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San Mateo Pet Supply
Categories: Pets Pet Stores Pets Pet Services Pet Stores, Pet Services [Edit]
346 El Camino RealRedwood City, CA 94062
(650) 365-6738
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9 am - 7 pm
51 reviews for San Mateo Pet Supply
51 reviews in English
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Review from Joshua M.
Redwood City, CA
3/26/2012
I was finally compelled to review SMPS after I made the mistake of dropping by Petco to pick up dog food due to convenience. They had my dogs' brand... for $10-12 more for a 30-pound bag. The same was true for the food from which we recently switched them, and for my cats' food. Oh, and SMPS keeps your bar codes and records for the buy-10-get-1-free deal that many of the smaller food companies run, so you don't have to (and at least for me, invariably forget), which makes it an even better deal.
For me, getting the same product at a locally owned store for less than the big chains charge makes my decision a no-brainer. Add in a comprehensive selection and (mostly) knowledgeable and helpful employees, and the only time I go to a Petco or PetSmart is when I happen to be right there or I need something after SMPS's 7pm close.
Interesting reading the other reviews here. One theme in the negatives is the behind-the-counter dog population. AFAIK, these dogs are rescues and fosters, not the employees' personal animals, but I could be wrong. (I was on the fence about 4 or 5 stars, but the tiebreaker was trying to counteract the negatives.) -
Review from Susan L.
Redwood City, CA
5/4/2012
Prices are kind of high, but they have a good selection of pet supplies for dogs and cats. A good pet supply store if you want to go somewhere different than the chain stores like Petco or Petsmart.
I enjoy coming here mostly to visit the cats up for adoption, and to pick up feline supplies. There's a bunch of kitties here, mostly kittens but there are some adults cats too. This is a good place to come check out if you are wanting to adopt a feline companion. They have a neat room for the cats to play that you can view through the outside window. It's fun to walk by to see the cats hanging out in there.
Gotta say, the large dogs behind the counter make me nervous. It seems chaotic behind the counter how it's set up. Once a larger dog jumped up and barked at me menacing. I don't mean that the dog was going to attack me, but it was startling nonetheless. The worker was standing there but didn't seem to notice anything amiss.
The workers we have encountered are never too friendly or smiley. They could use a makeover on courtesy skills. I wish they offered a pleasant greeting and a thank you for purchases. They seemed a bit more friendly to regulars though. I probably only would have given one star if not for the cats that are housed here. -
Review from caitlin M.
Palo Alto, CA
12/8/2011
The first time I went in I thought the place was amazing and they even gave me samples of cat food.
The other day I went in and asked a simple question about cat food, asking how to change my cat's food. The young man proceeded to look at me as if I was some crazy lady who randomly came in off the street and tried to talk to him about theoretical physics. Once he came to, so to speak, he looked at me, like the crazy, lady, and said, " I wouldn't know anything about that, let me go get someone else." The other man, when asked for a sample or tips for changing food, also looked at me like a Martian (I've been given samples from employees before), while the other boy took a phone call, and I over heard him say, "We're the ones with the most seniority today, so-and-so went home already. The other man came back with sample from a company that I just said I didn't want because another employee from the store said that the owner of the company had changed and so had the product. He then went in the back for some reason and was taking forever I and I just walked out and left. I thought the whole ordeal was such a waste of time and being looked at like a moron for asking a legitimate question after driving in traffic ticked me off. What really irritated me was that I was apparently supposed to know to call ahead to know if certain employees were there or not in order to have some semblance of service.
Though my first experience was positive, the second was so ridiculous I doubt I'll ever go back. -
Review from Valerie M.
Redwood City, CA
11/6/2011
I love this place! I've been shopping here for years -partly because i want to support small, independent businesses, and partly because they sell the brands that we feed our cat and dog -THAT YOU CANNOT FIND AT THE CHAIN STORES!
Michelle is great! -
Review from thedudeabides l.
San Francisco, CA
11/4/2011
Meh to barely tolerable.
They have all the stuff you need for chickens (food, scratch, hay, laying boxes, cages) but the service stinks -- slowwwwww, can't find someone to help you, they treat you like you did something wrong or are stupid, bins never refilled, etc. Since the only other option is going all the way to HMB we deal. Price is OK but buy in bulk from the back of the store. -
Review from Annie D.
4/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came in to take a look at what they had.
They do have a nice selection in the back for dog and cat food, not much stuff for birds, but they do have bins for the self serve bird seeds you can buy per lb.
Prices are ok, not the cheapest. -
Review from Mickey M.
San Carlos, CA
12/12/2011
I started going here to get supplies for my chickens. It's either this or drive over the hill to Half Moon Bay where the services is WAY worse than what other reviews complain about here.
Eventually, I branched out to cat food, toys and supplies. Great prices, tremendous selection, good service. Bonus - it is a locally owned, independent store. -
Review from moosie m.
San Carlos, CA
7/21/2011
great selection of cat items from food to toys. folks know what they are talking about and are quite helpful. also love the cat condos and viewing of the adoptees.
haven't had issues with fighting dogs or rude staff. they were friendly each time i've been there.
support local business!!! -
Review from Laura 'jinx.tv' K.
Redwood City, CA
6/9/2007
This place has a really great selection of natural and alternative catfoods. You want food without cornmeal? They have it. You want high protein food, they have that, too. Lots of brands and a big selection of both canned and dry food.
Other things this store has that I like...kitty strollers, cat harnesses, refills for your "Da Bird" toy, feeding syringes.
I wish they were open later. Also, the counter service is usually nice but can be a bit slow and they sometimes seem a bit reluctant to give you a bag to put your stuff in. Still, as long as it's open when I need to go buy catfood, this is definitely the place I'll go.Listed in: Redwood City
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Review from Lianas V.
San Diego, CA
3/14/2009
They have every flavor of Feline Greenies!
Adorable cats for adoption!
Glad to have an independent pet supply place close by!Listed in: Bay Area Bests
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Review from Erin M.
1/5/2008
The truth is, I'm not extremely impressed with San Mateo Pet Supply. As far as I'm concerned, a pet store only needs to have a (somewhat) varied selection of food, toys, and litter for the cats. Anything else is optional. However, it is always nice to be able to walk into a pet store and find what you want without much hassle. Reduced prices are nice, and it is very important to walk out without sneezing due to allergies. Today was my first visit to SMPS, I found the food I wanted in short order, but they didn't have a very large bag for sale. The layout of the store is a bit disorganized, and the kennels with adopted cats are small and right near the cash register (so if you're particularly allergic to cats, it's hard to avoid them). The cat supplies weren't any more varied than what you'd find at any other pet store.
In conclusion: stop by if it's convenient, but don't make a special trip.Listed in: In the Red-hood
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Review from Michelle A.
Benson, NE
1/11/2009
I do enjoy the convenience of the self dog wash they have here which is only $10 and they provide towels etc.
The big problem I have, like some of the other reviewers, is with the huge pit bull/pitt mixes (not the bulldog) that are just at arms length on the other side of the counter with only a waist high swinging door separating them from me and my lab. I know that not all pit's or other aggressive breads are dangerous but it's not my job as a customer to assume those aren't. It's very unnerving and scary to be in there walking around with your pet. I usually just go to the back, wash my dog, and get the hell out of there. The fact that a couple of teenagers are usually in charge of keeping them in that pin doesn't exactly scream safety either. I just think it's super inappropriate and why does one of them have micro cropped ears?!! I hope it was a rescue that was already like that because that is awfully cruel and difficult to even look at.
Bottom line - If there was another place around here that had the same type of service, I would go there in a heartbeat and never step foot in this place again. -
Review from sprout s.
San Francisco, CA
6/23/2008
I enjoy shopping at this store. My pit bull, Sampson, always gets his food from here. I enjoy chatting it up with the employees at this pet shop! Always friendly and full of good stories to swap with.
There are these beautiful pits at this shop! So friendly!!!! My dog and I like coming here.
Ps) This pet shop has never been out of stock of our pet food ;) -
Review from Susan D.
4/27/2007
This is a cool local petstore. I was visiting a friend who took me here cause we were going to go hiking and I wanted to get some Frontline first for my lil girl. (I'd heard ticks in the hills might carry lyme disease.) Anyway, they have a neat store, complete with raw foods, toys, tents for your pets, and horse supplies! LoL
The Frontline (which they keep behind the counter) was less $$ than my vet offered it for and they sell it in 3 month supply instead of 6, which made it more affordable too. It was still almost 2x what I can get it for online but, hey... we needed it today! -
Review from Nikki S.
Redwood City, CA
7/20/2006
A great alternative to pet food megamarts. They helped me carry my dog's 40lbs of kibble to the car, and it's small enough that you can actually find things. Good selection of food and treats, and I think that the toys are actually fairly priced.
One thing--last time i was there they were selling non-alcoholic beer for dogs. Now that's just not right. If I'm gonna let my dog drink, I'm giving her something good--not poochy o'douls. Fortunately for both of us, I champion doggie prohibition. -
Review from Love to Dive L.
Mountain View, CA
11/21/2007
I'm biased as I adopted my dog through this place. (The rescuer is actually a patron who advertised the puppy through Craigslist and San Mateo Pet Supply.) I met the dog rescuer and my future puppy at this store and the store provided me with California Natural puppy food for free (for six months). So yeah, I guess you can call me biased. =)
I actually never knew that mom and pop pet supply stores existed until I came here. Call me naive... but I never had any reasons to go to any other pet supply store (other than Pet Club) before I owned this new puppy.
This store has a really nice selection of natural foods for your dog. I love the treat bins that they have in the back. For $1.99 a pound you may pick from all the yummy flavors that they have. And they carry treats made by the same company that makes Ca. Natural, Innova, Evo, etc. This is really rare to find (at least for me). They sell stuff for cats, dogs, birds and even horses! Go figure!
The staff is very friendly and will offer to help carry heavy bags of food to your car. There is just one lady (dunno her name) who is just plain grumpy. She looks at you with evil eyes... like you're a huge bother when you walk through that door. And even when you smile at her and acknowledge her presence (perhaps she's feeling a bit unloved?)... And even though I would go there at least once a month (sometimes every week when I first got my puppy), she was still a grouch... showing no love for repeat customers... or perhaps she was giving me the evil eyes because I came so often? Anyways, I decided that they are still worth 5 stars because they are a mom and pop place; and there's only one bad apple. I usually see miss evil eyes when the manager, Michelle, isn't there...
Even though they are on busy El Camino, they have a nice large parking lot and plenty of parking out front.
I'm all for supporting local businesses and do encourage you to do the same. Sadly, they are not close enough to my home so I don't normally shop there. And who knows, after this review... I may get more than just evil eyes from miss evil eyes.
I go to Pet Food Depot instead, which is another mom & pop place that is close to my home. -
Review from Sonali A.
Palo Alto, CA
11/11/2008
I love this place - very good selection of the good kind of dog food - not the usual brands that petsmart / petco kinda chains carry, but the kind that is actually good for your dog. Excellent selection of bulk treats / cookies as well!
I dont really buy my usual dog supplies from here as I get most of my stuff online, but I come back here over and over again for my Innova bag of dog food and the bulk treats.
The staff is really warm and friendly too. Parking is never a problem here. -
Review from Shelley B.
Burlingame, CA
8/14/2010
This place came highly recommended. I really wanted to like this place! Each time I went back I was hoping to have a better experience that would hopefully change my mind. But that didn't happen, like the other reviewers, I was never greeted with a can I help you find something, do you have any questions. Like Megan T I feel that I am putting someone out to ring me up.
The prices are OK, not much less than other places. I would rather pay a couple dollars more for friendly service. -
Review from Spicy T.
San Francisco, CA
5/15/2010
The selection of poultry feed is not that great. Prices are fair.
Their non-feed supplies are on the expensive side. I could not believe a feeder that was sold for $17 or $20 at other stores is $38 here! -
Review from Rachel N.
Redwood City, CA
5/11/2010
I really want to like this place. I used to come here frequently to buy my dogs food because SMPS was one of the closest places that carried it (Eagle Pack). I also liked their wide selection of leashes/collars/toys, etc.
However, the last few times I have left with a bad taste in my mouth. Unfriendly cashiers (every time I went I saw someone new, still unfriendly!) I think once out of the many times I've shopped here I was greeted with a smile.
As others have said, in this day and age, with so much competition in the pet supply industry, customer-service can make or break a business.
I am sorry to say I won't be returning. -
Review from Jimmy S.
Oakland, CA
5/12/2011
I have given this pet store too many chances. The back of the house employees, the guys that are stocking feed, carriers and such, are awesome and helpful. The girls at the register are just rude and indifferent. They are usually on the ground playing with their own pets that are in a little enclosure. As another reviewer posted, I was also there a day a dog fight/argument broke out and it did scare me a bit. When the girls do ring you up they act as if they are doing you a favor. The assortment of supplies, toys and feed IS pretty spectacular and it makes sense to support a small business but I have gone elsewhere.
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Review from Kristin G.
San Mateo, CA
7/27/2009 6 Check-ins Here
I've been here a few times to find hard to find items. I think they have a great selection and have always gotten good service when in there.
I was in there when the pit bulls were in there and they are friendly. So I'm not sure if the other reviewers have little designer dog's and are scared of their own shadows or what, or the ever boring choice of lab.
I wish this place was around the corner from me, but I'm definitely going to shop there more. -
Review from Sara O.
Oakland, CA
4/3/2007
This place is damn cool. I don't live in San Mateo, so this isn't my regular pet store. However, our friend got a super cool travel water dish/bottle for her dog here, so we checked it out. It's awesome! They have a GREAT selection...there are all kinds of fun things for your dog, ranging from unique toys to useful accessories to food. And they have a self-service dog wash in the back.
Plus, the people who work here are SUPER friendly. They told my dog she is beautiful over and over, which (of course) she really appreciated. -
Review from Deborah D.
Redwood City, CA
3/27/2010
The only pace on the mid-peninsula to buy pet food and products. Prices are better than commercial stores. Staff is helpful and knowledgeable. The adoptable cats are quite the attraction for my kid. And they're very well taken care of.
They have a dog wash if you need one. -
Review from s h.
Woodside, CA
2/21/2011
Has a great selection of dog foods, and a better than average selection of treats. The dog food I prefer--California natural--I can't get any place else.
The staff is not particularly welcoming or helpful, but I've never experienced anyone being outright rude, either. If they have what you need, by all means, go there. -
Review from Bhavana C.
Redwood City, CA
6/14/2006
Friendly staff, great selection of pet food. They have several kinds of cat litter, and one of the staff members turned my on to Cat Country Organic Wheatgrass Litter. It is wonderful! Clumps, smells good, is flushable/biodegradable.
I only wish they carried raw food which is only what I feed my cat now. Check out: Primal Pet Foods http://www.primalpetfo... -
Review from Amy F.
Seattle, WA
6/19/2006
This is a little pet store (packed with pet products, from birds to horses and every other pet in between). Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. They have the attitude that your dog brings YOU to the store, not the other way around! We were looking for some way to give our dog a bath (hose, shampoo, bucket??) for our apt. Well, we found out they have a "Do It Yourself dog washing" area right there!
Real (human) bath tubs, with a ramp for the dogs to walk up. They supply rubber aprons, shampoo, towels and hair dryer too. All for $10! What a deal. We all left clean and happy. -
Review from Tito C.
Redwood City, CA
9/13/2007
The only place i go for my dogs food. Great prices and a huge selection of toys and other items my dog doesn't deserve but gets anyways.
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Review from Laura S.
Redwood City, CA
10/19/2006 2 photos
Damn do I love places with tons of space for you to park your car. Not that Redwood City is as hard-up for parking spots as San Francisco, but I love it that San Mateo Pet Supply has their own parking lot PLUS parking in front and a good amount of street parking as well. Even though it's a big blue building, this place can be a little easy to miss cause it veers slightly off El Camino (it's close to the 7-11 and that shopping center on Whipple with the TMobile and Starbucks). I didn't even know about them until I was at Shore Dogs Park one day and was talking to this woman about "dog chains" (my neighbor seriously needed one - the kind you string up to let your dog run all over on a chain but not get tangled up). She was a professional dog walker and said said "San Mateo Pet Feed. They'll have it." Like I'm the last person to hear about this place (btw I've heard it referred to with several different names, like San Mateo Pet Feed, San Mateo Pet Feed and Supply, San Mateo Pet Supply...).
The staff is quite helpful and they have all kinds of stuff here, including hay and straw for livestock (just walk to the very back). One day I needed some straw to mulch my tomato plants and got it here for just 99 cents a bag (the price went up a little due to inflation but really it's still super cheap). They've got a cool "serve yourself" area for all kinds of pet kibble (like rabbit food, bird seed, etc) that reminds me of Rainbow Grocery. And of course, they have plenty of pet toys. I got lots of toys for my kitties from this place, including a great little blue rubber thingymabob you use to pet, comb, massage and "de-shed" your cat at the same time.
And if you're looking for a kitty to call your own, they often have a few cute kittens (the rescued type that are fostered, NOT the type that are "bred!!!") in the display cage to the right of the cashier. They also have cat adoption fairs twice a month through the homeless cat network(http://www.homelesscat...).
The most fun thing about this place is getting to see the bright-eyed, tail wagging, just-shampooed-and-blow-dried doggies coming out from the "dog wash" area in the back. They look so fresh and happy (and so do their owners).
Go check 'em out! -
Review from pak l.
Yelm, WA
3/9/2007
They now have a dog self-wash for $10 and not fancy, but has everything you need. In the area, this is the only place I've seen with a self-wash. They have a great variety of foods, toys, and pet items although I've seen slightly better prices at another location. Very nice staff and I love the bulldog that hangs out behind the counter!!
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Review from reyna s.
San Francisco, CA
4/29/2009
I've been into San Mateo pet supply several times recently and the staff is usually very helpful and nice. They've got a great selection of foods, toys, dog beds and and all manner of bird seed and chicken feed. It's really great to see a locally owned place also so involved in rescue/re-homing. Way to support the area pet community! Easy parking too.
I haven't encountered these "vicious" pit bulls that other reviewers are mentioning, but frankly the reviewers come off as nervous nellies. Dogs bark and jump around, it's what they do. If it makes you uncomfortable, there are several other places with self-wash just up El Camino. -
Review from Leslie W.
Redwood City, CA
4/18/2011
I've been going to this place for years,and I dread it. The staff is so unfriendly and generally unhelpful. Just yesterday the cashier got upset at me because she forgot to ring up the cat litter and the credit card has just been processed. The service would be improved if they installed those self-serve registers at Home Depot. At least I wouldn't have to put up with the surly attitude. It's really hit or miss if they are willing to help take the items out to the car, even if it's a 40 pound bag. If I could find another place to get the special cat food my cats need and a good source for chicken supplies, I would stop coming here. I want to support small business, but they make it so hard.
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Review from Jason R.
Mountain View, CA
6/4/2006
Great place to find food for your pooch. They carry both Innova and California Natural. Great people behind the counter that know the product. Small selection of toys and other goods, which you can find cheaper elsewhere, but that doesn't detract from five stars for the food selection.
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Review from heather c.
Oakland, CA
11/21/2010
My positive review is based mostly on the vaccination clinic that is offered here on Sundays. It's quick, efficient, and the price is right.
Before shopping around, I always vaccinated my dogs at Banfield Pet Hospital inside the Petsmart in Redwood City. I always felt like I was taking them to "Doggie Kaiser". Banfield even encouraged me to get doggie health insurance the last two times I was there. I had to pay for a physical exam two months in a row, because their bordatella shot was due. Well, I wasn't about to fetch my wallet for a third monthly physical just because my girl dog was in need of her distemper shot in order to be boarded for the holidays. I came upon the clinic through an internet search. $15 vs. $30 for the shot=awesome! On the phone I was instructed to just drop in vs. making an appointment. I brought the dog in, and was led to a back room. The vet appeared experienced, and my dog didn't display any discomfort or even recognition that she'd been pricked by a needle. So simple. Also, I don't think the cashiers or staff are rude. I think that they are genuine and not overly involved in your pet store experience. I've been there before and needed help finding the right harness for my dogs, and they were great. The store itself is much larger than I realized it was. Don't be thrown off by the shabby exterior, this place is great! One star off only because they don't carry my favorite dog food, Prairie, that makes a dog's fur as soft as a chinchilla. -
Review from Shell G.
Redwood City, CA
10/2/2008
I shop here all the time. its one of the very few places that carries EVO, which is the best food for your dog. I was feeding my dog Science Diet until the staff kindly informed me of the ingredients. Its just full of by-products. All the Natura dog foods are completely natural! Im so thankful that they gave me all those free samples!
I think the best part of the store is the staff.. they always have smiles and are always willing to carry out my dog food. Being pregnant, it is always nice to get a helping hand. I dont even have to ask, they always offer!
If your serious about your dog loving skills, then you'll get the time to know the "vicious pit bulls" behind the counter. Go ahead and stereotype them all you want, but your being extremely hypocritical ... if you actually took the time to get the know them, or even put your hand out for them to sniff... you would realize from the first second that they are the sweetest "pits" you will ever meet. and for bring children into the store... iv seen plenty of customers put their young children behind the counter to play with "vicious dogs." the staff is always inviting kids to go back there and always making an extra effort to ensure the customers of the pits sweetness.
The larger pit.. known as Duke, had his ears cut off from his orginal owner who wanted him to be a fighter, but once realizing that he did not fight other dogs, he threw in to the streets, where the humane society found him. then, out of the kindness of his heart, one of the SMPS employees took the time to get to know him, and realized how sweet he was, and took him to a good home.
and for them jumping on the counter? please.. have you seen that counter?? a great dane would even have trouble jumping on that counter.
I really think people ought to give every dog a chance. i admit i was terrified of duke from the second i saw him, but when the employees informed me of his kindness, i gave him a chance by walking up to the gate, and he ran over to me with a wagging tale and lots of very wet kisses. -
Review from Shana A.
Fort Bragg, CA
Updated - 8/28/2009
I love love love this place! The self wash dog wash is awesome especially after a trip to the beach with your pooch. Also, FYI go to their website for coupons! The staff here are great and it's nice to support a local business.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/14/2007
I'm on the fence with this place. The selection of cool little things for your pets is awesome. Cool… Read more »
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Review from J B.
Redwood City, CA
9/30/2008
I have shopped here for year's and although the staff (one person in particular) has always had quite the attitude they were close and easy to use. I was in there last time to pick up some supplies that we buy in bulk from them and that they gave us a SMALL discount on. This time the clerk (she says she is the owner but I doubt it) gave me nothing but attitude, telling me the price had gone up and we can't expect her to give us that price....and on and on and on.
She was so nasty I really was in shock but I did manage to ask her how much the increase was and it turns out it was $2.00...no big deal. I would have been happy to pay the additional $2.00 but I really wasn't given that chance. She then turned on me again and said that we are only supposed to pay in cash and she won't take a debit card from us....ummmmm we've used a debit card there for years!
I honestly have never come across someone that was so nasty and dealt with on old (good) customer that way. I will NEVER go back I actually am finding my supplies online for $25.00 less than what they were charging me.
The 2 pit bulls are relatively new in the store and they do jump up on the counter and are very aggressive. Its amazing to me that they feel that those dogs should be allowed to lunge at folks as they walk up to the counter. Its a law suit waiting to happen. -
Review from Kevin S.
San Francisco, CA
4/6/2005
Incredible prices on pet foods, and they carry Canidae at about 1/3 off the price of other places. Not a huge selection of treats, gadgets or other pet claptrap, but you can buy horse stuff here which I believe is properly called tack. You have to walk thru the horse section to get to the dogfood, which is kinda fascinating.
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Review from Deb N.
Palo Alto, CA
9/12/2009 3 photos
THis place is huge, love the selection for pet products, more of the mom and pop feel, not the big box.
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Review from Amanda S.
San Francisco, CA
9/29/2006
This is a great pet store. They were extremely helpful and have quality products. I bought a bunch of toys here and they lasted forever.
