an explanation.
-They regularly call me to tell me that my dog has not been tested for giardia and that she can't play with other dogs until she's tested. Their policy is that the dog must be tested every few months OR whenever another dog has tested positive. There needs to be a much better system in place for tracking and notifying clients that their dog is due for a test. I've wasted countless dollars on a ridiculous number of tests as well as daycare days when our dog couldn't even play with other dogs.
-When they do tell me that she needs to be separated while she's tested, we never receive an update and only find out at the end of the day that we've essentially wasted a whole day of daycare. This is just inefficient and unprofessional.
-I've also had incidents where they forgot to take our dog from daycare to the groomers. No one realized this until I picked her up and discovered that she hadn't been groomed. I don't think it's that hard to keep this organized. -
Review from soy w.
San Francisco, CA
I've only been taking my dog here for 3 days, but so far this place seems great.
The staff are very friendly (all dog lovers), plus I've met some of the loveliest owners and dogs here at drop off/pick up time.
On the first day I dropped my dog here he was fretting, badly. I could hear him doing his lonely bark constantly as I left the place (he's a rescue dog with severe separation anxiety, hence the need for daycare). I fretted all day while at work. On pickup I could hear the same lonely bark, but now hoarse.
Second day I dropped him off he was not panicking to enter the building, but still reluctant to be lead away from me. I still felt bad. But points to the staff, they remembered my dog Barney's name the moment we walked in the door, and as always were super friendly.
Third day I dropped him off and he's not looking worried at all. When I picked him up one of the staff (nice tall brunette bloke) said he did so much better today, wasn't fretting as much, and Barney just wanted a cuddle every time he visited the pen to pick up another dog. I assume the requested cuddle(s) were provided, as Barney gave this guy a kiss on the way out.
I also got the full deluxe spa treatment for him, and he's looking super fluffy and smelling great.
Even after less than a week, I trust this place, the staff, and the vet hospital next door (we had our first visit there this week too).
Good Good!
*Update*
After taking my dog here for over a week, I love this place even more. The staff are just so good, and they even give you doggy report cards, so you know how your dog is doing. The big tall young bloke is still Barneys favorite guy, and everytime he sees him at drop off time his little tail wags like crazy. We're both very happy with this place. -
Review from Jen D.
Concord, CA
This review is for the groomer, Bambie. She is AWESOME! She has been grooming all 3 of my little very furry dogs for over a year! I also recommended her to my mom & best friend who both use her consistently.
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Review from Ms. Shari Z.
Boston, MA
I left this one as in the middle as possible.
I didn't actually USE the services here, so to be fair, this rating is only on first impressions and a tour of the facilities.
I figured, hey I can drop off the pup while I work and she can play with other pups. Wahoo!
Very nice staff gave me a tour and there is essentially a garage with chain link fences where they stay for the day.
I asked, "Do they go outside?"
They answered, "No, they stay in here."
Yeah, thanks but no thanks.
It did however seem clean and the people are super nice and the store has cute stuff.
So, if you like it, go for it. This setup was just not for me, or my lil pup. -
Review from Deborah W.
San Mateo, CA
I love this place. I started taking my dog Tyler recently and he spends several days per week. I love that he is excited about going and has gotten enough activity during the day that he conks out when he gets home. Nicole is friendly, she knows my name and the drop off in the morning is quick and easy. I love that they can take him to the vet next door when he has appointments. I also used their grooming services - a little pricey, but better quality than what I got at Petco.
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Review from Jay R.
Burlingame, CA
1st: My dog loves it.
2nd: I feel my dog is safe, and for insurance K9 SC is affiliated with the vet hospital just next door.
3rd: The staff is great. They are so loving to all the dogs, they are passionate about what they do, they are enthusiastic and a joy to see when I drop off and pickup my dog.
4th: They have you and your dog's best interest in mind. They are honest, caring and concerned. Sometimes I get a report card on how my dog did for the day - which is helpful. (I want my dog to be a good guest, and to know if there are behavior issues)
5th: My dog is happy to go to K9 daycare and is a happy doggy when I pick her up!
6th: Grooming services are wonderful, and I've heard other patrons rave about it too. I have a greyhound and I see many various kinds of dogs go for grooming.
7th: They offer dog training by a highly qualified & experienced professional.
8th: Some of the workers will dog-sit for your pup if you need to take trips, or need overnight care.
9th: Pricing is competitive.
NOTE: THEY NOW HAVE DAYCARE ON SATURDAYS 9-5 PM
It would be nice if they had an outdoor play area.
I recommend the K9 Social Club to anyone with a dog. Their popularity is growing - I'm not surprised. I know a good thing when I see it! They are all such lovely people & my dog loves them all. -
Review from Ann C.
San Mateo, CA
K-9 did an outstanding job on my Golden and Chow, esp being such "furry" animals. My dogs were super clean, immaculate and smelled beautifully. The groomer did a fantastic job from bathing to grooming (the bather was out).
I plan to return for future grooming.
Ann C., San Mateo -
Review from subie c.
San Francisco, CA
in full disclosure, i did not actually leave my dog here for daycare.i came to scout out the place... i have a very active golden retriever who loves people and needs to be tired out during the day.
unfortunately when i dropped by, there was no one in the back, the staffers were all hanging out in the front eating and socializing amongst themselves.
it was about 4pm, and i went to take a peek in the play area and all the dogs were peering back at me in a row, standing there looking through the window waiting for someone to come play with them.
this were 4 groups of dogs of various sizes, not a single person. i might as well leave my dog at home for that kind of care... also, the staffers i met looked really young (college aged) and reminded me of the girl who interns in parks and recreation... meaning not all that interested in the dogs.
i will keep my pup at Dog's Life in Palo Alto, which has 1 playgroup leader per group of dogs. they are always engaging with the dogs...playing, giving treats. they're all well trained and some are certified behaviorists... plus they have outdoor space and a kiddie pool in the summer!
sorry k-9. but i don't want to pay the same amount for about 20% of the quality. -
Review from Ed T.
Foster City, CA
Not a bad place. We bring our husky here for baths. A big plus for us is that they take their time to deshed her. When we get her back, she's got less hair everywhere, and clean. The office is a little disorganized though. I've been told to come in at 8:00 A.M. on Saturdays, when they don't open until 9:00 A.M. Usually takes a few times for them to find my paperwork. Told that we're due for shots when they were just done. But the friendliness of the staff and the work they do on our fuzz ball makes up for it.
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Review from Gina K.
Pasadena, CA
Liz is wonderful! She helped me find a dog food that is no where to be found on the peninsula (Eagle Pack)! Go figure! The dog tags are really cute, too. I only had time to run in and get the dog food, but Liz's customer service was off the hook! I got information on other services, such as the veterinarian group and doggie daycare. I even got a free new puppy package and an information on Dog Park Safety Tips. I thought of the K-9 Social Club to be a great resource as a new doggie parent!
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Review from Dani P.
San Francisco, CA
I was not happy with the groomers. I will not be going back for dog baths.
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Review from Karen L.
San Mateo, CA
We LOVE the K-9 Social Club. My husband and I have an 8 month old siberian husky that needs lots of exercise and entertainment. We checked out several of the other local doggie daycare places and determined that the K-9 club was for us. The staff there is incredible! They are warm and friendly and they know what is going on with your dog. I always feel at ease when I drop her off - she is excited and eager to be there. She is very attached to all of the fantastic dog people working there! I would highly recommend this daycare. Their prices are competitive and they have top of the line food and toys in the store front. Before you go to the other places - check them out first. You won't be disappointed!
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Review from Lea M.
San Carlos, CA
We have been so happy to find the K-9 Social Club in San Mateo. We had taken our dog to several places here in the Bay Area and stopped using them because they didn't take care of our boy the way we had hoped. This has all changed now! Our lab Max absolutely loves going to the K9 Social Club! A big thank you to Jason for how well you look after Max for us. We can tell he has a great time with you as he is very relaxed on the way home. We used to love the really excited greeting we used to get from him when we went to pick him up from other care facilities. We notice, and are so happy that he is very relaxed after spending the day with you Jason, a testament to the fact that he is in fact having a great day enjoying himself and is'nt desperate to get home. Thank you Jason for looking after our dear boy for us. We are so grateful to you. Big thank yous to DJ, Nicole and Reggie too! K9 Social Club is just the best, if you're looking for a place where your four-legged family member can relax and have fun, look no further.
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Review from Chapin M.
Burlingame, CA
Not the same as it used to be. I was a devoted patron, but felt strongly enough to inform others of my experience and observations, and will certainly not go back.
Yes, I also heard that this was founded and is owned by one of the doctors at San Mateo Pet Hospital, so I felt it was worth checking out. Over the last year, it has been deteriorating. Apparently, they now have a new manager. Since the new manager, they dropped Innova as a product (despite being highly recommended by the Vet staff next door); they lost Liz who seemed very knowledgeable and willing to tell you candidly which products were good or bad; they lost Heather, who is the groomer that people rave about; and, they now have a staff who just don't seem to know the products.
As for their grooming services, they claim the new groomer has years of experience. Our dog was done over an hour later than they expected, the grooming was shoddy, and the nails were not done. She and the staff were hurried toward the end of the day, the dogs were being hurried to be finished, and the dogs can be heard hollering in the back. Worst of all, I heard from another patron that on Saturdays, they are understaffed so the dogs are caged and are not allowed time to play. My dog was there for half a day, and when asked, the staff admitted the same. My dog is not caged for half a day at home, I certainly did not expect this place would do it, especially when they advertise on the phone that the dogs play while they are waiting.
Recommendations:
For dog food, I highly recommend either Pet Food Express in San Carlos, or the San Mateo Feed Store in Redwood City. Innova is nearly 20% less for a large bag at the feed store. Pet Food Express can be a great value, where their everyday special is buy 3 products within a category and get one free. -
Review from Erin Y.
San Francisco, CA
This place has a good selection of high quality dog food and treats. However, I have been attempting to order a bag of dog food for several weeks now, and to date nobody there can confirm that the order has ever been placed with their supplier. I have checked back weekly, and each time I've been given some excuse or another about why the order hasn't been placed yet, but that it will be added to their next order. Their staff is friendly, but it seems that they still need to iron out some bugs with their inventory/ordering process.
After my first visit I would have given them 5 stars, but they lose one for being incapable of ordering a bag of dog food. They lose the second one for not having an outdoor area to let the dogs in daycare go to the bathroom. I didn't housebreak my dogs just so they could go to daycare and learn that it's ok to pee and poop inside. -
Review from rob c.
Burlingame, CA
I have a sent two dogs here. As long as you talk directly and specifically with Bambi the groomer, things come out just fine from the perspective of a picky human and the cut will be how you want. From a canine perspective, both dogs seem happy when they come back, like there is minimal trauma when they are there. They don't give me that we just escaped Shawshank look that is a little different from "Daddy! You're here!" Their name is also pretty funny, and worthy of an extra star, but I feel like it's a 4 star operation even without the name bonus. (I just called to see how my dog was doing as he is there today, and I got put on hold and then hung up on and am redialing as we speak) I currently use them, and am not looking to take my guy anywhere else. It should be pointed out that Petco is the same freaking price, and not nearly as good.
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Review from kristie p.
Redwood City, CA
great gooming and very nice staff...reasonably priced too!
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Review from c t.
Burlingame, CA
We have gone here twice for grooming. The first time my dog was matted so I appreciated the extra care. The second time, they said my dog was matted and basically buzzed her! She was not matted at all!!!
Plus, it was hugely expensive! If I want my dog buzzed I'll do it myself! -
Review from Linda F.
San Mateo, CA
Our toy poodle loves going to the K-9 Social Club Day Care facility and spending the day playing with other small dogs. The staff knows her very well and she is well taken care of. When she returns home she is so well rested from the day's structured activities of play and fun. The facility is very clean and the staff is very friendly, knowledgeable, and are dedicated to the well being of the animals left in their care. We enjoy reading our dog's report card telling us of how she spent her day, and who she played with.
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Review from Linda D.
San Mateo, CA
Worst experience ever! Poor customer service and incompetant employees. The first time I went in to buy dog food the girl behind the counter moved slow but she was friendly. I saw a sign that said 20% off dog grooming and asked what the cost was I was told $45. A month later I call and make an appointment for 3 dogs two chihuahuas and a yorkie. The Yorkie is my brothers dog and one of the chihuahua is my moms. The lady tells me that it's now $59 and there is no longer 20% off because that was for last month. I make the appt anyway. When I get there I'm told I need proof of vaccinations (no one told me this when I made the appt). My brothers dog has a vaccination tag on but thats not good enough they have to call the actual vet. The other two dogs switched vets so we had some trouble. When they finally speak to the other vet they inform us that the vaccinations have expired and we need exams and all this other stuff. Not only that they only had two of the dogs down for an appt. It was such an ordeal that I walked out. My brother left them his dog. We dropped her off at 10 in the morning and she wasn't ready until 5:00. Then they hardly cut any of her hair and charged him an extra $20 because she had tangles. She hardly had any.They never called and said that she was tangled and that it would be extra beforhand. He ended up paying $70. It was a total rip-off. I would go to super pups they do a great job and don't try and take you for a ride. The only reason for the one star is because I had too. I would give them none.
