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Pet Food Express
Rating Details »
Category: Pet Stores [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Hayes Valley, Mission1975 Market St
(between Buchanan St & Duboce Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 431-4567
- Hours:
Mon-Fri. 9:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
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129 reviews for Pet Food Express
This is the best place to get everything you need for your pet. They have all the best brands of pet food. There are not too many pet stores that carry Royal Canin, EVO, and all the other premium natural foods for dogs.
Everytime Im in the store, I go straight to Will if hes around cause hes friendly, cute, and oh so knowledgeable about the ingredients in the foods.
Everyone here is so friendly and eager to help. You can tell they all have a great time while still being professional. :)
I stopped by for a cat condo and was initially impressed by the selection, but then I realised that it was simply four or five models displayed in multiples. When I touched them, the carpet pulled off super easily and I found a staple hanging around waiting to stab some poor kitty on one. And they are all $90-$130, which is well within my price range, but not on top of costs of kitty band-aids and replacing them every year because the carpeting is all scratched off.
I also almost got some mats to stick by the litterboxes because my kitties use the world's bestest messiest corn litter, but I turned them over and they were cracking and falling apart.
Their inventory is pretty huge otherwise and you've probably read some very positive reviews about the rest of it before getting to mine. I just had high hopes after glimpsing the precious unstocked-in-smaller-local-shops cat condos.
The staff was very friendly to me and I felt kind of shy and embarrassed in return at seeing the poor quality of the products they ring up.
I am still looking for a good quality cat condo so feel free to message me if you have any other local recommendations!!
I really don't think the name of this place does it justice, but that's neither here nor there.
If you're looking for fancy accessories for your pet, this probably isn't the best place to visit. I came in looking for a scratching post and I was very underwhelmed by the selection.
That said, it's always come through whenever I needed other kitty staples.
Okay selection of items. Competitive pricing? Compared to what..... Maybe the pet boutique in the Beverly Center?? Every item I checked was at least twenty five percent more then the other stores I go to. Just sayin
I do not feel like a grimy sell-out who supports animal abuse when I shop at Pet Food Express. Although they do not carry my cat's preferred brand of litter (read the only kind of litter that actually gets him to use his box and not the floor in my laundry room), they do carry the high end parrot food that my birdy likes. Being that Safeway is a stones throw a way, I will forgive their litter transgression.
I also like that there no actual live animals being sold here. With the exception of places like the East Bay Vivarium and The Animal Company, pet stores usually really bum me out.
What everyone else is saying about the employees is true, they are nice, and they seemingly like their jobs. A certain chain pet store could maybe take a cue from this.
This place gets 5 stars for what I lovingly refer to as the "Doggy Car Wash." For those of you that are unfamiliar, you buy a token, go to the back room where there are about 7 or so large bathtubs, hook in your beloved pooch, and get to work. Once you put in the coin you turn the dial and select an option (mango shampoo/conditioner, oatmeal wash, warm water, hot air, etc.). How else could I get my 70 pound bundle of love to smell like mangos without having to rid my bath tub of pounds of hair and sand (she lovesssss the beach) afterwards?
I brought Motley this past weekend and the guy that worked there gave me a bag of Cheeseburger treats to sample, and boy did they help me get through bath time! In fact, she is obsessed and we are almost through one container already. (I believe they are called Grandma Lucy's or something and I highly recommend them).
The people here are helpful and nice and seem to genuinely like animals, as one would hope. The doggy car wash is a bit expensive though at $15 a pop. I think you can buy tokens in bulk for a discount... which i should consider doing.
Very friendly personnel, expansive product selection, competitive pricing.
Clean store
My puppy Cricket LOVES it here. She gets very excited every time we come and likes to carry her treats, like toys or dog bones home herself.
Last week we noticed that she seemed to have a poor reaction to her new bag of food. We went in to talk to the people at Pet Food Express, and they let us know that they offer store credit on returns when they disagree with your babies.
As other people mention, the staff are very knowledgeable about nutrition; they recommended a different type of food, called Taste of the Wild, for our four-legged child (she's a pit bull mix). We have stared her out on the new food slowly and she is already back to her usual goofy self. I'm so relieved!
It was a really great experience, everyone was so friendly and they all said hi to Cricket and seemed genuinely concerned.
These terrifically nice people here offer a wide selection of food, toys, and grooming goodies for the dachshunds. The choices are paralyzingly broad!
Wide aisles in a clean store make shopping here easy. The staff is truly helpful, not pushy or salesy. And, the wandering four-legged customers add some personality.
One clerk said that the corporation does its own testing of products so that the chances of Chinese poisoning are lessened. Nice!
The prices are cheaper than other chains, but a lot more than The Animal Company for what we buy. So, that's why only 4 stars.
Large chain stores usually make me feel small and irrelevant, but the staff here is abnormally friendly and helpful. It's like they imported them from the midwest or something.
I really like the "buy 3, get 1 free" with their pet food, because my 20 lb. feline beast eats more than some dogs. (No, i don't overfeed him.. he's just freakin Big)
Overall, a very good pet supply store.. or my name isn't Barack Obama.
The name of the guy that helped me is Steven. I came back in today to get some more toys for my little ankle biter, and he remembered me and asked me how he was doing.
Thanks so much for your great advice!!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
7/7/2009
I came in here last Saturday with my brand new puppy. And by brand new, I mean he was like 7 weeks… Read more »
I am a PetSmart convert!
I love the personal attention and holistic products at Pet Food Express. The staff really cares and has helped this first time dog owner through finding the right car seat, picky eating, fleas and stinky ears.
I must also mention that the staff sometimes throws in a chicken stick gratis which my little guy LOVES and we love too!
Great spot for pet food, pet toys, and other supplies! We're so happy to have this alternative, and not have to rely on the evil empires of Petco and Petsmart. They have a ton of food options for dogs and knowledgeable people to help you decide if necessary. Everyone that works there really loves dogs and are always so excited to see your dog. They are always nice enough to provide treats for their little visitors.
Their prices are very competitive on all items (positive of being a big vendor that can buy in volume).
The provided parking (parking lot) is a big plus.
The only negative I have about the place is the baths. While they are not terrible, it's definitely not the best option. The bath room is very loud and chaotic. The soap is ultra-diluted. The baths are timed so you really have to watch how long you rinse, bathe, etc your pooch for fear that the water timer will run out on you (think of do-it-yourself car wash). The towels they provide (only one or two per bath) are super thin and worn-out (i.e. they don't do much drying at all).
When I don't feel like driving out of town for cheaper pet supplies, I like Pet Food Express. Not only is it a short walk from my apartment, but it's right near Safeway so I can do some grocery shopping on the same trip to save some time.
Their selection is naturally pretty large given that they're a chain store, but even so they don't carry certain brands. For example, I tend to use Yesterday's News (a brand of cat litter), but while Safeway carries it, PFE does NOT. Same with certain brands of cat food as well, but it's no big deal really. The variety more than makes up for it, and the Buy-3-Get-1-Free deal on canned food isn't too shabby when you're stocking up for a few weeks.
As mentioned, the staff is generally helpful and outgoing, and they've always helped me out with my "n00b" pet owner questions regarding my kittens. Unlike other stores I feel like I can at least get an honest opinion instead of a sales pitch.
Definitely a great place to look for supplies and food if you live in the area, or even if you don't. You'll be hard-pressed to find better service at similar chains.
In a city where you are normally relegated to either succumbing to the chain stores from hell that are petco and petsmart, or instead patronizing a small business that has higher prices and a smaller selection, it's great to have a place that possesses the positive attributes of both a large and a small business.
Pet food express has a great selection, with reasonable prices and courteous, friendly, helpful staff.
In addition, shelf space isn't wasted with an overabundance of specialty/boutique type items such as ridiculous dog clothes and cat jungle gyms. (hint: the best cat trees are found at the hardware store. wood + sisal + carpet )
It's probably the closest I've seen any store come to the very much missed Sammy's Pet World. (without the toucans, salt water fish and reptiles)
Really like this pet store; although they have a large variety of things and are competitively priced. Staff is always helpful and friendly and the doggy wash is GREAT.
I feel so lucky to live less than a block away from this store. The employees are knowledgeable and accessible. The selection is very good. From the moment you walk in, you feel welcomed. The staff is good at dealing with all different types of customers, from the prissy woman who wants a fancy collar for her poodle to the rough guy who wants "that solid meat in a can" for his pitbull. I have received great advice here about cat carriers and cat food. I also love their buy 3, get one free ongoing promotion.
And they are locally owned, even though the store is big enough and the selection wide enough that you'd think it might be a chain.
Very, very satisfied and would definitely recommend!
If Petco is the Target or Costco of pet food, then Pet Food Express is certainly the Whole Paycheck. Regardless of my intention when I walk in, I must surrender my wallet, knowing I'll walk out infinitely poorer. But it assuages my bad kitty mommy guilt for the various times I've left them home alone or ignored them to twitter, facebook, or [fill in social networking profile here]. And I've paid dearly for cheaping out on friskies or less-than-premium brands, as expressed rather odiferously by my cat's sensitive digestive system. She has made her preferences rather loud and clear.
On a side note, it's quite the gay man mecca on Saturday mornings, especially if you are seeking a convertible-driving (top-down or top-up optional), lhasa apso-owning sugar daddy.
finding a place to buy pet supplies after moving that doesn't suck and is affordable is hard.
randomly walking through the neighborhood, i decided to check out pet food express. i am so glad i did.
they have all the right foods, fun toys for the cats, and largest variety of litter boxes i've ever seen. they had one that looked like an igloo, and the cat had to walk up little steps to get in, then had an area that they could do their business and then leave. with filters to stop litter smell. yeah. fancy.pants.
i buy wellness canned for my cat, and price-wise it was about 15 cents more a can- but for every three cans you buy, you get the fourth free. you still end up saving a little dough.
i really liked this store. and after reading some of the other reviews and from my experience at the store, i'm glad to know there's a pet store with knowledgeable staff and good products to help you take care of your furry buddies.
Great place! I love the all the choices of dog food! Lola also loves the fake grass outside!! It gives it such a great touch. The staff is always friendly and helpful. Prices are competitive bit I will continue shopping here because of the great crew!
We got a Shitzu a couple of days ago, and upon discussions with other pet owners, they recommended getting a crate for him. Sparky is 8 weeks old. In talking with my friend, she recommended going to Pet Food Express on Market Street because she said everyone there is nice and she likes going there. (We were going to go to another pet store because we had a coupon.)
When we got to Pet Food Express, we looked around for a while and then went up to the check-out counter to ask for help. Keith was so helpful. He not only gave us attention, but also to Sparky. He was so gentle with Sparky that Sparky took to Keith right away. With Sparky in his arms, he showed us which crate to purchase and what to do. Being a novice pet owner, Keith answered a lot of our questions and made suggestions as to what we would need. What was so nice also was that we did not feel pressure from Keith to buy anything.
I agree with my friend. Everyone is nice there and Keith was very helpful. We had such a positive experience that we will going back.
Every one in this store really knows what they are doing and are really into pets. My dog Rocky loves going into the store, and everyone there remembers his name. The most important thing is the quality of service and knowledge everyone has there and they always have in depth knowledge of their products. It all boils down to quality, quality, quality!
They have the most comprehensive selection of natural foods and litter without the disgusting unnatural smells that grocery store brands have. And the people who work here are so friendly and knowledgeable--often telling personal anecdotes about their own pets. I would recommend it a billion times!
I could say the things which everyone else has said about Pet Food Express: great staff, slightly pricey - but, with a great selection of pet supplies... yaddah, yaddah, yaddah.
What hasn't been said is that they generally tend to take 20% off of anything you purchase if you have a rescue dog AND if you buy three of something (like "Bags on Board") the fourth one is free.
Score! I'll be back for those discounts alone - I may be a pet owner, but I'm a poor as hell pet owner.
A stop for every pet related item Safeway lacks.
I know, I know...."fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me."
Twice, I have been given totally inaccurate information. Once, trying to recommend a harness for my dog that was nothing what I asked for.
And, then, I was purchasing Nature's Miracle (an enzyme cleaner that gets out pet stains and odors). At the register, the clerk says that I should get the Pet Food Express brand because its organic and smells better. I say, "its the same thing though?" "Oh yeah, its better" he says. "I can use it on carpets?" (because that's the ONLY thing I need it for right now). "Absolutely," he says with certain. When I get home, I realize the label's fine print says that its only a cleaner for hard surfaces/not carpets, and not an enzymatic cleaner.
OK, my fault for not reading the label carefully...but I was at the register and trying to be quick so people in line wouldn't have to wait. Plus, I thought...he works here...he should know! WRONG. Maybe I'll come back for their excellent selection, but I will neither ask for advice or accept it from the people that work here.
So I had another really great experience here today. One of the employees, Mary, really helped me out. I had tons of questions, I guess I was in an inquisitive mood today, and she was so helpful. She probably spent about 10 minutes just answering my questions.
I also really like this place because it's clean and DOESN'T smell like dog when you first walk in and they have a good selection of the more natural foods (even a vegetarian dog food) without it being super expensive!
I also really like that they have parking and this really cute bulliten board with all kinds of doggie info
Tilda really likes going in here. I hear they also offer training classes which I plan on taking. I'll let all my yelp followers (THANKS MOM) know how that goes.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/15/2008
The people who work there are great. The guy behind the counter was personable and helped me with… Read more »
Just adopted a dog last weekend, and went into Pet Food Express with no idea what was going on.
They had everything we needed and were helpful but not pushy in helping us find it. As a bonus, they threw in a free chew toy that is now our little pups favorite thing.
I can't imagine the experience being much better.
This place is certainly going to be the destination for all of our future pet supply needs. Like, for example, the washing that my nose tells me we'll need to get soon..
I went in today and saw that they don't carry any of those awful grocery store brands- purina, iams, etc. The sales associate told me that they no longer carry food that is made from animal by-product meals, meat and bone meal and artificial colors/flavors. They are truly dedicated to educating the public that dogs/cats should be eating wholesome natural foods- not kibble ladden carbohydrates. Another reason I love this place is that they sell Primal (raw frozen food) and you can buy 3 and get the 4th free.
Staff is really knowledgeable and helpful. They carry high quality, healthy food. They have a great selection of toys. The self-service dog wash made bathing my large dog much much easier!!! Prices are decent, although I now buy dog food at B&B Pet Supples where it's a few bucks cheaper...
Pet Food Express is EXTREMELY responsible about the products it sells, they go above and beyond. With so little regulation on pet food it's nice to know that they are looking out for my pup in deciding what to sell. They try their best to make sure they are selling safe, quality food, and they don't sell food if the ingredients are questionable. They even lead test their toys. I frequently check their website for recall information...
So I had a really great experience here today. I came in for the first time with my daughter and husband after we adopted a puppy & I must say that was probably some of the best customer service I've ever received! One of the employees, Camile i believe, very tall and slender , beautiful, very sweet looking girl , helped us pick out everything for my daughters puppy, and I mean EVERYTHING! dog food, pee pads, toys, treats, bowls, leashes, collars, harnesses, the list goes on and on! I easily spent fifteen minutes just asking her questions and she was so kind and patient. I left feeling prepared and even more excited to take our new puppy home. Anyways , Pet food Express is a great store , consider me a regular! Thanks so much, Camile!
I recently moved to San Francisco and this was the first place i went in search of quality dog food ( Timber wolf and Orijen) The man who helped me was very friendly and gave me my first bath for free!
My only complain is back on the east coast i worked at a self service grooming salon where we were fully attentive to our customers who were bathing. we offered nail trimming as well as matt trimming. MOST importantly we didn't put a time limit on our customers for a $15 dollar bath! Nope for $19 you could wash and dry your dog for as long as you wanted with as much shampoo as you needed. (for my huge dog) We also provided brushes and made sure the shop and tubes were disinfected between dogs. Over all people were generally nice. and they had a decent selection for a chain store.
For the size and location, Pet Food Express is well stocked with animal needs. Never have I walked out of the place in despair because they were lacking in size, selection, or price (see my Petsmart review).
The thoughtful customer service is impeccable.
I focus on getting a harness and leash for my kitten, and they help me also consider a clearance carrier or a reasonable backpack to bike around with my kittie (my kittie likes "exploring" the urban outdoors, like me).
I will focus on a flea preventative and kitten shampoo, and they also help me consider getting a brush too. The brush came in handy to really brush out the loose furs and excessive dandruff.
These people think of everything! Even a god send parking lot!
I love the buy 3 get the 4th on free deal. While this isn't practical for everything, it is perfect for the staples that you always need to have on hand for your pooch. Prices are reasonable, stock plentiful, and staff super friendly.
I have also used their dog wash, and while it results in my little guy running like a crazy dog all over the store, it is super convenient to have all the supplies in one place.
This place is great! The service is always outstanding and they make Noe feel like a queen (as she should).
This is by far one of the best Pet Food / Supply stores in SF. Staff is extremely helpful. our understanding is that the owners of the chain put all of their employees through an extensive training on pet nutrition. We had problems with our Boston Terrier. A problem that could not be solved by our vet, was taken care of by Ernie here at Pet Food Express. He suggested putting the dog on a single protein source Diet. While the first brand of kibble helped a little, he suggested a second which we tried and ..sure enough probelm solved.
Again, the staff is exceptionally helpful..Ernie, Philip, Keith,...
Oh yeah, they have a great deal on itmes such as buy 2 get one free on dog food, or buy three get the fourth free on "Mellow Mutt"...Also they have a great return policy..but since they are so nice in this place I would be embarrased to return anything..
The Pet Food Express out at Stonestown is just as good as this place...
Honestly...I try not to shop in corporate companies, but this one is an exception.
Brian R. nailed it on the spot, this place feels like the Ma & Pa store.
At first you walk in, I'm not bombarded with people trying to "help me find something". They make me feel like I'm capable of finding things for myself. Then when I'm lookin' like a lost puppy tryin' to find its bone, that's when someone comes to my rescue and saves me.
They've got good products at decent prices, for almost any kind of pet.
But what keeps me comin' back are the folks that work there. I don't know them all by name, but I know all their smiles.
This place is like Rainbow for pets, I think.
I like the fact that it's a local chain, and I've had great, friendly, knowledgeable customer service every time I've gone. They have a good selection of fancy-schmancy pet food and supplies, and lots of organic and eco-friendly stuff. I also like that they partner with SPCAs and other non-profits to facilitate adoptions.
I used to feed Snaut Science Diet, and I always got it at Petco in the Potrero Center because it was on my bike route home from work. That store is seriously sick though, and my heart died a little every time I went.
When I moved to the Upper Market, I gave this place a try, only to find that they don't carry Science Diet. But a really nice employee suggested I try Royal Canin, which she said is similar, and if my cat didn't like it, I could bring it back what was left for a full refund. Turns out he did like it, so, perfect.
Tonight I bought some crazy cat litter called "Kitty Pearls" or something absurd that is supposed to last like 8 times as long as normal cat litter and stink less. And it's supposedly all natural, no chemicals, EARTH-SAFE. We will see how that works out. So far, so three-pees good.
My grandma called me the other night to tell me that our dog Penny was too skinny. Hahaha! I just had to throw that in. Seriously, I think everyone is too skinny for my grandma!
We stopped by Pet Food Express to pick up some food for our dog since we were in the neighborhood. My husband found a brand called "Call of the Wild" full of all kinds of foul: duck, chicken, quail, etc. Penny loves fowl. We picked up a bag to mix with her old food. We also picked up some wet dog food and a plastic 10-lbs dog food container. VERY handy by the way!
The service was very friendly and helpful. The prices are ok. However the treats that we usually get our dog were more expensive here. They also have a self service dog bath and that is why it smelled like wet dog while we were shopping.
I heart you, Pet Food Express. I don't have a dog, which is what you have the largest product supply for, but I care not. My cats and bunny thank you for your organic, holistic and SUPERIOR PREMIUM food selection. Okay, so you don't carry some of the OTHER (science diet) food that my cats used to love...you recommended royal canin...and my pet's vet agreed.
Your staff is friendly, your aisles are clean and it doesn't smell like rodent or bird poo. Your check out clerks don't pick their noses or talk on the phone or ignore me like at other stores (petco).
Plus, you have fresh organic kitty grass and packaged timothy hay, which is actually GREEN (not brown). My cats and bunny are ever so grateful!!!
One last thing, you are located in one of my favorite parts of town..wedged right between castro and hayes valley...and you are convenient to get to.
I think that I'm in love.
Thanks!
