I will not be bringing my dogs here for grooming again. If the groomer is unwilling to work with longer-haired dogs, that should be communicated upfront so customers can make other arrangements. When I called to schedule an appointment for my mini Sheepadoodle, I was questioned about why it had been five months since her last visit. She is still a puppy, I prefer to keep her coat longer, and I regularly bathe and groom her myself. I also clearly stated that she was not matted. However, upon arrival, the groomer immediately began checking her over as if expecting to find matting. She did not I then explained that I wanted her to maintain a sheepdog look while having her coat shortened slightly for the warmer weather. When I picked up my dog, she had been completely shaved down and nothing like what I had asked for. Even more upsetting, she appeared frightened and anxious. I have never seen her react this way after a grooming appointment. She stayed glued to my side the entire evening, which is very unlike her. The groomer chose the quickest option without regard for my instructions or my dog's comfort. I expected professionalism and care, and unfortunately received neither. read more

Natural Instincts Healthy Pet Center - Before - Pet Stores Near Me - Alpine, California

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I will never take my dogs there again for grooming. They should not groom long haired dogs if it annoys them! When I made the appointment for my dog, the first thing she was concerned about was that my dog hadn't been there in 5 months!! Well I am shopping around for the best groomer as my dog just turned a year and I groom my dog daily!!! I assured her my dog was not matted. When I take my dog in, the grumpy groomers face drops and the first thing she does is feel all underneath my dog looking for mats!! she found none!! After my dog and I were so rudely greeted, I should have left! However, I explain what I want and it's not what I got. My dogs hair was completely SHAVED OFF!! Lazy groomer!! My two doodles will be going elsewhere. Just tell your costumers you will only shave doodles because it's easier for the grumpy, rude groomer! read more

If you live in Alpine, you already know how special Natural Instincts is. Angela is truly one of a kind. Her love for animals is obvious in everything she does. I constantly see her going out of her way to help reunite lost pets with their families, posting across multiple community groups, scanning animals, and doing whatever she can to help. Today, while driving my daughter home from school, we spotted a tiny Chihuahua running in the middle of the road. We immediately picked it up tried to find its home. Unfortunately, we couldn't figure out who the owner was so we took it straight to Natural Instincts. Angela scanned the dog for a chip, and when none was found, she took photos of it, posted in local groups near where the dog was found, and before long, we were able to locate the owner. What really touched me was that she didn't just scan and send us on our way. She gave us a harness and leash so the little pup would be safe and secure while we searched for its family. This is who she is. This is how she runs her business. Natural Instincts isn't just a pet store. It's a place run by someone with a genuine heart for animals and the community. The shop is absolutely adorable, they offer grooming, and when we were there, we even saw two beautiful black kittens available for adoption. We need more businesses and more humans like this in our communities. If you can, please support Natural Instincts! read more

Natural Instincts Healthy Pet Center - Pet Stores Near Me - Alpine, California

Jeanna did a great summer cut on my chihuahua Frankie. I highly recommend going to Natural Instincts. read more

Natural Instincts Healthy Pet Center - Pet Stores Near Me - Alpine, California

I think this is the first time I've ever written a review in my life, and I feel bad but I have to do it. I took my dog in there a week ago to be groomed and it was only her third time there with the same lady. My dog completely put all four of her paws out in an attempt to not go back to be groomed. Rather than the lady speaking to my dog nicely and trying to encourage her, she literally drug her by her neck and the collar. I attempted to help push my dog from behind so she wouldn't get choked. I was so beside myself. Only because I had an appointment that I had to go to did I leave her there, otherwise I would've taken her and left. When I came to pick her up, I walked straight back there and found her in a crate with a huge dog that was leaning up against her and pushing her into the side of the crate. They had a huge dog in a small crate with my dog. It could've attacked my dog, you just don't do that. I will never take her there again. read more

I went in to get my dogs nails trimmed and anal glands expressed. They were very quick and efficient. They got him in and out within 10 minutes. read more

Natural Instincts Healthy Pet Center - Pet Stores Near Me - Alpine, California

I'm not happy with them. I had my dog groomed twice and they didn't cut her nails. I don't trust them now so I will take my business elsewhere. read more

I called in advance to see if they sell CBD for my senior dogs. The person on the phone went through all of the options they had available. I really appreciated that! In the store, the staff was helpful as well. I'm happy to know I have Natural Instincts within walking distance of my home. My dogs love to visit as well:) read more

Natural Instincts Healthy Pet Center - The best CBD out there! - Pet Stores Near Me - Alpine, California

Went to buy some eye drops for my dog . The women at the cash register didn't even say hello . Didn't care . Once I purchased the drops and went home I used them then about 3 days later I ripped the price tag off to read ingredients and noticed it was expired a year ago . The covered it up with a price tag :( read more

Natural Instincts Healthy Pet Center - This was purchased August 17 ,2024 . Exactly one year old in there store and covered up with a price tag - Pet Stores Near Me - Alpine, California

We bring our pups here for nail clips and always end up buying a few treats for them on the side, great customer service and able to adjust to different dogs needs. Thank you! read more

Very rude, the woman Angela spreads gossip and misinformation. Do not recommend at all, very unprofessional business

Amazed by the grooming job done on my puppy goldendoodle! The staff was incredibly friendly and scheduling was super easy. Definitely my forever spot when it comes to my dog's grooming needs. Highly recommend! read more

Natural Instincts Healthy Pet Center - Pet Stores Near Me - Alpine, California

Only my first visit to groom my 13 and 11 year old golden doodles. I used the same groomer many years, with lots of dogs but lock downs messed that up. I am very impressed they were in and out, needing a lot of work since it had been 2-3 months and they usually go monthly. They addressed my special requests and my eldest dog could still walk to the car, which has been an issue elsewhere, he'd be so exhausted because they took so long. I'm very happy, they look fabulous! And are happy!! read more

I love this store! We buy all our pet food there but most of all their grooming service is the best! They take care of our dogs with 5 star service. The owner Angie is awesome read more

One of the better groomers and pet store in Alpine. I frequent Natural Instincts for grooming and to buy good healthy dog food for my pet. I would like to recommend Cheyenne who is a groomer at Natural Instincts. Cheyenne is very respectful, kind and gentle with my pet. We have used Natural Instincts for several years and we are very satisfied. Thank you Angie for recommending Cheyenne for my Banner. Happy Holidays to you and yours see you in 2020. read more

Natural Instincts Healthy Pet Center - Banner. A Blenheim King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, 10 years old. Male. - Pet Stores Near Me - Alpine, California

Out of towner found this store on web. What a great well stocked store. The ladies are very knowledgeable about their products in their store. It is nice to go into a store where they really know what they are selling. Will use this store when we are back in the area. read more

OMG! I am so glad to have found this pet store in Alpine. During the mist of the COVID stuff I was having a hard time getting special dog food for my Schnauzer who has an intestine problem. Ms Angela helped me through it with a few recommendations of dog food that would help my baby girl. She's a 12 pound dog that was attacked by a coyote and almost died. Thanks to her doctor/surgeon Dr. Kirpatrick of Jamacha Pet Vet, now located in Santee, she survived and fully recovered. He recommended a special diet for her after the surgery and Chewy was our go to, but they stopped carrying that product during the pandemic. So, we were able to get wonderful help at Natural Instincts and Ms Angela was a lifesaver. She also rescues dogs and cats, as we are also a schnauzer rescue. I would recommend you check out her store, which is full service including nails and baths, and see if she can help your little love ones as well. read more

Brought our 4 year old Cockapoo Violet in for grooming with Susie for the 1st time. What a wonderful experience! Susie did a fantastic job, great attention to detail with Violet who can be a bit of a challenge. I would highly recommended Natural Instincts Healthy Pet Center for grooming, boarding and pet supplies. read more

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I took an emergency foster dog in today to seen about using the self dog cleaning. The two ladies that worked there were amazing. The poor dog has been abused and they helped bath her and gave me advice on how to help her heal. They were amazing and I cant recommend Natural Instincts enough. read more

This place was recommended by a friend So we gave it a try. We share a home with a Bull Terrier , if your not familiar, think Target dog. quite possibly the most stubborn animals in the world. A cross between a teddy bear and a velociraptor We took her in for a bath and to attempt to have her nails trimmed. Up till now , the only way we could get her nails trimmed was if she was unconscious. The staff was great , we came back in about an hour and and she was all clean smelling good, had a little cow girl bandana around her neck and her nails looked great. No one was missing any appendages and they said they had no problem. We will be regulars from now on read more

My dog had such a great experience with Lisa today! This was her first positive experience with a groomer. She's scared and reactive and previously she would come home traumatized and not herself for weeks. After picking her up she's as happy as ever, her normal sweet self and so grateful she doesn't have stickers stuck in her fur. We will be lifelong customers. read more

I stop in here from time to time for dog goodies/food. I also get my dog groomed there. Well I must say, this is the most unfriendly pet facility around. The girls in the front area/desk etc Never acknowledge you or say Hi,hello, etc. They ignore you like you don't matter. I stood there twice today and waited for someone to break off their personal conversations to wait on me as a paying customer. It's all ok though, Kahoots is just down the street as other groomers are as well. The groomers are nice people but they don't stay working there hmmm. Well maybe it's a sign to move on. I tried read more

I used to live in Alpine and took my baby girl here alot for her Doggy Day Spa. Most dogs do not enjoy the wash, however NIHPC makes the setting so cozy and cool. Most times the candles and music is going. If it's not, please ask and they are more than happy to accommodate. I've been around town in SD to many of the dog wash stores and a lot are for small/medium dogs, no parking or unsafe. Who wants to lift an 80 pound dog in/out of a tub? I never bought dog food here but the treats for the ride home and doggy love decor is amazing. It's a great set up and since I moved, driving from the Southbay to Alpine is a nice time with your pooch. They always had enough towels and amenities to service us when we came. I would give NIHPC a 5 star rating if there were non-slip pads on the floor. That's the only thing I can say that needs a little boost. My girl was 12 years old and having a senior dog slip on the floor can be the worst. Overall, I will go back here again and look forward to the rhinestone dog owner decor behind the counter. Love it! Keep up the work and good luck to your business. I hope someone adopted those cute little cats in the window! =) read more

Natural Instincts Healthy Pet Center - Happy times at NIHPC! - Pet Stores Near Me - Alpine, California

I love that this place has healthy options for your pet but I have to say they are not friendly at all. I have been here several times for products or for the self-serve dog wash and I never feel comfortable or welcome here. I had my dog groomed here once and the groomer acted like my dog was an inconvenience and implied that he had aggressive behavior! I have a golden doodle! The nicest most humble, lovable dog ever! I have been having him groomed for over 3 years and have never had any complaints about his behavior. Needless to say I've since taken my dog elsewhere where they have nothing but love for him. It's unfortunate that the staff isn't more friendly. That goes a long way with customers and animals. read more

I feel so grateful that Natural Instincts makes me feel secure in leaving my dog for playdates and overnight. Shout to Angela, Lisa and the team for being amazing with Bright Light! This is Bright Light's second home. Grateful to have you and your team in the community! read more

On 9/02 I called to schedule a bath and nail trim for my dog in the upcoming week. While talking with the girl on the phone, she asked if she could put me on hold to take care of customer's in line in front of her. I said yes. After 10+ minutes on hold, I hung up then called back to say we would be going someplace else. Good Luck if you try to go here. read more

BEST PET CENTER in town and around if you ask me. In the past before our dog pasted away we would take our elderly dog for board and care when we had to be out of town or went on vacation and when we picked him up we could tell he was happy being there. Recently Alpine had a terrifying fire, we were evacuated from our home within minutes and being the hottest day of the year we had to round up our two in door cats and find a place for them. We parking our car a few miles away from our home With the air conditioning on and our cats used to traveling with us they knew something was wrong, they were freaking out in the car. This place does not usually board cats but because of the situation they took both cats and they kept them safe. It really showed us that the Pet Center has a caring heart for all animals. read more

Walked in....waited...and waited...and waited. One staff member left and woman at counter wouldn't make eye contact, answered phone, frowning shaking her head...walked out. read more

Went to check out the adoption event, very successful - they all found homes! The next one is November 25th. read more

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The store itself has a cute set up. However my visit was to have my Miniature Schnauzer groomed and asked to please not trim the ears or tail, I like them long. This is how my pup was given back to me. With a huge chunk of hair missing from her ear, and the other ear not trimmed straight. The groomer Jessica told me NOTHING about it. I saw it later in the evening while fully looking her over. Very discouraging to put your trust in someone to groom your dog and they, in a sense, lie about THEIR mistake by 1. Not telling me and 2. Not trimming the rest to look the same. Instead nothing is said to me and I'm very disappointed. I don't appreciate that type of business. read more

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First time and they were really nice and great to my dog. I enjoyed the Facebook video to check on my doggy as well.

Stopped in on the way out to Mt. Laguna for some treats, toys, leash. Not sure what everyone is talking about in a couple of the reviews regarding unfriendly staff (???). The two ladies who helped my girlfriend and I were extremely helpful, knowledgeable. Selection is great, prices are good too! My new go to, even if it is 30-40min away from us. read more

We have used Natural Instincts numerous times for boarding our dogs. They are always well taken care of and come home happy and tired (from playing with all the other campers). We've used their self wash, very convenient and the groomers as well! Natural Instincts is a one stop shop for your pet needs! read more

This place is f@#$*! awkward wish I could give zero stars. I walked in with my frenchie, and both ladies looked at me like I had a third eye ball. No greeting at all, or offered any help finding anything. Once I walked the entire store, the blonde one finally asked if I needed anything. I asked if they sold temp thermometers and she said no. Then looked at my dog and proceeded to talk to her in this weird scary high pitched voice, asking if she had a fever. And I straight up told her no, you idiot, she's pregnant. Definitely never going here again. Like another reviewer said Kahoots is way worth the awesome customer service and their military discount read more

We had been bringing our dog and our daughter's pups here (when they visited) for quite sometime (for grooming) and have always been extremely happy with the gentle care and excellent grooming every associate extended to all of our dogs over the years. However, we had a situation arise where personal schedule conflicts required we find a hotel for our little guy (who we have never boarded in the past) for a two night stay and my heart was so heavy about it. Of course we turned to Natural Instincts without hesitation, since we know their level of care. I cannot adequately express how amazing Angela and her team were in caring for our sweet 15 year old poodle. Our expectations were far exceeded! They reassured us when we brought him in and they took care of Boo as though he was their own pup. He loved his stay at NI and play well with the other dogs. What more could you ask? Thank you all so very much! Boo will be happy to return if we ever run into this situation again. read more

I love this store! The staff is always friendly & eager to assist you. They have a variety of natural foods & treats for your pets including raw food. I've noticed a tremendous difference in my pets behavior & attitude since I changed their diet. I will never buy food or treats from a regular pet store again!!! read more

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Just wanted to do quick self wash for our puppy... hours listed until 6. The two people there very rudely informed us that they close at 5 today (wasn't 5 yet). Take your business elsewhere - cold service and not adherent to listed hours. Happy New Year indeed. read more

Don't ever have a dog groomed here! I took my beautiful goldendoodles here and spoke with the groomer for several minutes giving her specific instructions on how my dogs were to be trimmer. Their fur was gorgeous, it just needed to be shortened a little. When I picked up my dogs I was horrified! They had been shaved all over! The shaving is even irregular with gouges and stripes. It will take many months to get that perfect doodle look back and now because of their light skin I am worried about sunburn. As everyone else has mentioned the girls in the store are rude and make you feel unwelcome. This store does not deserve your business. read more

I'm an RVT and always super cautious of where I board my dogs. This place may have been a bit out of the way but I 100% recommend this place for boarding! They are super nice and took good care of my pups, I will definitely be back. read more

Rushing after work to grab dog food tonight and it was my first time trying to find a quality pet store in Alpine. I happen to show up just after closing and the doors were locked. The staff saw me (I wish I had their names) and not only did they let me in to make a last minute purchase they helped me find a better and healthier food for my dogs! These ladies made me feel valued as a cistomer and they have won my business! Thanks for being so amazingly nice ladies! read more