Great shop and rescue. Lupe knows everything there is to know about snakes! Awesome support for my first-time snake owner daughter.

Pets have gotten much better treatment, not as great as it could be but better than most pet stores. They also were extremely kind to me when I had a problem with my rat I had just adopted. read more

Critters - Baby rat that they let me hold! - Pet Stores Near Me - South Elgin, Illinois

Maria and Lupe are the BEST! We adopted a bearded dragon for my daughter's birthday. They were so patient and kind with us, making sure my daughter was educated on how to care for her new pet and felt comfortable before leaving the store. Though we had done plenty of research before deciding on the pet we were getting, Lupe asked many questions to ensure this bearded dragon was right for our family. If you are looking for a new addition to your family, Critters is the place to go! read more

Sorry it's long, but surely worth it. Sickened and appalled by the lack of care my pet received while being boarding at Critters. So much so, that in a rage I called police to the premises to report NEGLECT. They left my pet rabbit (that can defecate over 200 times a day) in a urine and feces filled cage for 3 days unchanged, after I brought all necessary equipment to change her bedding for all the days I was gone and mentioned it to multiple girls that helped me when dropping her off. Also, valuable to note, They asked me to bring whatever her normal diet consisted of, and STILL all of the food I brought was left right where I dropped it off. Her old hay that was in her cage was covered in feces and not replaced. My rabbit had to PICK THROUGH FECES TO EAT while at their facility for 3 entire days.. mind you rabbits have a very delicate digestive system and could die from a gut slow down (from not eating for several hours) or from infection (living in their urine and feces). My poor rabbit looked so bloated and dazed out when I picked her up Not only was my animal neglected, but when I went to pick her up my carrier (which I bought brand new for this trip) was chewed through with a broken zipper... but they claim never to have taken her out. They also had her boarded on the floor cage against cage. She is so small she could have stuck a paw into the other cage and been BITTEN!! Their absolutely clueless employees called the owner to the store to speak with me regarding my issue and her only solution was to replace my carrier. When asked what she would do in the case my rabbit needed to go to the vet, she stated she was uncomfortable To speak with me in regards to the matter anymore..oh but she's okay to receive concerns to critterscares@hotmail.com I CAN SEE WHY THEY CLOSED THE FIRST TIME read more

Andrew and Enrique saved my bearded dragons life today she was litt literally going to dye !! I was so very overwhelmed I couldn't take it anymore seeing her suffer I do have a vet visit for tomorrow but I don't think she was going to make it by tomorrow!! Enrique greeted me at the door saw how ill my bearded dragon was and called Andrew right away on his day off came immediately and prepared food for her in a syringe and oh my she started to eat she had stopped eating drinking and pooping she was going to die . They are keeping her for a full day to get her back to health because this place and Andrew and Enrique are amazing people!! If you get a bearded dragon you need to do alot of research on them someone neglected nugget and gave her to me I had no idea about anything about bearded dragons !! They not only saved her life they saved my sanity I couldn't handle her suffering any longer !! Thank you so very very much Andrew and Enrique read more

I've been shopping at Critters off and on since I found them in 2012. I just went back this week for cat food and remembered why I love this place. They have a great selection of high quality pet foods. They also hire animal-loving employees that are knowledgeable and helpful. They're so much better than a chain store. read more

I passed by Critters so many times since the day I moved into St. Charles in 2001. But one day, in 2008, on my way to the vacuum store, there was a sign outside Critters with "German Shepherd Puppies." Never was in the store, so I decided to stop in. And in the back of the store, there were two GSD puppies, one male and one female. I was in the market for a new pup, and had gone to several different GSD breeders in the area, but the little girl just stayed in my mind. I brought my Doberman to meet her, & it was big sister vs little sister. I adopted the little girl, and quite frankly, after several experiences with purebred breeders, I was not surprised by the lack of willingness Czarina's breeder to even communicate with me. Czarina did not come from a puppy mill, but she came from a backyard breeder, and she was separated prior to 8 weeks. Compared to my purebred West German line Shepherd, Czarina was not quite breed standard. But she more than made up for that up in her love and loyalty to me over the next 12 yrs of her life. She never left my side. Dogs know when we rescue them. Her temperament was superb, her instincts extremely trustworthy. I could take her anywhere. So for that, I'll give Critters 4-stars in that they at least had a breeder who had some knowledge of the breed. read more

Critters - Pet Stores Near Me - South Elgin, Illinois

See all

absolutely rude staff. had a situation trying to find an item and, Maria who was apparently the manager, was just a horrible and rude woman and i will never ever be going back. called me dumb to my face and then laughed at me behind my back. just rude. read more

What can I say about Critter's Pet Shop- so many good things I don't even know where to start. This is a local pet shop that sells everything you could possibly need for a wide variety of pets- I shop here frequently for everything for my cats & dog. They also carry a wide variety of animals, all of which are rescues. I love supporting a business that is not perpetuating a puppy mill problem. Most of the dogs they take in are puppies or smaller breed dogs. We got our sweet Oliver here after they rescued his litter from a high kill shelter- and we are so very grateful that they did as he is wonderful! If you are looking for a local small business to support- this is the one! read more

Critters is awesome! I'm sad I don't live closer because they were wonderful to adopt from. I got a 3 year old rescue boston terrier from them about 3 weeks ago now. I called the store because I lived so far away that I wanted to make sure they would still adopt to me, even if I showed up 5 minutes before they closed. they were so accommodating and said, "of course!" apparently, others came in during that hour showing an interest in my jax but they were kind enough to unofficially hold on any adoption until i drove out. diana was the girl who helped us and she was beyond great. she helped me pick out everything i could possibly need and was really understanding that i knew NOTHING about dog ownership. i know that diana took great care of jax while he was in the store's care and she genuinely continues cares about his health & hapiness. we have kept in touch so i can send her pictures and updates on my doggy dude. i am so happy she was the one who took care of jax & helped me upon adoption. diana helped me to feel confident in my decision to go home with jax and i couldn't not be happier with my choice! thank you critters &diana! read more

Critters - the night i went home with jax - Pet Stores Near Me - South Elgin, Illinois

Rescued 2 cats from Critters. Couldn't be happier. Thank you for helping out the rescue cats. Bless you read more

This store has everything you need to care for your pet. They also have many fascinating animals available for adoption. Turtles, kittens, bunnies, birds, puppies, of course, and more. I knew that if I were to ever get a dog, I was going to go straight to Critters. They are genuine and their mission is a good one. The owners are a family and they work hard to save the animals from high kill shelters and treat them to maintain the animals health. The people working there stand by them. The people that have adopted from them before stand by them. That includes me. There was a beautiful little border collie mix puppy that was up for adoption. The employees working there are very polite. One of them took the puppy out to me so I could play with her. The puppy was friendly, playful, sweet, and healthy. Let's not forget lovable. So lovable that I decided to adopt her that day. Like i said, the employees are very polite. They are also very helpful and understanding. The one that helped me gave me great advice on how to care for my new puppy and told me what I would need. I went home with the newest member of my family with a full heart and everything she needed. I recommend going to Critters Pet Shop to anyone looking to get a new pet or new supplies for their pet. I guarantee your experience there will be a pleasant one. read more

Critters - The newest member in my family: Olive. - Pet Stores Near Me - South Elgin, Illinois

the employees where no much help I was thinking to buy a bunny or loo into dogs but in the window said if you need carry an animal tell an employee I did and tell me why a teenage employee told me i can't grab it I said "Ok can I at least play with this dog" because I was interested of buying it but she said how i was I said 21 and said " Oh no you can't you need to be with a parent or Guardian. I was like .........what she was suggesting that on Sundays somewhere else to look at the dogs and touch them idk at that point I just left. read more

Around 2 years ago, I adopted my hamster that lived for around 2 years. Very kind people and have always had good luck with our pets here. Keep up the good work!! read more

After losing our puppy to parvo and making the bad decision to adopt from a "breeder", we were devastated. I did so much research looking for the right place to adopt a puppy because I knew my heart would continue to be broken unless we found a new one. After hours and hours of research, I found Critters. We drove straight there and found our newest addition, Rosie. They were a little incorrect on the type of breed she is (I ended up getting a DNA test because I was curious). But, she is the sweetest, most gentle puppy I have ever met. The staff was great, we put a down payment on her and picked her up the next day. She is honestly the best dog I've ever had and am thankful to have found Critters. read more

Critters - Pet Stores Near Me - South Elgin, Illinois

The employees that work here are very irresponsible! We left our pet here for 4 days. Our carrier was broken, feces everywhere, pet was filthy and employees didn't seem to care! Our pet was bloated and lethargic!!! If you love your pet, NEVER leave it here!!!! read more

Had a bad experience when we left our daughter's pet rabbit there for them to board . Came back 3 days later to find the bunny in filth in her cage and poorly fed. As if that wasn't enough the rabbit was sharing a room aside a little dog whom barked constantly, rabbits have rapid heart beats to begin with let alone a barking dog next to them. The shop vehemently denied not caring for the bunny, we were so upset we called the South Elgin police to file a report due to the neglect and abuse. She was lethargic and bloated. We asked the manager on site about paying for the vet bill because we wanted to get her checked out and she denied covering the vet bill. I will never ever ever take my pet there to get board again and I recommend that if you love your pets you will not have your pets board there as well ! read more

For several years, I drove here farther than I needed to, to add quality foods for my cats' diverse diet. A newcomer to the Pride was needing a home away from my other cats, and Critters was wonderful helping find the right place for her. Their own vet gave her a second exam about a week after my own vet had already approved her health. Her documents were required and delivered to the new owner. I witnessed this, as I was there for her move to her new home. The cage was cleaned, including sanitation with special cat-approved cleaner solution. Staff was active in offering advice, and proactive in making my litttle wayward soul feel cared for. She was there for a week, and was clean, well fed, offered toys & personal playtime, and next-level adhering to my dietary suggestions. I visited every day, and had lengthy conversations with at least ten different employees multiple occasions. They all showed me great care for my own feelings and those of my furry friend. I would not hesitate to return there for delivery or acquisition of pets or supplies. Rock on, Critters. See you soon. read more

Love the store! A little far of a drive for me since I live in Aurora, but worth the drive (for me at least) lovely staff, friendly pets and clean store :) read more

See all

The new location is about a million times better than the St Charles shop. Been here a couple times to browse their RESCUED animals. This place isn't like Happiness is Pets or Furry Babies where every dog is from a puppy mill. The owners and staff seem to genuinely love animals. Just follow their Facebook page and you'll see. Plus my pup likes the peanut butter biscuits I bought there. read more

This is a pet retail shop with a small selection of dogs and cats up for adoption. They have a great selection of dog and cat food. My daughter loved their turtles, birds, and rabbits. I really like that they work with the surrounding area to get homes for the dogs and cats. The staff was so friendly. read more

Looking for a buddy to adopt? How about a RESCUED friend from Critters?? They have the sweetest dogs and cats in there always looking for a forever home. Plus a variety of turtles, misc. reptiles, furry smaller rodents, birds, etc. They aren't your big box pet store. Go in and check out the natural selections of food, bedding, litter, toys, and more. The staff is super friendly and seem to love animals in general. But they do take good care of all the animals in the store too. It's worth a stop in at the very least. Maybe you will go home with a new friend. They deserve a loving, good forever home. Maybe yours is the perfect place. :) read more

This is where I always get my pet food supplies. I love the friendly staff and they always help me out to my car because the bag I buy is really big. Good selection. They have rescued dogs and cats and other pets, and that's a nice thing to see in a pet store. Not pretentious, just kind hearted people. I tell everyone about Critters. Also, round up your amount due and donate to help with the costs of them rescuing dogs and cats from high kill shelters. Top notch! read more

I adopted my baby here in the fall of last year. A young boy cat. He was right in the front cage and seemed to be very friendly, but when we played with him was a tad bit aggressive and nibbly. I call him my ankle-biter. I visited him a few times, and just kept thinking about him. I kept thinking he might have a hard time finding a home since he was rough, and I knew that I could love him for who he is. I thought when I brought him home that it would be a hard process, and that he would probably never be like my other cat who used to lay on top of me and cuddle. Well, I was wrong. He came out of his cage right when I brought him home, and played with me right away! There was one moment when I was laying on the floor playing with him and he grabbed my face and gave me a couple kisses. That was his thank you to me for saving him, but everyday when I pull him closer and cuddle, I remember that he saved me too. I know it's silly to thank them for my animal, but they saw something in this little guy and rescued him, and without that I may never have found this guy who filled a spot in my heart. So, thank you! And thank you for being so great with the adoption process! He was fixed, vaccinated, and came with a free exam at the animal care clinic right down the street. They offer a great selection of natural food (which I still buy). Also the staff genuinely loves animals, and gives love to every type. From cats to snakes. The owners are very particular about these animals not being sick or spreading anything, which is obviously good. I know as soon as they find something wrong with am animal they get them to the vet. I follow their page on Facebook, and let me tell you these people work tirelessly to find these animals a home, and they always do. Their truly need to be more people like the ones who work/run this place. Now, go save an animal! read more

Great pet shop. Good variety of supplies and services. Perfect place to adopt a pet. They will walk you through what to expect from your new pet with sound advice, even after you take your new family member home. read more

Critters - Happy pup in her new home - Pet Stores Near Me - South Elgin, Illinois

I like going here and supporting the fact that it is a small business and that they take in animals and adopt. They always have a nice selection of pets and the habitats are maintained well. I have come here a few different times though, and it really depends on the staff and which people are working. Some of the employees are very kind and helpful, they are open to answering questions and are very enthusiastic. Other times I've come in and not a word out of them. No hello, nothing. I once asked some questions about a few thing and the young girl at the front was whispering one word answers to me and frequently just kept shrugging or saying she didn't know anything. The aisles are also super close together and you're kind of crammed in the store. Other than that, it is nice to come here. Just think they need to work on customer service and educating everyone. read more

We adopted our kitten and puppy here. We had a really great experience with this place. They truly look out for what's best for the animals.

They are by far the best pet shop in the area . They are very knowledgeable and will help you any way they can . They also rescue animals and find them forever homes !!! read more

Great place owned by honest people on a mission to help animals. Critters Pet Shop is a wonderful place to get a new pet and get accurate information on how to care for that pet too! The staff is educated and committed to helping their customers as well as doing right by every single animal that passes through their doors. It is rare to find a pet store that is committed to rescue and operates in transparent and ethical manner. Keep up the good work guys! read more

We love this little shop! Our favorite part is that they rescue dogs from high kill shelters in the south. They were also very helpful with all our questions when we got our sweet puppy there. read more

Love supporting a family run business. So glad they've been able to maintain their community presence, doing endless great things with adoptions, etc. despite their lack of resources competing big box stores have. Very happy they continue to carry top of the line products and offer an incentivizing rewards program. Thank you ;-) read more

This pet shop is unlike any other! Had to give them 5 stars because the whole focus is on pet rescue! Staff is professional, place is clean as a whistle & they spay/neuter, chip, and make sure the animals are well taken care of. No puppy mills here! These folks love animals & it shows! read more

5 stars is not enough! This is not a typical pet store! They specialize in RESCUE PETS!! The owners and staff are true animal LOVERS and are dedicated to finding these rescues loving furever homes. While they do rescue animals locally, many come from Kentucky, Tennessee and other southern states. *ALL COSTS* for transportation, vetting and attention until pets find new homes are covered by the owners, simply because they care. There are no subsidies or fundraisers to assist them as there may be at local shelters. If you are looking for presents for your family pet(s) or perhaps are thinking about adding another furry, feathered, finned, etc., friend to your family, please do stop by Critters. read more

They do not take care of the birds here. No toys for the birds to chew on or play with. The birds here seem so stressed! Birds need different types & sizes of perches as well. Please add some toys for the birds & some fresh fruit & veggies! It's heartbreaking to see the birds in such bad shape. read more

This pet shop is great! The employees are super friendly and nice and the pets are obviously fun and adorable. I wish they had a larger selection of dogs but I am happy that every time I come in someone has adopted the ones from before. I would recommend this pet shop if looking for a new pet! read more

Absolutely horrible experience. My daughter bought a Christmas kitten for my four-year-old granddaughter and the poor thing died 3 days later. Our whole Christmas is ruined, not to mention the poor little kitten. How can people sell animals without checking their health first? Greed, greed, greed!! Now we have to wait and hope the cat they already have doesn't become sick as well. read more