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Paws & Claws
Categories: Pets Pet Stores Pets Pet Services Pet Groomers Pet Stores, Pet Groomers [Edit]
3436 Dimond AveOakland, CA 94620
Neighborhoods: Dimond District, Lower Hills
(510) 336-0105
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10 am - 7 pm
Fri-Sat 9 am - 6 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
123 reviews for Paws & Claws
123 reviews in English
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Review from Shelley S.
Oakland, CA
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love this place.....Devereaux can't really say the same because he really hates bath time and getting groomed. Even though he come in at a hefty 5.5 pounds he's probably a pain in the ass to the groomers (which is why I don't even try to do it myself). Despite all of his wiggling and his Stevie Wonder impression whenever something gets near his face, they some how give him a great cut every time. And despite himself Dev practically prances afterward, like he knows he looks good. He comes back to me looking super cute, he smells like lavender and his coat is super soft!
I recently brought my parent's dog Sweetie in for some attention. She had never been groomed before and is one of those dogs that has never lost that puppy energy so I know she was probably a difficult customer. She's a really ugly pug poodle mix (so ugly, she's cute) with some funky nappy hair. When I went to pick her up I thought it was a totally different dog, she looked soooooo good. My mom said the neighbors have been giving lots of compliments, almost like they think she has a new dog.
The staff is really friendly and are invested in keeping your pet happy and comfortable. They keep track of how I want Dev to look so I don't have to explain every time but if I want something different, they take the time to listen to me. They are a little pricey but for the attention they give, it's worth every penny. -
Review from Adamma I.
Oakland, CA
1/19/2012
I shop here infrequently I feed several cats who have convinced me to pet, feed, and water them or rathr they allow me to pet them in exchange for feeding and watering them (and their other cat buddies who visit for eats). They are a higher end high quality pet food store and their prices and selection reflect that. And they recently moved into a lovely new store and hired added new employees so that also factors into the cost of running a business.
Depending on what funds I have available and how much crappy cat food I have been feeding the Kids Outside I either purchase a small bag or a large bag of the Call of the Wild. That brand is really reasonably priced price for its size and quality. And it trims the fatter cats down and glosses their coats well (when I feed it to them consistently anyway).
And I will splurge on canned cat food here I use to go to Petsmart and Petco however within the last year boutique and chain petstores have the same pricing so instead of using money to go farther out to the chain stores I stay local (unless I have someone pick me up a nifty 25lb bag from Coastco for $15 phew yes lawd it was a godsend finding out about that 6 months ago) So I mix the Costco food with The Call of the Wild.
I also participate in their Halloween event and the Yappy Dog hour adult fun with your dog. I would bring a cat or two but don't wanna be mauled by terrified cats. Its ccol though they raffle nice prizes like pet services, goody bags of pet food and treats, a years worth of petfood (damn I wished I won that one with all the cats I feed). There is a Dj, ok music selection (I'm of the repetitive generation ya know like 99.7) alcohol, soda, and water. And socializing. -
Review from Molly K.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 12/22/2011
It's been over 5 years since I first Yelped Paws and Claws and I thought I'd drop back in to say they still rock my world. P&C has amazing customer service with deep knowledge about animal health and well being. I continue to refer my clients (I own a dog-walking/boarding business) and we all love them.
I only know one of their current groomers, Heather, but she is amazing. Great work, great attitude, and the dogs I have brought her know they're in good hands immediately.
Ruth, Diane, Vanessa, Tami, and Cheri, who work in the main store, are all goddesses.
Thanks, P&C--you rock! xox Love, Molly1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/24/2007
I love Paws and Claws. I'm a dog walker and dog boarder and I buy all my pet food, treats, etc. at… Read more »
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Review from Ping P.
East Bay, CA
Updated - 12/6/2011
Paws & Claws supports Occupy Oakland through selling their t-shirts.
I have a real problem with this - in theory I believe reform is necessary, however I do not support squatting, blatant and active disregard for public spaces, theft, destruction, anarchy, filth, lawlessness, lack of focus, murder, drug use and porn films and all the other the BS that OO has subjected our city of the 99% to.
I no longer support this business and will now, regretfully, find pet food/toys/accoutrement elsewhere. Red Hound comes to mind....2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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11/21/2011
Caveat: Review is for Grooming ONLY! 5 *'s for the actual shop.
I brought my dog here a couple of… Read more »
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Review from Jonathon T.
Oakland, CA
12/14/2011
I love this place. I've been coming here since they were in the old location just around the corner. The staff is always friendly, funny, and chatty and always ask if I need help. I'm a little surprised by the person who said they treat people with dogs better - I have two cats and have never had a problem.
Keep up the good work and thanks for being in the neighborhood. -
Review from kristi h.
Oakland, CA
12/7/2011
This is the only pet store for me. When I found a kitten and spoke with one of the owners, she not only sold me the appropriate things that I needed but also was willing to go above and beyond to save the kitten! I have also been shopping there for years for my other pets. The shop is neat and they have adorable pet accessories.
The folks who work here are not only dedicated to my animals and information about keeping my animals healthy, they are absolutely involved in Oakland. Just today they were having a toy drive for the Fire Department. Last weekend they were involved in a community craft fair. They have festive Halloween parades for people with pets. They are involved in their business organizations and beautification of their district. They have consistently supported public community arts as well as in their shop.
I am not a consumer who merely goes to a store to get what I need and then leaves. I like to have a personal connection with the people who are so invested in the product that they sell, the well being of their clients, and the community at large.
This is a model of how a business should operate the perfect combination of personal and professional.
ps. You also get discounts for frequent shopping, and when you buy flea meds (which are pricey no matter where you go) you gain coupons fast! -
Review from Jeanette D.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 12/24/2011
A big thank you to Vanessa and Sherry for helping us find the right food for our kitten. We'll be back to support this local shop!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/2/2009
Yelpers did NOT let me down on this one! There's a reason that they have such an excellent… Read more »
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Review from Anita W.
12/14/2011 3 Check-ins Here
customer service is amazing here. they greet you right when you walk in through the door and are there to assist you if you have any questions. they are also very knowledgeable and they care about what youre getting for your pet.
They carry brands that aren't offered at petclub, petco, or other big named pet stores.
the only thing i would suggest doing is double check the items youre buying. i went in to grab a bag of dog food and it had a hole in it! -
Review from Kelli F.
Oakland, CA
9/7/2011
Please excuse the hasty review, but I just brought my dog for grooming services today. My experiences with grooming competitors in the area are either hard to schedule or hasty in the actual process (hence the racing stripe on my dog one time).
Today's experience was amazing and only took 1 1/2 hours to drop my dog off and have a tidy, cleaned, happy, well-groomed canine returned to me.
Aside from the amazing grooming, the owners and employees at Paws & Claws have always been friendly, welcoming and inclusive. I love their contribution and dedication to the neighborhood! A "pawsitively" fabulous addition to the Diamond district.
I highly recommend their services and products. They carry the most healthy, organic food and treats. My experience (over several years) has always been beyond my expectations. And...don't miss "Yappy Hour" - a fantastic way to meet your two-legged neighbors and four- legged canine community! -
Review from J. A.
Oakland, CA
11/28/2011
I really want to love this place, as I like to support small, independent businesses, but alas, I've come to the conclusion that unless you walk in with a dog, you're not going to get much help.
That wasn't always the case: when I first started going there, the very friendly and helpful owner was always there, and the food was A+. The last few times I've been (since they moved to the new location) however, there've been new employees seriously lacking customer service skills... no help finding what I need, then waiting for what seems ages at the register while I hear chatting in the back room and I'm saying, "Hello??". Once while waiting, a woman with a dog walked in, and all of a sudden the staff was right there to greet her... totally ignoring me at the register. I almost left the food at the counter and walked out, but a clerk finally noticed and meandered over, no apologies, and was more interested in getting me to fill out mailing list paperwork than noticing that she'd charged me $5 more than the price marked on the bag. Which realized my fears: the past couple visits, the Innova cat food I get has come in bags that look like they've been sitting around for a long time. Not good. Bottom line, if you have dogs, you'll probably have a great experience and find fresh food, but if you have cats, look elsewhere.
I'll give them another chance in a couple of months, when hopefully they've worked out customer service problems and the turnaround on cat food has improved. -
Review from Katie W.
Oakland, CA
9/17/2011
The people make this place! They are all pet lovers and warm, customer oriented to the needs of their customers. Grooming is great and goods are a nice selection of various prices.
Great grooming service and best customer service and support in the entire bay area!
Nice decision for the relocation choice to the bigger, brighter spot down the street:) -
Review from Petra S.
Updated - 10/2/2011
This update is for today's grooming. I was shocked that when I asked them to trim my dogs nails a little more since one of his paws looked like it had not been cut enough and instead of taking her time (even though I realize she was with another dog later and told them we were willing to wait) it seems she rushed to fix the job and ended up making him bleed. Had I not stopped to look down at his nail and see the blood dripping, they would not have even noticed. I went back inside to let them know and both one of the owners and groomer did not seem apologetic but instead acted as if this was just some common thing that happens. I was specific about being gentle with my dog and as a long time customer, I never had this problem with the previous groomer Hailey, that left suddenly without so much as a warning to her customers who had upcoming appointments. It basically left me without any time to find another groomer as his appointment was already due.
I just find this sort of insensitive attitude towards both the paying customer and especially, my dog (my baby) which I entrust to their care, highly unacceptable. I am not simply bringing in a coat to be dry cleaned but a LIVING breathing animal. You would think a holistic place would care more about your pets well being and safety than a chain. I loyally supported them for over two years but given that this place is supposed to be serving dogs and their parents, you would except some sympathy for the suffering pet. I told them that I understand it was an accident but what bothered me was how nonchalant they were about it. In fact, no one even apologized to my dog for treating him like he wasn't a paying customer. Every single groomer I've gone to, including this one, has always appreciated how well behaved my dog is when he is being groomed and handled so there should have been absolutely no reason for him getting cut had they been careful and taken their time. Grooming your dog is not cheap by any means and cutting the nails is just a part of the job and by chance your dog does get injured while in their care, the courteous thing to have done would have been to at the very least, offer an a sincere apology or an apology period.
Since I had picked him up, I have taken it into a lot of consideration and cannot say whether I will give them another chance or not. Anyone that loves dogs and loves their dog will only want the best for them, considering the money that is being spent. And any business that's supposed to be about animals, should care enough to feel their owners pain when they become hurt due to carelessness. Frankly, I didn't get that feeling at all and furthermore, had to leave with blood stains on my shirt. To everyone out there, be very careful before you leave a groomers or daycare and make sure to inspect your pets body to ensure that everything is fine. There is absolutely no excuse for the lack of apology in our situation and I hope no one else has to go through this in the future.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/8/2009
Since having to find a new groomer for Benji, after his regular groomer at Bella and Daisy's decided… Read more »
Comment from Diane P. of Paws & Claws 10/6/2011
We at Paws & Claws pride ourselves on our professionalism… More » -
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Review from Stephanie T.
Oakland, CA
7/24/2011
I came in here recently and had really lovely time. The staff is extremely knowledgable and very helpful.
I love the new location and they increased the brands and varieties of pet food & treats.
I just booked a grooming appt for my chows. No one seems to want to groom my little buggers even though they are friendly and if you have snacks, they will be your best friend for life.
I love this place and I'll be a customer for life! -
Review from Keli M.
Pleasanton, CA
8/7/2011
LOVE THIS PLACE!!!! Just picked my dog up this afternoon, it was his first visit and certainly NOT his last!
My dog is a sweetheart, but had some pretty bad experiences with groomers and had developed a genuine aversion to groomers. But he was comfortable here thanks to the amazing grooming staff! He looks adorable, was happy when I picked him up, and their cost is incredibly reasonable. I paid $20 more before and got half the services. HIGHLY RECOMMEND this place! Great staff, friendly, with solid products and a wonderful outlook on caring for animals! -
Review from Miss L.
Oakland, CA
12/6/2011
Dog grooming is nice but really expensive. I guess it's expensive a lot of places. They will also ask you for a tip. Check prices before you buy anything here. They tried to sell me a grooming comb for $44 that is supposed to help with shedding. It seemed way too much for what it was so I decided to do some searching and found the same comb,the FurGOpet dog deshedder, for $21 at Target. I expect my neighborhood boutique shop to be more expensive but that is ridiculous. They are some nice ladies though and do seem to really care about your pet.
Comment from Diane P. of Paws & Claws 12/7/2011
Our products and services are competitively priced with… More » -
Review from Dottie L.
San Francisco, CA
9/26/2011
I brought Peggy Sue, my white rambunctious English Bully, into Paws and Claws today. Since she's short hair, I don't get her groomed that often and I want to make sure it is a good experience for her each and every time. She didn't have an appointment, though I did call before I came by. They were very quick to fit her in and took excellent care of all of us! When I picked her up and hour later, the previously filthy pup was white again, fluffy and with nails clipped, ears cleaned and even teeth white and fresh breath. The fact they got this stink factory to smell good for even an hour deserves as many stars as possible. Peggy loved the gal that washed her b/c she promised to paint her nails next time. They have a great sitting area that has community flyers and local papers. I am so happy to have found my new local groomer.
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Review from Simon b.
Oakland, CA
10/18/2011
I stopped there to ask about puppy food and was given a tour of the food isle and educated on the various foods. They gave me a half dozen sample bags and answered all my questions. This really is a specialty type of pet store. A real class act.
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Review from kristi l.
CA
We love Paws and Claws!
First of all, lemme just say how wonderful it is - no matter how expensive - that this place is actually willing to groom cats. Kitty, yes, that's her name, needed a bath. Big time.
Kitty is 15 years old, 5 lbs max, and I'm pretty sure her daytime job is to lie in pebbles, rocks, and slosh around in mud; And then she tracks it into the house just to show us what she did all day.
Every day is the same for you, Kitty-my-dear, I don't know why you insist on providing us with a visual.
Her Kitty-crumbs were getting on my clothes, on the bed, on everything imaginable and enough was enough. This girl needed to see a groomer STAT.
Hayley, the groomer at Paws and Claws, made a point to come talk to us before Kitty's appointment about what services they provide for cats. Kitty was going to be given a bath and have her undercoat brushed out to help stop the shedding.
We gritted our teeth and prayed that Kitty wouldn't claw out the groomers eyes because, well, she'd never been to a groomer before. They charge an extra $20 if your cat decides to take a swipe at Hayley and I think this charge is fair. I mean come on. If you think your cat is going to try and take out the groomer one claw at a time, just don't bother to bring them in!
But yay! Turns out kitty *liked* the bath and was completely mellow. Must be the sign of a good groomer (: She returned home smelling like berries instead of dirt, and didn't look all scraggly-cat-like either.
Success!
THEN, it was the fluffy puppy's turn. Mochi went in for grooming the following day and I was drawn to Paws and Claws because they provide cage free grooming for dogs. Mochi hates being cooped up in kennels so I thought we should give Hayley a try as well.
By the way, I made the appointments less than a week in advance and they are (or at least were) taking new clients!
Mochi got the cutest haircut ever and it was surprisingly cheap! $60 including tip, $50 for the haircut alone. Now to some of you, this might seem expensive but Lhasa Apso's are really difficult to groom. She was going to Wizard of Paws for the longest time and every time we'd take her, it would be about $85 and they didn't offer cage free grooming.
Even though we love Wizard of Paws in Berkeley, their drop off schedule wasn't working with ours :(
All in all, Mochi absolutely loves her new haircut, came home completely mellow, and still looks and smells clean even though it's been about a week since she went to Paws and Claws.
Make sure you pick up a card at the front desk which gives new clients $5 off their first grooming appointment and 10% off their first purchase. Mochi got herself a cute little Kong lizard to tug on all day which she loves.
Thanks Paws and Claws! (: We'll be back! -
Review from mara d.
Oakland, CA
4/7/2011
What can I say, I love this store.
The owners are very informed and helpful, prices are in line with the quality of products that they sell, they offer a wide variety of holistic and natural products, its like a dream come true for pet owners like myself to have this option open to them when caring for their pets.
I am more than willing to travel out of my way to support a store like this and hope that Diane and staff are with us for a long time to come.
Great job ladies!!!!! -
Review from terri ann l.
Los Angeles, CA
11/28/2011
Being a very recent transplant from Los Angeles, I have found the sense of community in the Dimond District of Oakland a much needed breath of fresh air. At the center of it all for me is Paws & Claws. From the moment I walked in there and every day since then, I've received awesome customer service on a personal level you cannot achieve in big business. I have 2 cats, both getting up there in years and have gotten a lot of helpful information and tips on products, vets, emergency care....you name it. Vanessa has been especially amazing! She's always there and remembered me immediately on my second visit. She's hooked me up with free samples, pamphlets and information she has personally gathered in her time working with animals. Everyone I've had help me there is fantastic and I love supporting this store.
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Review from m s.
Glendale, CA
4/13/2011
Very conveniently located and great staff working there.
Just came back from having my dawg's nails clipped. Great job, Hayely!
We'll be back! -
Review from Jenny L.
San Francisco, CA
7/30/2011
I just moved to the area and needed grooming services for my dog in a big way. I checked out a place close to where I live and really wasn't thrilled. The price on the basic grooming service was absurd and the mark up on the products was very high. I was delighted when I went into Paws and Claws. They were very accommodating and professional. The retail space is not huge but it has a great selection of food, treats and accessories all reasonably priced. I will definitely be back!!! I'm so happy my dog and I found our place!
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Review from Armstrong B.
San Francisco, CA
10/2/2011
We've been taking our baby, Benji, here for his regular grooming since they are one of the few facilities that offers cage free grooming. The previous groomer, Hayley, was more attentive and did a great job. Since she moved, the grooming experience hasn't been great especially with the most recent one. The last few visits had lead to a chewed up leash. Even though they have their own chain leash to use, you have to remind them because any restless dog will start chewing on their leash to escape. With Hayley, she always remembered. The most recent visit had led to some long nails that weren't trimmed. When we asked to have it re-done, it was cut to the point where it was bleeding. They said it happens all the time in a nonchalant way with no apology. I don't know about you but having blood all over the place and not apologizing for a mistake is unacceptable. Prices may be reasonable and the holistic products like Orijen are great, however the lack of customer service and poor grooming experience will not make us come back.
Comment from Diane P. of Paws & Claws 10/6/2011
We at Paws & Claws pride ourselves on our professionalism… More » -
Review from Delilah P.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 6/25/2010
Our dog, Mr. Binx, is a huge drama queen when it comes to cutting his nails. He yelps and screams like a big ol' sissy if I even look in the direction of the nail clippers. Nothing wrong with being a sissy, unless it makes people think I am a neglectful dog owner because my puppy looks like Caligula with his long-assed turkey talons.
I took him to Paws and Claws for his first ever professional grooming, and of course, he made me look like a big old fool by being a perfectly behaved little gentleman. Since he has super-short fur, there was no hair cut needed, but he did come out smelling squeaky clean and with a nice manicure. I could tell he felt very dapper with his new little bandanna too. The squeaky clean smell lasted a long time, which is saying something since Binx is not always known for his fresh-as-a-daisy scent. This will definitely be a regular stop from now on.Listed in: Hot Diggity Dog (and Cat)!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/13/2007
If you ever consider getting a puppy, ask yourself, would I mind shivering in my bathrobe outside at… Read more »
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Review from Stephanie O.
San Francisco, CA
4/24/2011
The system for scheduling grooming appointments is extremely disorganized. Not only did I get double booked, but both the groomer and the front desk person repeatedly said "they do appointments the old-fashioned way so things get mixed up all the time". A week after the grooming, I get a call that my dog has an appointment that I never made.
The front desk person/owner is also really rude. She was condescending and judgmental and I found it incredibly inappropriate.
When I took my dog to the vet immediately afterwards (since the groomer was unable to deal with my small dogs anal glands) the vet mentioned that his teeth needed cleaning. Funny, since that was supposedly just done. I am never taking my dog back here again. -
Review from Madelein M.
Oakland, CA
9/23/2010
Good:
Products are great, store is small and homey, and I love supporting small, women-owned businesses in Oakland.
Not so good:
I have taken my puppies there twice for grooming. The first time they were cut REALLY short, which is fine cause I didn't indicate what I wanted. The second time, however, I took a photo in of *exactly* what I wanted them to look like (an old pic of them). Did not get what i asked for. Both times I have gone in everyone is super nice, but it is really expensive to not get what you hope for each time when it comes to the grooming.
Their nails are still really long, I have to cut hair that isn't even on their paws and ears and it takes 4 hours for something that looks like they took a buzzer and cut them like that. And my puppies are the cutest, and I hate the way they look after visiting the Paws and Claws groomers. We had family photos with the pups scheduled for this weekend and now I am canceling them.
I see these other photos of Hayley's work and I am so disappointed that the work she does on my puppies does not turn out the same way. I unfortunately can't afford to keep gambling on this place.
I really want to love it (I travel 30 min by bus to get there and pay $130!), but their grooming has disappointed me twice now :( -
Review from Jessica W.
Oakland, CA
8/20/2011
This is a review on the P&C Groomer services, NOT the store
I brought my dog here some time back for a grooming - I filled out the form and indicated on the form that my dog is a Papillon. Unfortunately, the previous groomer I went to while on vacation in Europe trimmed his fringes off his ears -- but they were halfway grown back.
I came back to get my dog and the groomer at this establishment trimmed off his fringes all the way to the ear. I was visibly upset about what had happened and I asked why she did what she did.
The groomer told me that she didn't know the dog's breed. I asked why the paperwork wasn't consulted and she got super defensive - she told me that if I wasn't happy it wasn't her fault as she had worked for an hour and deserved to get paid.
She then went in and got an elementary school DK book on dog breeds and showed me a pic of a Papillon telling me that my dog isn't a Papillon (even if I had gone the day before to the vet, who after giving annual shots to the dog gave me some tips optimizing the Papillon diet).
In any case I was horrified by the groomer's attitude and complete lack of customer service, especially as my partner was a retail owner and would never treat customers like this. In the end I spoke with the Paws and Claws store owner, I told her it wasn't really about the $40 for me - it was about the principle. She offered to pay the $40 our of her own pocket but I just said give me $20 and let's call it a day.
I'm bummed I can't really make Paws and Claws my go-to place for my dog grooming and food because I don't want to run in to the unprofessional groomer again.
Would be one star but I'm adding another star because the store owner was awesome and super helpful - go there for the food and dog items - not for the groomer. -
Review from Nadia B.
Oakland, CA
6/30/2010
This place just happened to be the closest pet store to my new apartment. I was worried about my little butt-hole cat not having the right kind of food. He had been eating constantly and was still so very skinny.
So the woman working there took extra time to help me with my woes and even gave me three little food sample packets to help me decide what is best for my kitty.
I think I found the food for him! He has already started to gain a little weight after a week!
It's all natural and trustworthy, and very affordable!!!
On top of that, she even gave me informational booklets on herbal remedies they carry in the store when I mentioned my cat's tendency to be needy.
I also got a toy there that my cat LOVED.
And it takes me literally 5 minutes for me to walk there.
It is a great little place....I am spoiled to have it so close!! -
Review from Lisa C.
Oakland, CA
8/15/2011
I have been a customer of Paws and Claws since they first opened. I come there for my dogs food because they carry high quality food. As my dogs have aged they have grown to need supplements and I know I can trust the products Diane and Ruth carry at Paws and Claws. Also if I have any questions they are only too happy to assist me. In short it is a great neighborhood petfood store.
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Review from Gina H.
Oakland, CA
6/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Locally owned! These folks are GREAT! Worth the book-in-advance appointment! After previously taking my dog to PetSmart to try and save a few dollars, I will never go anywhere else! They were really careful to make sure to do everything "right" and to make sure my dog was HAPPY and comfortable the whole time (even through the nail grinder!!!)! Thanks ladies!
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Review from Markito M.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 6/8/2011
Yay! They are now open on Mondays. Also check out their fab new location - bigger and brighter with a great mural out front.
Listed in: My Neighborhood, Wag Wag
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/10/2007
This is the BEST pet shop because Ruth and Diane are really wonderful - helpful, knowledgeable,… Read more »
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Review from Caty K.
Oakland, CA
5/18/2010
Hayley is literally the most amazing dog groomer on the face of the earth. No joke.
I first took my pooch, Lucy, to Paws & Claws in December 2008. It was right when I first got Lucy back (she was living with Grandma for awhile) and had just moved to the East Bay. After Googling endless combinations of "dog groomers oakland CA" I finally stumbled upon Paws & Claws, and I am SOOOOO very glad that I did.
1st selling point: They have a strict "no-kennel" policy. I've never been a fan of dropping your pup off at 8am, and picking them up at the end of the day knowing they've been in a kennel for most of the afternoon. I was very relived to find that P&C felt the same way too... at P&C you drop your pup off at 12, and they're ready at 1. ALWAYS.
2nd selling point: Hayley works miracles. My dog is notorious for hating anything that has to do with water, and because of this she hadn't had a trim in what seemed like a decade. Once I picked her up from Grandma's I knew that a grooming appointment was the first order of business. Unfortunately Lucy has this sheepdog-esque fur that had gotten really matted in the back. I was honestly terrified that I was going to get my dog back with a bald butt, but Hayley managed to de-matt her fur and get her back to me looking better than ever!!!
3rd selling point: P&C carries everything you could ever need for your pooch, and the best part? Nearly all of it is holistic or organic. Ruth & Diane have a very sweet sign in the store explaining their stance on why they only carry holistic/organic products, and as a consumer, it feels so great to shop at a business that cares so deeply about the health of your animal. This really goes without saying, but every employee that I've ever met at P&C is very kind & well informed about their products.
Oh, in terms of price... Lucy is a medium-sized dog and it costs about $70 for a wash and cut. (Not including tip) It might seem kind of pricy, but keep in mind that she's done within an hour and all of the products used are safe for animals. That way when my furry friend "accidentally" ingests some of the shampoo we don't end up at the doggie ER with poisoning symptoms and a $300 vet bill. (This has happened before :-/)
I could seriously go on and on about this place, but I think I have already. Ha! Diane, Ruth, Hayley, and the rest of the Paws & Claws gang: Thank you from the bottom of my heart for having such a great place to shop for & groom my pup!! I can't recommend you guys enough! -
Review from Emma K.
Oakland, CA
6/11/2007
I can't believe that the whole time I've been living in Fruitvale I've been buying my doggie stuff at Petfood Express, where the checkers like to give me a guilt trip for buying Nutro dog food (if it's akin to giving my dog fast food, why do you guys sell it? And I swear I'm going to strangle you if you give me that line about "what price are you willing to pay for your dog's health?" - stupid a-holes, just let me buy the food already!)
Paws and Claws is a small but well-stocked store with two rubber-matted tubs in the back for bathing. The pricing for baths is based on the weight of your animal and I seem to recall that a 50-lb dog would cost $10 to bathe (compare to a $15 bath at Guiltfood Express ). They had the food I was looking for and I noticed that if it was marked up, it was by less than a dollar. The woman behind the counter was friendly and not aggressive. She even commiserated with me in my woes about that other pet food store. The selection wasn't huge (hence the minus-one star) but I'm going to make this my regular store for food and bath supplies for Maude.Listed in: For our furry friends (of the…
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Review from Betty H.
2/25/2009 1 Check-in Here
I really like this place. Very nice experience. Thank you for all your help. I'll be back.
Now my dog can be even more spoiled than she already is. -
Review from lane h.
Alameda, CA
10/11/2009 1 photo
First off, I was late to the appointment because I couldn't get the cat into the crate. He's 22 lbs, fat, but also strong as hell. he fought me tooth and nail - I was soaked with sweat by the time I stuffed him in and carried him to the car.
They didn't trip about me being late, as I had my boyfriend call enroute. When I got there, frazzled and rushed, they were sweet as pie and came out to the car to help me carry him in.
I met Hayley and we talked about the services for Coffee. They told me to to come back in a few hours and when I came back, Coffee was a new man.
As I mentioned, Coffee, a Maine Coon, weighs 22 lbs. He's got a fat little belly that makes it hard for him to clean himself really well, so his coat gets dirty, matted and stinky really fast. Not only that, the matting makes it harder for him to do things. So after the initial trauma of the trip to the groomer, we could see how happy he was with his new look. He's been extra affectionate with us because frankly we are extra affectionate to him when he's clean and nice to snuggle. And he's been moving much faster and playing, things that all that clumpy fur make it hard to do.
I liked this place because everyone was nice and Hayley did a great job. The last groomer we used missed lots of spots so his coat was uneven, and he also came home with dander flaking off his skin. Not the case with Hayley's job, he was clean, cute, dander and flea free.
I will definitely be bringing Coffee back again in a few months to keep him looking sharp. -
Review from Eryka V.
Oakland, CA
6/5/2009
The 5 stars are easily earned because there is NOTHING wrong with the entire place.
Perfect Business:
*Great customer service
*CLEAN
*Stocked with all the good foods
*Well Priced
*Great energy
*Everyone always has a smile
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! ITS A GEM!!Listed in: RUFF RUFF!!! My doggy has…
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Review from Judie H.
8/12/2009 2 Check-ins Here
While walking around the lake Lucy decided to roll into water while at the "beach" area. GROSSS...black goo all over. I tried to get her to roll on the grass to get it off...no luck. Instead of doing annoying construction on certain parts of the lake why don't they clean up this nasty area? I've seen dirty needles and condoms here too....they get a F- for this part of the lake.
Anyways...we were desperate to get her clean and my usual groomers were too packed to take us. Paws and Claws told me to come in right away...YAY!!! The groomer is sooo sweet...she's really really nice and you can tell she loves the animals. Upon pickup the groomer let my babysitter choose a bandanna for Lucy..her first bandanna ever...whoohooo.
The only con would be that there is no waiting play area for the doggies while they are waiting to get picked up. They have to be leashed to the wall...which is why Lucy was barking so much when I came to pick her up. I like how Pet Choice has a waiting area that allows the dogs to socialize and relax while they wait for pickup. They even have a outdoor area just in case there are grumpy dogs that need to be separated.
The pro would be that they groom other animals. So if you have a rabbit (like me) then coming here you'll kill two birds with one stone. I don't want to kill birds...but you know what I mean...hahahahahahaha. Pet Choice only does dogs...Listed in: I hella love Oakland, Lucy's Likes
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Review from Katie B.
Oakland, CA
10/4/2008
All we need is a giraffe and we can open a zoo. Seriously.
My husband and I are now raising a dog and three cats, so we go to Paws and Claws about once a week to stock up on high quality kibble and treats. It's always such a joy to visit the store - everyone who works there is so friendly and helpful. For example, when I adopted my first cat and didn't want to feed him chain store crap, Ruth spent a good 45 minutes discussing my kibble options and gave me an armload of free samples to try. And when the dog smelled like dog, Krystal helped me select scented wipes (she discussed the pros and cons of each and let me sniff them all) and walked me through the bath house rules. Would Petco do that for me? Never. Paws and Claws, you're the best!
Also, owners Diane and Ruth are such incredible supporters of the community - they know everyone and everything in the 'hood. In fact, when I needed a new local dentist I didn't go to Yelp; I bought some kibble and asked Ruth for a recommendation. And when I was hankerin' for a good burrito, Diane pointed the way. Now that's some pet food store! -
Review from Amanda R.
Oakland, CA
7/5/2011
We recently had our furry St. Bernard/Retriever mix groomed at Paws & Claws and she looks amazing, and is loving her fluffy coat. Her trimmed paws are so cute. We will be brining her back for a monthly appointment. The entire staff is so friendly and accommodating. You always look for someone to love your dog like you do, and these guys do. We also get Nakota's food and treats here as well. You'll love this store, their staff and their kind service to your furry family members. They recently moved a block away to a new & larger location, check them out!
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Review from Ruth A.
Oakland, CA
11/1/2009
This was my first trip to a groomer. Princess is our first poodle, and my first dog. I had no idea what to expect, but the warm "family" atmosphere at Paws & Claws totally won me over.
When I left the store to prowl the Dimond district, Princess looked like a scared, dirty little sheep. When I returned, Glamour Dog awaited: she was clean, smelled good, and had a nice trim, right down to her little "poodle feet." Most importantly, she seemed totally happy to be there, trying to smooch half the staff.
This is a small business, and they work very hard to please the customer (and her dog.) I would have put five stars, but I'll save that for a future visit, when I expect to be just as happy with everything as I was last Friday afternoon.
