my visit was great. Anastasia was helpful and patient. she made me feel valued. good selection too.

Store Manager Zac at the Wolf Road branch was outstandingly helpful. I've been shopping here for years and the service is always to notch. Their "Welcome Adoption Bundle" program is outstanding. read more

How have I managed to have pets for so long without ever visiting Benson's? I can't believe I didn't know about this place. My pups have been missing out. It all occurred by chance. I was in the area of Wolf Road and I checked my GPS to find the nearest pet supply store. My GPS directed me to Benson's. When I saw all of the great reviews, I was floored. There are so many great products available at the store that I didn't know about. For instance, if I wanted to feed my dogs frozen venison, there's a freezer full of venison products for dogs here. I actually needed pee pads for the puppy-- who's still in training--and I was looking for new doggie bed that both pets could share. The assortment of beds there was just too much to look through and I figured I'd come back another time when I wasn't in a hurry. The staff is helpful and friendly. When I asked for assistance in locating the pee pads, the clerk actually apologized that they were running low on stock, even though I was able to purchase exactly what I was looking for. This is a big store with a lot of interesting, hard to find stock. I recommend it highly, but the best way to shop at Benson's is to give yourself plenty of time to see all of the inventory. read more

Benson's Pet Center - Great big store with an amazing inventory. - Pet Stores Near Me - Albany, New York

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Awesome employees at Bensons Pet Center in Rotterdam especially KINDER She has been there since I got my cavalier at 3 mo. Always directing me on everything for Cooper to eat and play with. I can totally say she guided me in bringing him to a healthy 2 year old. KUDOS!!! read more

for a year or so my daughter has been begging for a pet she really wanted a betta fish so we went to the store to check it out, we met a VERY helpful employee who gave us soooo much information about keeping fish. Thanks to Joe, my daughter now has two fish a betta (blossom) and an Otto cat (aster)! every now and then when I go to bensons my daughter asks if I saw Joe the Betta man! read more

Benson's Pet Center - Aster is on the turtle blossom is on the top - Pet Stores Near Me - Albany, New York

I went to a competitor about 15 minutes away. One of the big box brands for pets. Well that wasn't a very "smart" decision. There were dozens of dead fish in the tanks, stuck to filter intakes, rotting in the gravel. Sad really. I called Benson's and they had what I was looking for. On principal alone I left this store, hoping they would just leave the live fish market if enough people stopped shopping for them there. Anyway, about Benson's. The tanks there were almost all perfect. I did see one dead fish and some algea on plants, but nothing you won't find anywhere there are dozens of tanks and hundreds of fish. The staff were very helpful and knew their stuff. I'll be back for sure...unless I make the longer trip to Benson's Fish Room where there is even MORE to see and choose from. read more

Great place for all essentials for your pets. They supplied great food for my 2dogs before my one dog was stolen from my residence ,and suggested a great food for my other dog when he wouldn't eat cause my other dog was never found .when the state was doing the stuff with specific people having them live with no heat or electric when they had pets or the stealing of pets for years they supplied a sweater for my dog cause they saw my dog was living with a make shift sweater .Great company they care about pets especially for situations like they knew somebody was doing with me and my 2 dogs read more

Good place for supplies. A wide variety of different brands of food. I was disappointed by the animal selection. But overall if you are not looking for a pet it's a great spot ! read more

I have a mastiff that needed a muzzle he doesn't like other dogs to much. I bought the most expensive one they carry which states on the box it fits on Mastiffs. It didn't fit I tried to exchange this morning and for a different size and was told no because of there return Policy. It can't touch the dog so it can be exchanged. Sorry they said read more

Even though I have owned a dog for much of my life, I generally don't go to pet stores all that often. And, when I do, it is usually one of the larger chain stores. However, this place is close to where we live and they seem to stock "better" products at least as it relates to food. You won't find "Old Roy" or "Gravy Train" or the lower end dog food here. As for everything else, their prices are about the same as the larger chains. The employees are friendly and helpful. If it were that simple I would give them five stars. However, they have two problems that I find annoying. First, they close at 8PM most evenings and I am usually only free for errands between 7-9PM. There have been times that I wanted to come here but it was closed. Second, finding their entrance off of Wolf Road at night is a disaster when it is dark. On multiple occasions I have driven past it going north or south and had to turn around. When leaving, you need to go to a side street and then get out. It is a nice pet store. read more

Great selection of pet food and accessories. Excellent customer service, great location. read more

All I have to do is watch how my dog Sansa reacts any time I bring her to this place to know how great it is. I've been taking my dog to Bensons since she was a pup and everyone there loves to see her whenever she comes and she always loves to see them. They sell a good variety of food including the better brands of dry and canned which I have a hard time finding at the big chains. They have a good selection of raw food options as well. The thing that separates Bensons from other locations isn't just their products though it is the relationships the employees have with my dog. It is priceless to have a place that I can take her and get my shopping done and not have to leave her at home. A place she is excited to go and can socialize well. I tried doing so at the petco in crossgates commons and after a grooming session she wouldn't even get out of the car she was so scared to enter. Bensons offers grooming services, has adoption events, and though they can sometimes be pricier on some items than at a larger chain, they are a local business and I am fine with supporting it at the slightly higher margin. read more

They have everything you need and everything you don't! I'm here every other week. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable no matter how busy they are. They make every effort to keep you and your pets happy. That's the way a business should be! read more

If you're looking for expert reptile advice, go see Al! Absolutely won't be disappointed in his customer service or his expertise!

me and my family have been going here for a while now, we live in colonie so it's very easy to get there, even if i lived in another county i would still make the trip. they even have an amazing reward system for buying dog / cat food and treats and so on! i highly recommend bensons pet center. I recently got a puppy and whenever i bring her in they are very excited to see her and even with us trying to train her they are patient and understand! we own a shiba inu and one of the workers there does too and actually recommended some products for her! I really love this store and i'm very happy i could spend my money and time here. read more

This place is absolutely *wonderful!* Unlike some (most?) of the other reviewers, I don't have a dog or cat, but I am a proud betta fish owner. Not only does Benson's carry an unbelievably wonderful variety of items for all kinds of fish, their wonderfully cared for selection of bettas is worth noting. You know how most betta fish in the vast majority of pet stores are sick, listless, sitting in filthy cups, and generally miserable? Not here. While the little cups they're in could stand to be a wee bit bigger, they're sparkling clean, the fish are healthy and active, and they're obviously warm and happy -- especially compared to the abuse they usually suffer in other pet stores. And yes, I made sure to thank the employees for treating these fish with the respect and kindness due any pets. While it's a little sad that I felt like I had to thank people for *not* abusing their animals, I'm all about positive reinforcement where it's due! It's also worth noting that Benson's has several birds and small animals for sale as well, and they aren't overcrowded in their cages like they often are in larger pet store chains. Yeah, this is a place that deserves the highest praise at all levels! (And their prices are pretty good, too; you won't have to spend a fortune to feel good about where you're shopping.) read more

I love Benson's. When I lived in Queensbury for a short time I was happy they had one up that way as well. The Benson's on Wolf Road is sometimes hard to spot, but it's always worth a trip to this busy area. They have a great selection of litter and food for my cats and good treats and toys for my dog. I like that the mostly carry high quality foods (as another reviewer mentioned, it's like they begrudgingly carry Iams) - they even have refrigerated raw food for dogs. In other pet stores you have to pick through a lot of crap to find something of decent quality - at Benson's you ONLY have a plethora of high quality items to choose from. And I think their prices are fair for what you are getting. The folks who work here love animals. When I've brought my dog in they are so attentive and caring. This location has a greyhound rescue clinic on the weekends. read more

Benson's is pretty much the only pet store I'll shop at anymore. I love being able to support a local business! They only carry quality pet foods. PetSmart and the like don't even carry the food I feed my pup. Yes, some of the stuff may be more expensive than what you'd find at PetSmart but you really are getting higher quality stuff, which I think is worth it for my little guy. As others have said, the outside is pretty unassuming. Inside the store is really big and they have an amazing selection, no matter what type of pet you may have. I try to bring my french bulldog in whenever I come and all of the staff go crazy over him, which is nice to see that the employees really do love pets. I really love their bone display. They have so many different kinds of bones with different fillings, made of different animals, prices, etc. Really something for every size and kind of dog. I think the inside could use some revamping and renovations but it is a mom and pop store. Another perk is that they will give you $10 for every $200 you spend. It's not that much, but it definitely is nice and gets me excited every time I get one--which is too often! :) read more

What a great store. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. When you walk in you are greeted with smiles. I travel a long way to get there, but it's worth it. I have to special order my cats' raw food, and they are always helpful, incredibly helpful, with this process. I wish they would open a store in Oneonta! read more

Cats, Fish, Dogs, Small Animal, Birds? This is your store. Cat food, premium cat food -- but no cheap-crappy cat food -- cat boxes, cat collars, cat toys, cat everything! Fish!!! This is why we drive the 5 miles. The aquarium section of this store is top notch. All of the tanks are established, beautifully planted and full of healthy fish and freshwater plants. Staff people share their knowledge and insights freely. Advice about which fish and shrimp can live together, which aquarium will suit your needs, what accessories are 'musts' and which are 'nice to have,' what test kits do what. Hey, of course they want to sell you something--it's a store!--but they don't look down at you if you don't need or can't afford a 55 gallon tank that's all tricked out. And if you've ever been to one of the national or regional franchise chains, you will be notice the difference between those and Benson's immediately. And currently (3-12-18) they have buy two fish and get the third one free. Dog food, chew toys, beds, toys - pretty much everything I could want if I had a dog. Small animals: Benson's in Colonie isn't the place to buy feeder rats, or one of 50 robo hamsters your kid will never really take care of. They have a few small pets, but they are more into advice and the rght cages and bedding and food for small pets. The selection is large. If I ever keep fancy rats for pets again, this is where I will go. Birds: See Small Animals above. Happy pets and customers: See all of the above. read more

"You are NOT getting your STATE SALES TAX back on your FREE item next time!!!!" is what the sales rep screamed at me at the end, and This, pretty much sums up my experience with Benson's. Detail: Got FREE item. Paid 0, ZERO dollars. Got charged $3.96 in NYS sales tax, for an item I paid ZERO dollars for. Their reason? "because _They_ have to pay the tax" I had to fight to get my money back. and at the end, above is what Sales Rep. SCREAMED out so that entire store can not mistake what she was saying. YEP. I'm not suppose to be able to get back $3.96 Sales Tax they charged on Zero dollar I spent in the store. explain that one. totally absurd. I don't think She knew what she was saying at the end, but she and the entire staff at Benson's were totally condescending to me for trying to tell them they shouldn't charge me a SALES tax on FREE item I paid Zero dollars for. one of the worst customer service experience I had. read more

I go out of my way to travel to this store. My dogs love it and it's the only place I can find the local raw food I feed them. read more

Benson's Pet Center - Leo and Lilly run for Benson's doors! - Pet Stores Near Me - Albany, New York

I love Bensons. They have the good quality food for all the pets from the small furry to the canines. A great selection of toys, grooming supplies, treats, assorted accessories. Not that we need yet another plastic card in the wallet but they also have a frequent buyer program, which is a nice extra when you're spending all that money on the critters in the household, it wasn't long until I got my first $10 certificate. The staff are very helpful and friendly. It is a little out of the shopping areas I would normally be around but it's worth a drive down wolf road. read more

This isn't in reference to any particular visit, but rather my general experience with them over the years. I have had many different kinds of pets, including fish, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, dogs, and cats. They offer a great selection of supplies for all of the above, and prices are reasonable compared to other stores in the area. But more than that, they have really good customer service. There have been a couple times that they have offered to go above and beyond to help me. For example, I was looking for a specific item for my dog, and the young man working there happily showed me the selection they had in stock. When they did not have the exact model I was looking for, he offered to check the website and have the item delivered to the store if available. Most importantly, my pups have always liked going there and have had good experiences with the friendly staff. Highly recommended. My only complaint is that they aren't closer to my home ;-) read more

Went here for the first time today looking for local raw dog food for my 3 pups. The staff here was super helpful and friendly. Very knowledgeable about the products! I will continue to shop here for all my pet needs! Highly recommended!! read more

I admit it, I was skeptical when I first came to Bensons. A bit cramped, not exactly well lit, and tucked away up on Wolf Rd, my lazy ass take me to Petsmart in Delmar. However they have a great selection, and really caring and helpful staff, and are reasonably priced, all the more reason to shop this mom and pop style operation. They love my pooch as much as I do, and have bent over backwards to help me. Best is the selection of food and treats that are all natural, and they will find you whatever you need. Yet they have three other stores and if they don't have what you need at one store, they will take your number and get it for you. Ahhh customer service, I wish it was everywhere in Capital District. read more

Love all the Bensons stores and LOVE what they stand for. They have a huge selection of natural foods and are knowledable about their products. They make a difference everyday by helping rescue animals and local rescues, as well as helping people with their pets. They have been in business for years because they truely care about animals. read more

I love this place. After shopping at warehouse places like Petco & Petsmart it is refreshing to be able to go to Benson's and ask a question and actually get an answer back. Their employees seem to really care about the customer and seem to know what they are talking about when it comes to pets. They also have a points club where if you get enough points you get a free $10 gift certificate. Plus they only carry healthy foods so there is no question as to what you are feeding your pet. read more

The store is awesome, has everything you need and is WAY WAY better than Petsmart. Even though I think the cashier was stoned, this place rocked. read more

Cant beat the prices here! Big store! Ziwipeak freeze dries sog food, vita essential, open farm, orijen and acana. Fish, reptile, dog and cat heaven! Very nice peoeple who work here. The people who shop here are also courteous. Eye popping sales. Like 3/13/17-3/31/17 buy one get one free open farm dog/cat food 4 or 4.5 lb. instincts $25 off the largest size (reg $59.99). What a steal! Located right on wolf rd, it's basically just 2 stores down from the radisson if you are facing the radisson entrance, this store is on the right of it. Will be back and I am from NH!!! read more

I really gotta give two thumbs up for Benson's Pet Center. They really know how to take care of their customers. We have birds, and the employees are very knowledgeable about birds, bird care, and bird behavior. They don't sell big exotics like macaws, but have a good selection of small birds. The store is clean and very well-stocked, and the prices are low. Bird toys will run you anywheres from 10-over 50$ in other shops and online, but here you can find the good, big, indestructible kind for much cheaper. I like coming here knowing I can ask questions and be helped by someone who loves animals and knows about the different needs. read more

this store is located on wolf road after the real seafood co restaurant and it isn't very well displayed, i am sure you have driven by it and not noticed it. but if you have pretty much Any pet needs, this is the place to go. it is more of a hike for me than petsmart or walmart or such but it is worth it (i am not knocking petsmart. i love their rescue programs for animals.) they have great prices on pet food and a Huge selection. and they have a Ton of the healthy for cats food - no corn and mostly meat with the necessary veg. the employees are super friendly and helpful and if you bring your dog in they will give them treats and say hi. don't expect to rush, sometimes it takes time to properly greet animals you know. oh, they also have incentive programs. the food we get (oliver was very ill and vomiting and we thought he may have cancer and be dying as my last kitty who had been doing the same thing was doing and was diagnosed with cancer - no tests, based on her behavior. oh no. i just thought about what this may mean. and i won't go there. ok. back to the review - june suggested that i try a new food as some cats are very allergic to corn and simply can't handle it. so we did. and he is better. no more vomit. i am keeping my fingers crossed however.) for our kitties that you can't find at the supermarket has a buy 12 and get the 13th for free! i like that. anyway, it is worth the drive. you should come here. read more

I love Benson's. I hate their location (Wolf Road traffic) but I make the trip from downtown Albany because they are simply the best. My loving kitty, Nigel Parker has digestive issues and gets his fancy Orijen cat food from Benson's, because it's one of the few places that carries this superb food and has the cheapest price for this high quality food. All of their food is top notch... none of that Meow Mix, 9 Lives, etc trashy food here. I also love their discount program. For every $200 you spend, you get a $10 savings card. I know that's not much, but I'll take what I can get when I shell out $45 for a 15 lb bag of kitty food! I love that they are family owned & operated, friendly and have a great selection of specialty food, litters, toys and snacks. Nigel Parker loves when I bring him home toys and treats, including his favorite Greenies. read more

Unsuspecting from the road, but inside, a cornicopia of animal love, in the purest not creepy sense of it lol. They have a great selection of most things, incliding cat food that I like for my little guy a little cheaper. They also have ridiculously cool animal furniture in there that I think I may be suckered into buying for him. The staff was friendly, attentive and knowledgable. Also, if you get a Benson's card, free of charge, for every $200 you spend, you get 10 back. Its small but its a nice little perk. Support locally owned small businesses. I'm a fan and will be returning back to Benson's. read more

I Love Benson's. I've been getting my dogs food there for about a year now. I love their rewards cards because I get $10 off for every 200 points i get. =) and their locations are good too! read more

Love it here - can bring your pets if well behaved, which mine usually aren't :) But, they have a great selection of high quality dog foods. Not only do you get a $10 reward card when you hit a certain threshold of dollars spent, but the particular brand of dog food I buy (Fromm) has a rewards program as well - buy 12 bags, get next bag free. The staff is super friendly and helpful, and its in a convenient location. Wish another one would open in Latham, a little bit closer to me! read more

Benson's is the best. Spend $200, get $10 as a reward card. And when you spend $60 on a bag of dog food, you quickly rack up the points! Great selection of Lupine. Bought our pup a Lupine halter, the staff said to exchange it for a larger size when she grows out of it and when we did, there were no problems. Huge selection, and prices are the cheapest I've found online or at any other store (including Healthy Pet Center and Pet Supplies Plus). So much better than Petsmart and Petco, and a much bigger range of products. read more

One of the places that gets most of our pet food business in the area. They have a good selection of better grade foods and treats. Sometimes stock on a particular brand or size can be iffy - i.e. small cans of dog food may not always be available every day. Other than that no major complaints for this locally owned business. read more

I have been going to Bensons for years , I have never been disappointed with their products or their customer service , I frequent it so often due to my line of business that it has become like a second home , yet they still help and make sure I'm finding everything I need ok , thy are supportive of the community and have lots of great employees with large knowledge base of products , I love them all and never go elsewhere . If something is not in stock they can order it for you . Yes they often give more detail on foods than a vet will . They can support holistic healing as well . Just amazing and a great place to frequent , I recommend it to all my clients and friends read more

At first, I thought that $49.00 was a lot for a bag of dry dog food. But after the excellent customer service I received it was all worth it. They go above and beyond for customers which is rare these days. read more