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The Pet Cabaret
4404 Washington St
(between Durnell Ave & Metropolitan Ave)
Roslindale, MA 02131
(617) 323-7387
- Hours:
Tue-Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
30 reviews for The Pet Cabaret
This may be my new favorite pet store in Boston. While apartment hunting in Roslindale over the weekend, I stopped into The Pet Cabaret and was greeted by Giaccomo, the cutest little shop cat ever.
The staff of the Pet Cabaret was warm and welcoming. They showed me where all of there cat items were. They were there if I needed help, but not pushy and overbearing if I wanted to be left alone. It was the perfect amount of customer service. Plus, they carry the giant cans of Wellness cat food which are impossible to find. And they offer a discount if you buy 2 cases. Fantastic. Pet Cabaret also carries the full line of EVO cat food- also very hard to come by.
The Pet Cabaret also carried adorable cat toys. I picked up a cute little catnip toy shaped like a flea. My cat is snuggling with it right now, which is the ultimate sign of approval.
J'adore. Pet Cabaret can not be beat. Thanks to the staff of stars, I've been able to survive life with dogs with food allergies, behavioral "issues", a compulsion to chew through steel, and a terrible desire to roll in roadkill. Between the do-it-yourself dog wash, unending supplies of kongs and bully sticks, and the super-knowledge base about food, food allergies, and homeopathic remedies, Pet Cabaret won my heart.
And it's locally-owned to boot. Woot!
When you have furball Corgis like I have, eventually you reach the point where you just drive them to the groomer and tell them to do whatever it takes to make your life less miserable. As you might guess, the grooming bills can add up and doing it yourself seems more like something one should consider. I mean, I've driven by The Pet Cabaret numerous times and have seen the sign advertising the DIY dog wash, but today, the moon must have aligned with the doggy stars because I just COULD NOT take the shedding anymore and the GF and I drove the Corgis over for a date with the DIY.
Best decision yet! First, as everyone has noted, the staff is smart, helpful, and knows animals. And, if something isn't in stock (i.e. the 30+lb bag of Senior Wellness), then they can order it, no biggie. Products are displayed well, too; take a moment to read the little descriptions on all the dog treats. They're funny.
Totally worth it to use the DIY dog wash. It's easy, clean, lots of space, they don't hassle you to hurry up (though there is a 30 minute limit which, if you can't do it in 30 minutes, then I don't know WHAT to tell you), and my Corgis are clean and the GF and I are still together. Best part? I paid $48 total for the wash as compared to nearly $100. Granted, I still had to come home and brush them out, but next time--and there WILL be a next time--I'll just bring the brush.
So, if you have your own hairy beast, just go to The Pet Cabaret. Yup, just go.
The staff was very helpful and knowledgeable: taking the time to listen to what I was wanting for my dog, looking at him, and then coming up with suggestions of holistic remedies, how they are work, are used, and other things to keep a look-out for. While the store is a bit more pricey ($59 versus $52 for the 45lb of dog food I usually get), I am happy to pay the extra amount for the happy, knowledge, friendly,non-pushy/respectable staff. For example, they suggested a different supplements, but that I wait until I finish what I am currently using in order to cut down on my bill, as opposite to some other stores that have blasted me for doing this or not doing that and that I immediately need to switch or face some horrible fate.
They had a large selection of (in my opinion) of holistic remedies, Wellness and other brands of foods (for cats and dogs), toys, and supplies. For my dog with food and other allergies and separation anxiety, this is a place that we can go to get supplies and make sure he gets what needs to be healthy and happy.
The store cat was awesome and I enjoyed getting my cat with with petting, rubbing the ears, and listening to the purr.
I take comfort in knowing that my questions will be honestly answered and I am not treated as just another sale. The staff here makes this store into a great resource, much more than just a well-stocked market. For those looking into starting or continuing a more holistic approach to your pet's needs (dogs, cats, small mammals, a few fish items), this is the place to go.
I have to say that I was really impressed by the Pet Cabaret. Not only did they have everything I needed, but the service was incredible. My poor beagle-mix dog has been having pollen allergies all summer (who knew?) which has caused her skin to be very itchy. The woman working at Pet Cabaret spent a long time helping me find food and supplements that could improve my dog's problem, without ever being pushy. She even told me I could come back and exchange the food for something new if my dog didn't like it or it didn't work. If you want to go to a pet supply store where you will get personal attention and help finding the right products for your pet, definitely come here.
I live in JP and have a puppy who we walk in the Arboretum all the time. Whenever I complain about anything (because puppies are puppies), seasoned dog parents at the Arboretum always say, "You should go to the Pet Cabaret. The Lisas can help you with that."
Well, I have already been there! When Logan was less than 3 weeks old, and we ran out of formula, we went to the Pet Cabaret to stock up. When he was a bit older, we picked up some toys. When he was old enough to take outside, they helped us pick out the right harness. When we decided to foster Logan's deaf littermate, they helped us find the perfect forever home for her!
This place is great. Nice selection of toys, collars, harnesses, foods, etc. Although I am not a proponent of holistic medicine (I am a veterinarian and strictly adhere to evidence-based medicine), they do have a large selection of products that a lot of people swear by.
The Lisas are friendly and knowledgeable. They will spend the time needed to educate their clientele, and there is no pushiness or hard sell. The products they have in their store are there because they believe in them, and they only have high-quality toys and treats.
They were even super nice when I have both puppies in there, having meltdowns. They rescued a feather toy that my foster puppy was enamored with and didn't seem upset at all when she looked up with feathers sticking out of her mouth. They were really nice when Logan picked out a few (unauthorized) treats to take home.
Overall, a really nice place to go if you have pets.
Their store cat is awesome, too!
Love the Pet Cabaret!! The staff is friendly and helpful (never pushy or overbearing) and they have a great selection of food, toys and supplies. It's a great neighborhood store and definitely worth the trip!
I am aggravated by downtown pet stores that can price a small dog chew toy for $15 and sick of the commercial big-wigs. This store is my new found love.
Pet Cabaret is full of color - toys, food, people, and personality! Very friendly staff. They were very knowledgeable on the organic, healthy treats and I was super happy. They have self service wash tubs if you don't want to mess up your tub.
Great place, super friendly and knowledgeable. Nice to support smaller businesses. Plus, one of the owners referred us to a really tasty lunch place :) Will be back again.
I do not know what we would do if the Pet Cabaret were not in our neighborhood. They are our go to place for anything and everything related to our easily excited Vizsla. The ladies who run this shop (although slightly insane,which is a positive) are without a doubt the two most knowledgeable and helpful store owners that I have ever come in contact with. They are well versed in all of the top notch foods that they carry. They will spend the time with any customer to find out the best food for there dog or cat (although why anyone would own a cat is beyond me). They have a wide selection of herbal and holistic type of products as well. We do not use any Frontline or stuff like that and go with what the Lisas recommed to us. Our Vizsla is in the woods every day and very rarely does he come out with a tic on him. It amazes me to be honest. We lived in Somerville before moving to this side of the river and we used to use Frontline on our boy and we would come out of the woods with 5,6,however many tics on him. Not now.
I am new to this whole Yelp thingy and this is one of the first reviews I am writing (Village Sushi is another) and I feel I have to comment about the 1 negative review on here because I feel so strongly that this store is one of a kind and should be a model for other small stores/business'.
The fact that the baths close 1 hour prior to the store itself closing is marked clearly before you even get into the store. I understand that sometimes we all feel like we deserve to be an exception to the rules because of money we spend and such, but those "rules" are in place and are clearly identified. If they do it for you, they have to do it for everyone and then why have the rule ? Also, not to get picky, but I also knew they were going on vacation the previous week from the 4 e-mails I got. You may want to check your spam filter on your e-mail.
The Pet Cabaret is great for cats too! As others have said, they are super knowledgeable and helpful. They gave me lots of suggestions to help my cats with digestive issues. They gave me a ton of free samples of food and pro-biotics. I didn't even buy anything the first time I went it. Definitely worth the little extra money to support such a great neighborhood place and such ethical business people.
Ok, I'm breaking my own rule and reviewing something non-food related because this place is such a gem:
Unlike many neighborhood pet stores that are small and have spotty inventory, this mid-sized store should be considered a destination worth traveling to even if you don't leave nearby.
They have great inventory --especially of pet food & treats that aren't full of chemicals and cheap ingredients. The also have well made gear, toys, etc.
This place shows how a neighborhood business can out compete a big discount store like PetCo by providing a better mix of products and much better service. They have a nice website if you want more of a feel: http://www.thepetcabar.../
FYI, last I heard they were taking an occasional Sunday off so best to check hours before you venture over.
Update: 03/22/09
I was compelled to update my review after having a negative experience at Pet Cabaret today. What happened is: we took our pup to the park and she decided to roll around in a filthy mud pit - she smelled like fish and was covered in mud. We love Pet Cabaret for the simple fact that they have DIY bath tubs, so we took her there to clean her up. It was 3:08 and they close at 4 o'clock. We go inside and they tell us matter-a-factly that they close the tubs One Hour before close, and cannot allow us to bathe our dog. Now, I realize that "Rules are Rules" and they want to get out of there on-time and whatever, but it's 3:08 for crying out loud! After all the conversations we've had with the women who work there, for All the money we've spent there, you would think that they would be a little more accommodating. I've been a walking, talking promotion for them - they know this! We urge people to go there - and this is the response we get. I'm not trying to be a diva - I wouldn't write this review if it were just some random Petco where I wouldn't expect this courtesy - but I honestly feel insulted by their weak response. I expect better from a small shop like theirs. In fact, the week before, they weren't even open for business because they all went on vacation for the week! I found that slightly irritating - especially that they didn't send out an email notifying the customers on their mailing list. I mean, how hard is that? It's just bad business. So, in closing, I'm boycotting Pet Cabaret until further notice. Hope you enjoyed my rant. The End.
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The Pet Cabaret has a very nice selection of high-grade food products, leashes, and toy-toys. They have a freezer w/ Yogund ice cream treats and frozen marrow boney-bones - Bijou's favorite.
The women are very friendly and chatty, and I once saw a pit bull named Beef Cake make a big ol' stink all over their floor, and they were super cool about it. haha.
We usually go here b/c it's close, it's a store you can feel good about shopping at, but mostly - it's because they have Doggie Bath Tubs in the back, where you can scrub down your pup!
It's a great feature, although a little expensive...we usually spend around $25 after the shampoo/conditioner :o( but the relief of not having to do it yourself in your personal bathtub, makes it all worth it. Because it's not a chain, it's definitely more expensive, but it's a really great place to know about it you really want the best for your pup.
We are so lucky to have this gem of a store in our neighborhood! The owners and their workers are more than happy to give you as much time as needed when answering your questions. Whether that is for a new food , a holistic remedy, toys, vet recommendations and even dog walkers.
The products that are sold at the Pet Cabaret are also outstanding. We knew how we wanted to feed and raise our dog and it's a blessing to have a store that is on the same wave length as we are.
Their knowledge of the products they carry as well as health issues in dogs & cats is also outstanding. They care & it shows in all aspects. I always send people to "The Lisas" because I know they will get the best possible advice, service and value. I joke w/ people that I call them before I call my vet - but it's actually true.
Plus what other store can you go into & get a good laugh as well as strike up conversations w/ people & pets that you don't know. Places like this help make a community stronger.
I did notice the recent negative review regarding the bath issue. They close at 4 and it's clearly stated in several places the last bath is an hour before closing. I am assuming that is the rule b/c it probably takes them an hour to clean the wash area. I have bathed my dog there many times & I know the mess we make - imagine a whole day of that.
Don't forget they not only have to clean the wash room but they also have to clean the rest of the store and I am sure stock everything for the next day. Would you rather have a dirty wash room and a store that is not stocked w/ products?
As for their vacation I received several emails and I also noticed the 8x11 bright yellow sign that was up for weeks by the register stating they were going to be closed. Hard to miss.
Good luck w/ your boycott. I hope that Petco & Pet Supplies Plus answers all of your questions w/ care , concern and knowledge. I am sure they will take the time to do that.
Sorry this is so long - I usually don't write reviews but when someone or something deserves props I gotta give them.
A great neighborhood pet store. I should mention that they just carry supplies, not animals. Well, they have a dog/cat/ferret washing area as well (haven't used it - we have a cat - but watching it being used can be great entertainment).
The Lisas are fantastic people - friendly and knowledgeable and always willing to take time to help you get *exactly* what you want or need.
As of June 07, they are now stocking fish supplies - food and maintenance supplies mostly, not the fussy rocks and plastic plants etc. Same high quality as their other supplies.
Pet Cabaret is also a sponsor of the Boston Community Change program (http://www.bostoncommu...). Members get a $2 rebate for each $20+ purchase.
I don't like long self-indulgent reviews, I'm not a writer, but It's not enough that this place exists, or that I gave many thanks to the people who work there while I closed the store, I have to proclaim to whoever will listen that the Pet Cabaret deserves all the business that it can handle, and you should give it to them if you love your animal!
My best friend and constant companion of over sixteen years, my biggest fan and unwavering caretaker, my little orange man, my cat; he was just diagnosed with a chronic Kidney Disease, meaning that as healthy as he is, he now has the disease that will probably end his life even if it's a few years from now. I'm completely unfamiliar with this condition and tried to gather as much information on it as possible before I started buying remedies or dietary supplements, or even just following the well-meaning vet's advice without deviation. But the disease and it's treatments are complex enough that I couldn't learn enough in a day of research to make decisions about it on my own.
What I need is the ear of someone who understands what I'm looking for, the knowledge to offer sound advice based on real-life experience, and the scruples to be honest about my choices. The vets are genuine, but really only know one way of thinking, and they didn't have much advice except 'follow the book, and buy Science Diet'. Science Diet is crap. Where to go?
I went to my regular food supplier, and I really like the place, but the nice people who work there aren't as experienced or as passionate about the animals as I needed.
What to do? I need help, and now. I remembered Yelp. I searched. I found the Pet Cabaret, and all of the reviews were saying what I wanted to be able to say. I called, and even though they were too busy to help me on the phone, I didn't feel like I'd been hung up on, I felt like I'd been treated politely and with attention. Now I KNOW it's where I want to go.
It's 2:30 on a Sunday and I don't know Boston very well, and I can't get my printer to print the directions. Finally I fly out the door with my Mom (visiting for the weekend) and we take our chances.
We rush in less than half an hour before they close, and I'm in a New York rush, thinking that they will give me a little advice and at least I'll get a few things to start me off. I was wrong.
They ALL helped me, didn't rush me, answered all of my questions, and didn't push me to buy anything that wasn't necessary. They had a terrific selection and variety of products. The customers that were coming through clearly had a personal relationship with them, they were greeted by name and animal and all seemed as happy as I wanted to be. I got amazing personal attention, and even their attitude about what I was doing eased my concerns about the KD. They weren't treating this as the Hallmark moment that the vet's pronunciation was. It was just a matter of treating it, and I have a chance of making his life normal. I left when I was finished, with a hefty purchase in a small bag, and happy about every penny I'd spent. It was EXACTLY what I wanted, plus a few things that I didn't know existed. And a white fur mouse with a rattle and some feathers in it's ass. The only toy that he'll play with. I randomly wished out loud for one, and wouldn't you know, a Lisa took one out of a basket.
I couldn't have asked for better. I wanted the best for my cat and I got it. Thank you Yelp! And thank you Pet Cabaret. If you're looking for a place that will provide you with supplies, confidence that you're getting the best and even a smile, this is where you want to go. If you're looking to buy Cat Chow and couldn't imagine why you want something different, this is the place you want to go and learn why.
thankyouthankyouthankyou.
The Pet Cabaret is awesome. A great place for those who really, really, love their pets (like me.) The have the absolute best stuff, and even better customer service. It is so nice to walk into a store and be greeted with a genuine smile, and to be helped by someone who actually knows what the hell they are talking about. The new location is bigger and better, with a dog washing area (which I haven't used because I have short-haired dogs). They have the cutest toys and collars and leashes that you can't find anywhere else, and I love that all of the foods are top of the line- you don't have to wonder if ti's good or not.
Lisa and Lisa are really good people that run a great business,and I appreciate that especially as another business owner! Customer service matters. Great website too!
The folks who work here are awesome & friendly. They'll leave you alone if you want and they'll help you if you ask. I was looking for something uber-durable toy for a German Shepherd pup & the woman was very helpful and showed me which products would and couldn't withstand a voracious chewer. In other words, she didn't lie and try to sell me the most expensive thing. They get regular deliveries from Polka Dog bakery, and are more than happy to put items on hold for you.
They also have a self-serve dog washing service that's convenient, easy to use & inexpensive; they even have a ramp for big dogs (St. Bernards will easily fit).
I love this place. The girls who own the place REALLY love pets and care about them. The quality of food they sell is top notch. They really love animals and even have their own pets there when they work.
It is a family style store..
I definitely reccommend
Wonderful neighborhood place! The product selection is good, a lot of nice toys and accessories as well as high-quality pet foods, but the owners (the Lisas) are what really make this place special. They're pet owners themselves, very knowledgeable, and will give you their honest opinions on what products would be best suited to your particular pet(s) -- not just in it to make as much money as possible. Plus it's one store that I can actually take my dog into, and he's given a warm welcome and they even remember his name, so he loves it!
I really love these guys. They are friendly, helpful, knowledgeable. Every time I go in there, I spend about an hour browsing and just chatting with the owners. They have everything my cat needs, and a whole bunch of stuff he doesn't, but always ends up loving. My go to pet store.
Sigh, sorry store but I wouldn't say this is the best around. I would say that this is a pet store that carries a pretty good variety of foods but I have to hold you (addressing you Mr. or Mrs. the store) up to the memory of Hounds and Company. I was in recently and was pretty obviously having a hard time finding a good sized collar for my dog and there was somebody stocking inventory right there that didn't even try to help or make any suggestions. I ended up getting something after some trial and error so kudos to you for having a decent variety of products. I've heard nothing but good things but really wasn't that impressed with the spot. That being said I will mostly likely be back because of the convenience/non mega-mart factor if nothing else.
This place rules. I needed some dog food to replace the Iams junk my parents had been feeding my dog, so I went to pet cabaret and Lisa was just wonderful. She must have pulled out six or seven different samples of dog food and then sat down on the floor with me while we figured out which kind my dog wanted to eat most. Lisa really took the time to help me figure out what was best for my dog, and has a really good grasp on what products she carries. My elderly, food-spoiled brat of a dog is now totally happy, which is quite a feat. I will definitely be back :)
Great pet store for the dog and cat crazed. If you treat your pet like a child, as I do, you will find plenty to spoil them with at this place. And 2 very knowledgeable and fun owners who will make you want to linger and chat. A real Rozzie gem.
I love love love this place, and so does my pooch! The women and there are always really nice and helpful and so we do all of our pet shopping at Pet Cabaret. They really won me over the other day when I went in looking for a dog bed. I sheepishly told them I needed to watch the price and they immediately steered me towards the cheapest (still high-quality) bed, and even gave me a discount! They've got a great assortment of everything from leashes to beds to treats and natural dog food. The owners/employees are really knowledgeable about their products, and they often refer to how this cat or dog has this or that and love it, which leads me to wonder exactly how many pets each of them has... In any case, totally great store and it's a treat to go in there and watch my dog go crazy with temptation lurking all about!
Fantastic place with knowledgeable owners (and a friendly dog!). We get cat food there occasionally just to visit, but it's too pricey to be our only supplier.
The Lisas are good people...Purple Building rocks!
Even though I get the theme from Cabaret in my head every time I go here, this is my pet store from now on. I walked in and browsed a minute, then asked the person behind the counter (who was busy doing something else, but didn't mind my interruption one bit) for some help transitioning our kitty from kitten food to adult food. Well, she went into more detail than I knew to ask, and gave me some samples of grain-free food for the kitty. She was extremely thorough and patient, and went way beyond my expectations, educating me on the merits of high-quality cat food. Which wasn't even much more expensive than Iams. She was just so knowledgeable! She even recommended which wet foods would be the least stinky in the litter box! I absolutely recommend going to the Pet Cabaret, because you'll feel great about the products they offer, and supporting this great local business. Plus, who doesn't enjoy having Liza stuck in your head.
Excellent selection of merchandise pet food, snacks toys etc. Lots of Holistic stuff and super helpfull staff plus you have to love their poodles.
This is the best pet store ever. We have three large breed dogs. One is allergic to lamb, one has stomach trouble and so forth. Lisa and Lisa have help us out immensely with food, supplements, etc. We use to go to Hounds and Company in JP, but found them not to be knowledgeable, and were way too over priced. Pet Cabaret gives discounts if you buy cases of food, and help bring the huge bags of dog food to the car. And considering we purchase a couple hundreds of pounds of food a month, it is great.


