A VOW: I will no longer shop at Cauz For Pawz. What happened, you ask? I was in the area today and so dropped by to shop to expand my budding my costume pearl collection (see pic), the beginnings of which I found at Cauz For Pawz. THE DEMAND. However today, strangely, the requirement to shop at Cauz For Pawz was put my wet $250 black umbrella in a garbage can. It is well-made; it has been through everything. I bought it in London years ago. I probably will be buried with it - if I don't lose it. Anyway, I was harshly told by the brown bobbed hair shop-keep that I have to FIRST put my very expensive umbrella in an unsecured black garbage bag in a trash can, along with other wet black umbrellas, by the front door. MY CRIME. Instead of risking my umbrella being taken by accident, I offered to shop inside at door standing on the doormat in front of the costume jewelry counter since the shop-keep, an angry middle-age woman with a brown bowl-cut hairdo I've never seen before (I think?), was standing behind the counter right by the front door. I politely said I will stand on the doormat by the front door and look at the tray that has the costume pearls. She stated emphatically I would "not be allowed to buy anything" at Cauz For Pawz until I put my umbrella "in the black garbage bag" at the front door. I thought: "Should I risk my expensive umbrella being taken by accident or by mistake?" The answer was of course, "No." So I said, "Thank you, I will leave." I left. The middle-aged bobbed shop-keep yelled something as the door closed, but I didn't hear what was said. A SPECULATION: The issue, I believe, was not about my race or my sex. You see, when you are treated as a minority as I sometimes am, one of the first things you tend to consider when someone you never met is immediately hostile and disdainful without "cauz," is to consider the possibilities of "Why?" After all, the shop-keep did bark at the humble, quiet black woman who had entered before me. The brown bob proved she could be nice to the customer who had arrived before me and the other woman. He was lucky, he had none of my markers (I am assuming the issue was about markers). Her interaction with him proved she could be helpful, ask probing questions, and be solicitous. ALL ABOUT CLASS? However, I deduced that the vitriol and hatred must be because me and the other woman were not wearing tweed like he was. So, I have concluded at this point that issue was one about class. That is: "Who has money and who doesn't." But sometimes a guess can be wrong, right? While I was in Cauz For Pawz for the last time looking into the eyes of that bobbed-headed woman filled with rage because....I was wasn't obeying her, I knew there was nothing I could say to change things. For a second I was tempted to say in my defense: "I've shopped at Cauz For Pawz before spending quite a bit of money. I have bought many things here that I really liked. Or, "My umbrella is very expensive and I don't want to lose it." WORKING CLASS. But if my deduction is correct and it was all about class, then she is right: My ancestors were servants, farm labor, enlisted soldiers, laundry women and dock workers. My class is low to some people but to me I come from the best of the best. My ancestors were hard working honorable people who gave me my intelligence and morality. It was they who instilled in me the ethics I hold to this today. But if the shop-keep-brown-bob is correct, that costume jewelry sales should only be the realm of "the right sort," then I must agree that she correctly damned me to never be allowed again to buy costume jewelry at Cauz For Pawz because my origins are truly poor. In the middle-age shop-keep's defense, I did look pretty rough today when I came into Cauz For Pawz: The rain had frizzed my pinned up hair. My left jaw was slightly swollen (maybe it looked I was just in a brawl?) due oral surgery I just had. My button down shirt under my pullover was indeed untucked. However, I can sometimes be viewed as "the right sort" and I can clean up somewhat (see pic) which is why (after all, it must have been why) the other ladies, the kind ones, before this one at Cauz For Pawz, were super nice, the ones who had went out of their way to help me buy beautiful vintage clothes, even a pair of French riding boots (I love them!) that I truly don't deserve. The kind and helpful ones who even put my handbag (that contained my expensive black umbrella) SECURELY behind the shop's counter so I could freely shop for more cool stuff! THE DECISION. But I was shocked by the overt hostility of that judgmental middle-aged brown bob haircut. I decided to find another vintage store "cauz" to support. I just hope they sell costume pearl jewelry - reasonably priced! read more

Cauz For Pawz - Thrift Stores Near Me - New York, New York

Visited this store today and was amazed to luck into a large donation of incredible clothes that just arrived, some with tags. Owner said she would be putting them out over the next couple of weeks. I'll be returning, hoping to get more good buys before they dissappear. read more

Amazing Thrift Store With an Even Better Mission! Cauz For Pawz is hands-down one of my favorite thrift shops in NYC. This place is the perfect mix of great finds, fair prices, and heart. The selection is thoughtfully curated clothing, accessories, jewelry, and unique pieces you don't see everywhere. Everything is clean, well organized, and priced so you actually feel good shopping. What truly makes Cauz For Pawz special is the mission. Every purchase supports animals in need through their Five Borough Feeding Program and other animal welfare initiatives. Shopping here feels meaningful you are not just thrifting, you're directly helping pets and rescues across NYC. The staff are incredibly kind, welcoming, and passionate about what they do. You can tell this is more than a store to them it's a labor of love. Bonus points for the awesome bargain sections and the overall warm, community-driven vibe. If you love thrifting and supporting a great cause, Cauz For Pawz is an absolute must-visit. I always leave with something fabulous--and a full heart. Highly recommend! read more

Wonderful customer service! Great selection of high quality stuff for every occassion!! They have a very reasonable pricing scheme with the average price of a dress or a bag, $19. Many designer items, and classical items. All of the proceeds go to animal rescuers so it's a worthy cause. Very pleasant place to visit. read more

Cauz For Pawz - Pearl necklace from Paws for a Caws - Thrift Stores Near Me - New York, New York

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I am shocked by some of the bad reviews about this place . We love it and donate all of our gently used or sometimes never work clothing there and buy quite a bit as well. The owner is very nice and I have never met any one rude there . I am very sorry that their rent went up and they are moving to Avenue B as right now they are across the street and very convenient . We will miss you and hopefully see you on Avenue B read more

Owners extremely rude and difficult to like she sold me jewelry that broke after wearing it (3 Seperate occasions) I asked her to fix one of the pieces out of the three or to exchange it and she threw it away. Not a good cause better to donate directly to charities so you know where your money is going something isn't right read more

I'm a big fan of Cauz for Paws; not only have I gotten some amazing stuff here, but I know that buying from here, I'm supporting animal charities and their 5-borough feeding program! A couple of dogs I walk love to go here in the afternoons because Cathy always showers them with treats--so I gladly take them. This is one of the best vintage stores around and I hope to be shopping here for years to come. read more

Really torn about writing a review for this place at all. Apparently it's a charity. So what could go wrong right? There are whole lot of things I could say about this place - from the legitimacy of their "cause", their donation tracking, etc. But really the one thing I want to say is whooooooaaaaa these ladies are rude AF. I just can't even handle it. I'll donate money directly to animals before I put up with their bulls$&t anytime. read more

I worked there some years back and was so badly verbally abused by the manager Ray that I walked out. I took a chance and went back a few times in the past years and he is long gone. Such a great store with great values but I am never going back. It is one thing to be ignored by the owner (Katherine?) but it is quite another to be screamed at and treated like a piece of dog-do (pun intended) by her. I don't know if her meds wore off or if she is back on the bottle but her anger is palpable. There are other places I can donate my stuff and at least get a smile and a thank you. Too bad really. read more

I really stand behind this business. Aside from the fact that I just bought THREE dog coats in near perfect condition for only $20-- the ladies who run it do a hell of a lot of good in NYC, and in this world. This is a dog friendly store so bring the pups! They have a plethora of clothes, home decor, jewelry and even luggage for sale! Inventory comes in daily so you'll never continue to see the same things over and over. Wonderful store, not overcrowded with items. Easy to shop here and it's VERY clean :) read more

Cauz For Pawz - Cute bag! - Thrift Stores Near Me - New York, New York

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Always very helpful and polite. They have some great stuff here. The jewelry is very cool and reasonably priced.

I'm really surprised by some of the reviews because my experiences here has been nothing but wonderful. First off they are an organization that dedicates themselves to animal. That in itself is a win-win. The first time I was there, I saw this happy-go-lucky dog, wagging his tail, while coming in the store with his owner. Immediately, the lady behind the counter was very warm, sweet and welcoming to both and even grab a small bacon bite treat for the dog. How cool was that!! Aside from that, they also have very unique pieces of jewelries. Some of them, you can tell were very rare piece and their price were very reasonable. Let's just say, I've worn and so far I've received nothing but compliments. This by itself will certainty make me wanna come back. read more

Cauz For Pawz - Thrift Stores Near Me - New York, New York

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Really disappointed at my multiple donation attempts here. I've called for the last 3 weeks trying to donate some gently used beautiful clothing to this place and need someone to pick it up. Every time I called they said "someone will call you back in a few days" or "please call again this day". Which I did several times. I finally got ahold of the owner who had no awareness that I had called multiple times in the past (I guess staff didn't take down the message like they said they would several times) and her response was a cranky "WHAT ARE YOU DONATING?" After I explained the situation she seemed irritated and didn't believe my experience. She angrily told me they had no cars available to pick up for at least 3 weeks and I should probably donate elsewhere. True shame as I love helping animals and have had pleasant experiences in shop before. read more

We were in NYC for a few days, and signed up for a tour taking us to several vintage shops in an area, and Cauz For Pawz was the last one we went in... and the BEST ONE WE WENT IN!!! My daughters and I had the greatest time shopping, laughing with the owners, and we found so many pieces and really made a haul (I bought a vintage 1960-65, hand-beaded clutch with the card saying, "Hand-beaded in Paris," and the Barney's label still in it for $30!!) We still buy from their website, and shipping is fast. We're all about the animals, so buying from these ladies is an honor, and we are planning to take an extra empty suitcase when we go back this summer. Thank y'all for everything you do!!! read more

One of the most fabulous hidden gems in the Stuyvesant cir. Catherine the owner has and Ingrid are the sweetest most attentive gals I've ever met. I moved to nyc from Beverly Hills, CA and stumbled upon this store leaving my pharmacy next door. You'll find vintage to gently worn. All for a good cause. Highly recommended! read more

I am a thrifter Cauz for Pawz is first on my list as it has a small town feel with the sophistication of the New York City. I love her sales they are always thematic and the clothing and jewelry is superb. I just bought this Eileen Fisher suit for summer within a half hour of wearing two women complimented me. I'm sure you'll love it Ask for Katherine! read more

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I love to shop at and donate to this wonderful thrift shop. They have great finds and every purchase helps animals which is the biggest draw for me. I highly recommend checking it out. read more

Lovely choices of items I'd expect to find in my own closet, most in excellent condition. Surprising housewares and a sunny staff. Just wish they had a kitty or two in residence- like a kitty cafe'. Delightful experience. Will be back soon. read more

I wish I read the reviews before visiting. I would have given this thrift store one star but the young woman at the cashier was very friendly. I had stumbled across this class on my way to a class. I feel disappointed because I am involved in a lot of puppy mill awareness organizations for dogs. I love all animals, and would like to recycle clothing to cut down on labor overseas, and donate to the animals. When I had asked what portion of the proceeds go to animals, the cashier could not tell me. She said that the boss donates depending on how much they make that month. I feel that the briskness should have a percentage for every purchase guaranteed to the customer. read more

I love this place. Everything you buy is a direct donation to animals. The proprietor is an amazing woman with very good taste and knowledge of retail. I have found so many things that fit me terrifically and i'm small so I need petite clothes. The jewelry is beautiful and one can often find treasures! My dog is welcomed in & in fact, he has even walked into the bottom of the jewelry case and made himself at home! They never get upset- they just laugh. Such a warm bunch of people, owner, workers & customers. I'd recommend this store to everyone. read more

I lived in Stuyvestant town for many years and unfortunately during my time there this establishment did not exist. I would have loved to volunteer my time to help out. The owner was super friendly and took the time to chat with us about all the different animal organizations that they were able to help in the boroughs. The store was very neatly organized by color scheme. It was clear that the items picked to be sold were all picked carefully. There were many great bargains to be had! I wanted to help so picked up a nice new with tags white long cardigan. Five stars in every way - I hope that this business continues to thrive so Catherine can continue to help animals. read more

I love visiting this thrift store- the owners are lovely people dedicated to providing fab fashions for a good cauz :) they have amazing jackets, purses, and great jewelry options for reasonable prices! Always worth a stop-in! read more

I am not sure how this store could get a bad review. They are so wonderful and the jewelry pieces are beautiful. I would highly recommend. I bring my stuff here. They are very kind and warm. I go in here frequently and it has always been amazing! read more

Patricia and Alexia I think you're right. I don't think this place donated to animals. I donated clothes to this store I sent a follow up email asking if the clothes arrived. I was told that they emailed me twice (Lies I never got the emails) It Definitely seems like a sketchy place since they continue to not answer emails and avoid my questions. I'm starting to doubt that the proceeds go to animals because of how sketchy they seem. I'm sure that the store might be fine to shop in, but the other reviewer also posted that very little of the money goes to the animal shelter and it makes me think that's why they cover up so much. I wouldn't recommend donating here. read more

Buyer beware. Looks like a great cause right? The woman who runs this store has been so rude to me on multiple occasion that I suspected there was some reason for all of this bluster... Pulling their tax filings for the years 2011, 2012, and 2013 show an absurdly low amount of money actually used for helping the animals they proclaim to be helping. Their 990 forms show the following: 2011- Income of $447,419, donations of $2168 - Not even half a percent of income donated to help the animals 2012 - Income of $530,361, donations of $7139 - 1.3% of income donated to help the animals. 2013 - Income of $408,033, donations of $2436 - Just over half a percent of income donated to help the animals THIS IS DATA FROM PUBLICALLY AVAILABLE TAX INFORMATION. BY LAW ALL CHARITIES MUST PUBLICALLY POST THEIR TAX FILINGS. To put these meager contributions in perspective, the Village Thrift Shop on 3rd Ave generated approximately twice the revenue but also donated $166,000 in 2013...that's more than 70x what Cause For Pawz donated! CAUZ FOR PAWZ ONLY DONATES 1% OR LESS A YEAR OF ALL OF THE REVENUE THEY TAKE. If you give them a $20 donation only 20 cents of it actually goes to support the animals! If you want to support a charity, find a way to truly support the need and donate to the ASPCA who spends 62% of what is raises on the cause rather than a fraction of a percentage of your donation or spend going to support the so-called "cauz". Beyond the tax filings, this woman has been so mean spirited and obnoxious to me and other shoppers on so many occasions I'm not the least bit surprised her taxes reflect what they do. If there is any question about the way shoppers are treated, reviews on the old store's yelp page should leave no doubt. To be clear, I've shopped this store. The manager is rude, the selection overpriced, and the shopping experience unpleasant. Further, if you believe as a shopper that a charity store should be donating to charity please keep in mind that barely 1% of the store's overall income actually goes to helping that charity. read more

I love this place! Great finds, every time, and prices are unbelievable. I even saw stuff that was so unique I bought it and sent to my parents. And, I am director of a non profit in the city. I know this is one place that is legit, too. They truly give to animal rescues, and this is another reason why I shop here. The owner and staff are all super nice, helpful, and really know how to do this right. read more

What a wonderful store. Superior merchandise, GREAT prices, beautiful atmosphere, wonderful people, often adorable animals WELCOMED (what a concept in the U.S.A., eh?) and especially: what a FANTASTIC, IMPORTANT use of fashion and accessories, to donate as many proceeds as they can, to animals & animal rescue. Sure gives New York some real class & heart, eh? I must say: I don't really understand the complaint of "Alexia G" below, though. They have set overhead costs: rent, utilities, salaries, supplies ... It's the nature of the retail biz not to make the same $ amount monthly, on sales income. Thusly: the amount, percentage, they're able to pay out ea. month, to no-kill animal rescue org.'s, varies. Yes? THANKS FOR BEING ON THIS EARTH, Cauz for Paws! You give us all hope. Cheers, Virginia Hammer & Midlantic Theatre Co. Newark, NJ Multicultural, Anti-Violence Theater in Renaissance Newark + Schoolkids, Prisons, Homeless & Vets A NJ 501(c) nonprofit corp. read more

Great little thrift, prices are great and found some amazing finds!! Sales people are super kind and helpful!! Love it!! Would definitely recommend! read more

Cauz for Pawz is a great shop, it has great prices and fabulous service. I will recommend it to all my friends.

My dogs and I love this place!!! Catherine the store owner is a very kind a generous woman. This place is charming and not like any other thrift shop around. Although it is small space, everything is nicely organized. They have a nice variety of jewelry in their display case as well as a nice little area for pets clothing and accessories. Please drop by and take a look and if you have a four legged furry friend they are also welcome. If you would like to do something kind they accept donations of clothes, shoes, and small items of house hold goods. I commend Catherine for her love of animals and generosity in giving proceeds to no kill shelters. I hope y'all drop in and help support the Cauz for Pawz! read more

Great store with an even better owner! Cathryn is the kindest woman. She is so sweet and friendly and makes everyone feel welcome. Her personality and energy is contagious. The store is extremely organized and offers great items for even better prices. And it's for such a great cause! I would highly recommend! read more

I have known the thrift store "Cauz for Pawz" for at least 5 to 6 years and I have always enjoyed going there and finding so many wonderful things to buy. Cathrine is a fabulous lady who dedicates herself to animal rights which is a cause near and dear to my heart. Of all the thrift stores in the neighborhood, I always gravitate towards Cauz for Pawz and I would urge anyone who is for animal rights to go talk to Cathrine for she is very knowledgeable. When our dog Stella first met Cathrine, she could not get to Cathrine fast enough - Stella knew by instinct how much Cathrine loved animals. I've grown to love Cathrine, too. read more

Ray was an extremely nasty owner. Extremely rude and prissy to staff. The guy would throw a fit if you looked away from him for one second. He'd wave your finger in your face and scold you. If you give him a heads up about needing time off he'll forget and not even bother to schedule different hours for you. That and he got very offended when asked why he is trying to nail in a screw. Yes, he tried that. It is horrifying to think of anyone depending on income having to work for this monster. Another reviewer posted some valuable information about how much of their actual proceeds go towards helping animals. It's appalling, but not surprising. The owners are just vile, nasty people. Horribly rude and disrespectful. Avoid this place at all costs. read more

Was there last week. Noticed a trend in customer service over the past few months. The owner only caters to her friends and patrons. The owner completely ignored me when I tired to get her attention. Merchandise tends to be pricier. Hard to find a size 8 or 10 in cute clothes. I miss the real thrift shop ambiance of the other place. Also miss the customer service! read more

Cauz For Pawz thrift shop is absolutely my favorite place to shop for clothing that is up to date, well organized, and has a great selection of styles. Catherine the owner, is an outstanding person. I have shopped here for many years and she is helpful and generous. She knows her merchandise. All the jewelry, shoes, gift items, and clothing I buy from her store gets lots of compliments. Catherine has an excellent eye for beauty and her employees are sincere and give great service. If you are in the area of 1st Ave. off 19th St. stop by and buy, you will be happy you did! read more

I would like to say I am really surprised by the reviews I am seeing about this Thrift store. My experience was completely the opposite. Stopped in after work when it was very quiet and Cathryn, the owner/manager was extremely nice. She pointed out the 50% off sale on the winter coats and the $10 rack in the back. Some amazing funds there. I picked up a cute/funky leopard print coat that Cathryn actually pointed out to me and recommended that I try on. I also picked up a beautiful hot pink Banana Republic coat for $12.50, that is a beautiful trench coat for the spring. Lastly I purchased a pair of cute earrings for $5. Altogether spent $42.50 for some amazing looking things. I would highly recommend this thrift store to anyone. A wonderful experience overall!!!! read more

Really amazing store! My girlfriend absolutely loves to shop there. They don't have that many clothes for men but it's definitely worth a quick stop. read more

This place is great!! Many treasures to be found...fantastic designer dresses plus cool casual jean jackets. Got my favorite Hudson jeans there and a vintage red 60s dress in perfect condition. You never know what you'll find... and all profits go to help animals in no-kill shelters! read more

My favorite neighborhood shop! Great variety, with new items weekly at fair prices. Catherine is very nice and helpful. My dog insists on visiting every-time we pass the shop on our walks (he's thinking treats). I would highly recommend this store to anyone looking for quality items and a way to give back. read more

Beware if this shop if you think you are helping animals by shopping there. I had recently donated a large amount of quality ladies' clothes and artwork to this store. It was too bulky for me to carry, so Catherine, the owner, sent a man with a car to pick up the stuff. He did not bring me a receipt for my donation. So I contacted Catherine, and she was so rude, claiming that she was too busy -- couldn't be bothered. She was too cheap for a stamp to send me a receipt. A few weeks later I went into her shop, and she claimed that I was so rude to her -- no one was ever so rude to her. Yea, right. It just made me so suspicious of her intentions to help animals. And now I read that she gives less than 1% of her sales to animals. WHAT A RIP OFF! read more