I had the most amazing customer service by a red headed young lady at checkout. It was so refreshing to see a smiling face compared to all the dread I've seen at the store lately. read more

Took my puppy here for his first haircut, asked her to not use clippers and trim around his face and his feet. I will attach the before and after picture they do not know what they're doing or I do not think these people have any grooming experience she just cut a big bald spot in the middle of my Yorkies forehead. Nothing else was touched. Do not go here. Additionally, he was traumatized leaving here and had diarrhea immediately after. read more

Petco - Before picture - Pet Training Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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Snotty store manager and bait and switch prices. Looked online for World's Best Cat Litter to make sure they had it in stock before I went to the store. Online said it was $19.15 per bag. So I go to the store put two bags in my shopping cart and the total was over $47. I said to them well that's really a lot of tax for two $19 bags of cat litter and they tell me "Oh well you have to ask us to price match before we can give it to you for that price. We can process a return then give it to you for that price but you have to tell us beforehand." Never heard of such a thing, and I didn't want to go through the hassle so I said never mind but I'm never shopping here again. So instead of being apologetic the snotty store manager tells me well that's the way they do things and if I never want to shop there again that's up to me and to have a nice day. Way to go. Bait and switch your customers and then give them a lecture when you try to rip them off. Not going back to this place. read more

The people there need to work on their customer service attitude and work on the way they wash and express anal glands. Cause I feel like she is still dirty when I pick her up read more

This store is short staffed, didn't have a bunch of things we were looking for, and we wanted to adopt "Silk" the female black cat, however, our trip to this store was really a waste of time as we were told to come back tomorrow. According to a staff member that worked in the grooming center, she had to train one of her staff members to be able to operate the register in order to help out. We live uptown in NW, DC near Howard University. It took us an hour to get through traffic to get to this store only for us to be disappointed. So that the trip didn't feel like a total waste, the only thing we bought were cat treats for our only black cat, Fred. read more

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Traumatizing experience with the grooming department!! My Labradoodle had an appointment @ 9:00 am with Tyana today, all went well at check-in and we were told to wait for a call for pickup. At 10:47 am we get a call from Tyana stating we need to pick Lexi up because she has fleas and that they gave her THREE (3) flea baths... that amount cannot be safe!!! I have never experienced fleas with my pets so I was shocked!!! I went to pick up our dear Lexi... and she was soaked. They sent my poor dog home dripping wet & cold!!! It was in the 60s outside!! I felt like we did the walk of shame leaving Petco, in front of so many people and dogs in the store as she was slipping on the floor unable to gain footing because she was soooo wet!!! I will never go back to petco again after that traumatic experience. My poor baby! I hope whatever "flea treatment" does not harm her!!! I had to towel dry her then blow dry her at home... then brush her out!!! Absolutely awful! read more

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We use the Vital Care program through Petco which gets us unlimited teeth brushing and nail trims for $20 a month. It also include a bunch of other perks. With this program, we take our pup to the groomer every 2 weeks. We've been going to this Petco for awhile and have seen many groomers come and go, but Ty is our favorite. She takes good care of my goldendoodle brushing his teeth, clipping his nails, and giving him a little spritz of cologne. She always does a little check up on him while he is there too, letting me know if his fur is getting a bit matted, or if his ears might need a cleaning soon. Other times she just tells me I did a great job with my at-home attempt at grooming him! She handles our fur ball well, and he never seems to mind going with her even though he knows what's coming. We've been very happy with the service here. read more

Place was nicely organized, people were very welcoming. Tony was great at advertising products and took great care of me! Positive enviromen

They have a window where you can see all the dogs at doggie daycare.. before picking my pup up, I wanted to watch her to see how she behaved with other dogs.. as she is young and a bit of a scary cat. As my dog spotted me, my mouth flew wide open and I started to wave at her. An employee from the daycare (Jackie) said to me, "excuse me ma'am, these are peoples dogs, if you think they are up for adoption, they aren't.." I was a bit in shock. I told her my dog is in there and I'm just watching her before I pick her up. Jackie just walked away. read more

Hands down the worst petco I've ever been to! The store is pretty old and dirty looking. The two times I've been here they have been out of my dogs dry food (Canidae Salmon), I've never had an issue finding it at any other petco. What really bothers me about this location is the grooming salon, what a waste of my time! I brought my chihuahua dogs for nail trims, and was told they couldn't cut some of my dogs nails because who knows why? They told me I should take them to a vet and have them do it, but of course they still charged me because they were able to cut some. Again, fist time I've ever experienced an issue with someone not being able to cut my dogs nails at a grooming salon!!! I ended up taking my dogs to the Pet Smart down the street, and the lady that helped me couldn't understand why they couldn't cut the nails at Petco, she was also nice enough to not charge me a dime, even though she should have! She cut their nails in 2 mins. My husband without knowing about my past experience brought them to petco for a second time for nail trims a few weeks later, only to experience the same thing!!!!!! They told him they couldn't cut all their nails because the dogs are too small!! O-M-G!!!! Unbelievable, same drill he ended up going to Pet Smart. Needles to say we won't come to Petco anymore!!! What a joke and waste of time! read more

Petco - Wait is that me? Time for a pawdicure - Pet Training Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Great staff and grooming services. We are always pleased with their service. Our dog loves it there.

The is a parking lot right outside. The service was amazing and they helped me pick the right fish for me and helped me pick out what I need to make sure it thrives and I've had my fish for 2 years now :) read more

I won't rate them but have to to post the review. The store is ok but for the first time in six years, I had a problem with this grooming location. The first thing is my appointment is at 815am. I was held in traffic because of an accident which would get me there by 820am. I called starting at 805 letting them know I would be 5 minutes late (no one answers). I call as I'm pulling into the parking lot two employees are sitting at the desk. I attempt to walk in they point me to report to the locked door that I already attempted to enter through. I tell the groomer I've called you all seven times to tell you I would be late but no one answered and you all are sitting right there at the phone. I'm told they were checking voicemails from last night, but ok. I dropped my dog for grooming, I return to get him after I was called stating he's ready and I get a report card that he wasn't groomed or nails weren't trimmed because he was having a bad morning and tried to bite the employees. My pup is a 6lb maybe 7lb Yorkie who has only been to this same PETCO since birth with an exception of a six-month stint away by the way who is very playful and will do what you say. So I address them about it because I'm confused about a dog that isn't aggressive who only wants to play attempting to bite anyone. Of course, I got the "we reserve the right speech." Next, I call the store to speak to a manager, and the (cuss word) who answered the phone didn't tell me if she was a manager or not, but asked me what do I need. I ask are you a manager she says I'm one of the managers what do you need? I begin to start telling her what happen and she gets offensive, not letting me finish, making excuses for the groomers, the same we reserve the right to deny service to anyone then had the nerve to tell me we don't have to groom your dog, you can take your dog elsewhere. I said your right I will take my dog elsewhere and of course, I have never felt discriminated against because of the color of my skin but I immediately looked around and realized out of everyone that has taken their dog in there while I waited they didn't have the same color skin. Totally pissed and will take this higher. read more

I very rarely leave yelp reviews. however this was the worst experience with a pet store. The sales associate continued to interrupt me while shopping with completely wrong information for a beta trying to up sale me on products. I had at least $100 worth of items and then he became hostile when I refused to purchase a cleaning hose. It was so embarrassing he started to call me a fish killer in front of everyone. I have never been more embarrassed. read more

On a Sunday afternoon, the Petco was not very busy and there were plenty of parking spots right out front. This Petco is very large, with a big fish wall to the right side. The selection of fish here is much wider than any other locations I've been to, so I would be inclined to come here if I didn't live an hour away. An employee was available immediately to help me out but couldn't answer my question about their return policy on a deceased fish. He directed me to the manager at the front of the store. I walked over to her, who was free by the cash registers. She informed me that I needed my receipt, the body of the dead fish, and a sample of water to determine whether it was "our fault or your fault," which would determine whether they refund me for the dearly departed. She was friendly and helpful. read more

Hands down the WORST Petco store I've shopped at! I like the company as a whole. I appreciate that they carry some of the more natural brands that PetSmart doesn't. I frequently order online and have been very happy with the company. But this store is dirty, never tags sale or clearance items and frequently closes earlier than the time stated on the door (8:00 pm). I always call ahead to make sure they'll actually be open until 8:00 and many times I'm told they're closing at 6:00 or 7:00 or 7:30, etc. What store does that? Just very poorly managed! read more

Worst customer service! Wanted to buy goldfish for kids party favors, already told the parents that goldfish were coming so I'm pretty sure they were going to be prepared, if not at the time going the next day to get the fish supplies, whatever. Basically, I was questioned why I needed the goldfish, after stating the reason (which I shouldn't have to cause it was none of the Petco employee and manager business, I could have been feeding another pet). They told me they could not sell me the goldfish because the Petco employee and manager ASSUMED the parents (remind that knew the fish were coming) did not have fish tanks already set up. Like seriously! I left, took my money elsewhere and went right over to Petsmart and purchased my goldfish, food, and a few fun knick-knacks to go in the tanks. read more

The outward appearance of the store looks vacant and as if it is about to close. Subconsciously I patronize this store because I don't want it to close. The store is small, but has all of the standard pet store items. I typically go to this store for dog food, fish food, dog clothing, and dog treats. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The managers introduce themselves to you. They are the primary reason I am loyal to this store. I have used the grooming salon once (so far) for my Toy Poodle/Bichon Frise. I was satisfied with the results, and would consider allowing them to groom her again. I really wish they had a vet like PetSmart does. That would be quite helpful. Perhaps in the future. read more

Petco - Exhausted after being groomed for the first time. - Pet Training Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Arrived early for a 9:30 appointment and they would not let us in. They only had one of our dogs scheduled and it was not even the correct dogs name. The manager was incredibly rude and both of our dogs were terrified and immediately put in cages. We asked if they could be done now and they charged us extra for the rushed rover, which is understandable. Meanwhile, the groomer had yet to show up 30 mins past our appointment. The two associates were going to do the baths and we left. They called 15 mins later saying the dogs were not cooperative and we had to come get them (when we picked them up the mysterious groomer was still missing??) Will not be going back. I don't blame my dogs for not wanting to cooperate with them. read more

I'm giving two stars because the dog trainer (Mike Tomai) and Maddie and Tracie have always been helpful and caring to me and my puppy. But, I am never going back to this location, and maybe not another Petco either. I became acquainted with this store initially as a volunteer, working with a cat rescue. This was not a place I would normally shop. The other reviews are correct - it doesn't look open, the parking lot is shady, and store is VERY dirty - dried pee on the floor. As well, PetSmart (even for a mass chain pet store) I think has always been the preferred of the two. Nonetheless, after several months of volunteering, I decided to adopt a dog from a rescue that leases some of Petco's space. I have probably spent $1k in dog training classes, food, supplies, toys. And most of these you know I could get for almost half the price on Amazon. But, hey, I was giving love to a place that I thought valued me as a customer. To give some background, I work in the pet industry. I previously floor managed a doggy daycare, and I am a full time pet sitter and dog walker. After 7 weeks of puppy training, the trainer told me about a puppy play group held 1 hr each Sat. & Sun. I brought my dog in there, because I do trust the trainer. Within about 2 minutes, a boston terrier bit my dog's nose. My dog has been in doggycare for months and has NEVER been in any kind of altercation. She is known for getting along with all dogs. Mike was fast and professional, and he got a manager for me as well as some 1st aid ointment. He also agreed the other dog should not participate for the rest of the day. OK. I'm satisfied. 30 minutes after the bite, I asked the Asst Manager, Antwaun, where the incident report was. He said he hadn't worked on it yet. Huh? At my doggy daycare, bites/injuries to human or dogs are taken seriously and dealt with promptly. Sure, my dog wasn't bleeding to death, but put a step on it buddy! I had to keep asking him to get to it. 30 mins after that I was checking out with my dog at the register. Still no report. As I was paying, another owner entered the store with his dog (on a retractable leash, eye roll) and was about 10 feet away. I didn't know his dog, and it was a pitbull, and he lets the leash start retracting until his dog is a foot from my puppy. Being already cautious given my dog was bit once, I firmly told him, "You got to get your dog away from mine." This is a reasonable request, and is really just commonplace dog /dog owner etiquette. Well, this trash bag starts cursing and dropping F and B bombs, name calling me, insulting my dog, insulting me. There are children in the store, other customer, and other clients. At this point, the trainer, the cashier, and a handful of other customers are looking up. It was scary for me. He began charging at me, you know, like one does when they are about to fight you. His mom, HIS MOM (the guy is probably 35 years old, wearing acid wash jeans) had to get in between and tell him to go away. She was driving him by the way. I wonder why a 65 year old is driving her 35 year old around. Imma gonna guess he doesn't have a license. Hmmm. At this point, I call the cops. The two managers, Sarah and Antwan are no where to be seen as this is going down. I guess they were working on the report together (sarcastic eye roll.) They don't intervene, they don't tell him to leave. How do you manage a store from the back office? I have seen people asked to leave Apple stores and coffee shops for less than what that guy did. Isn't Petco a family store? Petco: Is your new policy tolerant of swearing and abusive language to your customers, and within earshot of several children? Once the cops arrive, everyone in the store verified my story. No one, not even the guy who verbally accosted me denied the story! You think then they'd ban the guy, right? All you need to do in VA is offer a verbal trespass warning. Nope, they didn't. Oh, that report they gave to me. What a joke. It was literally four questions that were bubble filled in. That takes an hour, I guess. These managers had zero urgency to help me or my dog. Good luck with keeping nice, committed customers who spends hundreds of dollars with you. I guess I know now who is more valuable to you - Route 1 riff raff. I'll go spend my money on Amazon and hire trainers outside of Petco. Yuck. read more

This Petco looks a lot nicer on the inside than it does on the outside. It's in a stretch of strip mall area on Rt. 1, in a convenient location. This building is a little farther back, partially obscured by a cat hospital, which makes it look like it's not in business or closed. I drove in on a Sunday afternoon, worried it was already closed. It closes at 7 on Sundays which was incredibly convenient to me, but I almost contemplated not even driving by because it looked deserted. The inside is open and clean, and the grooming area looks very nice. Their placement of Friskies and Fancy Feast is a little odd in relation to the rest of the cat food section (it's next to the cat litter?) read more

I would rate ZERO stars if I could! This Petco is literally the WORST pet store I've ever been to in my entire life no exaggeration. The employees are always rude first of all... which came as a surprise to me as I was used to going to another location (unleashed) near my previous residence. Since I moved I have unfortunately had to come to this TERRIBLE location due to it's close proximity to my new address. Tonight I ARRIVED AT THE DOOR at 8:57 pm to buy dog food and the door was locked. Three employees were inside and simply looked at me and began laughing to themselves as they proceeded to go on about their closing duties. It was EXTRMELY rude and I'm not sure why they think it's okay to treat customers like this??? I will be calling corporate! If they cant treat every customer with dignity and respect they dont need to be working here. & it's not just tonight's situation that turned me off of this location. I made an appointment with their grooming salon last month and drove here only to have to cancel because upon arrival I was told that my PUG would have to be in a kennel for 2 hours before she was seen for a simple bath. WHAT? Bracephyllic dogs aren't supposed to be in kennels that long, which is why other pet stores like petsmart have implemented policies to reflect that prolonged periods of time in kennels for short-nosed breeds are dangerous. I tell the groomer that I'm not comfortable with having my pug in a kennel this long, and she says "If you want to pay extra we can do an express. Otherwise it's two hours." Um... WHAT? I canceled and drove to petsmart that same day. Ridiculous! Then to add insult to injury, I review my pal rewards orders just now because I have been going to this location since SEPTEMBER, have spent HUNDREDS of dollars at this location, and have never received not ONE pal reward. I look st my account and I see that they have never recognized my number at this store!!! This whole time I have been coming here WEEKLY and spending money and the last transaction that has been recorded with my number is the previous location I used to go to prior to moving to this area. I am FUMING!!!!!!!!! DO NOT COME TO THIS PETCO or any for that matter. I initially tried to call corporate about my grooming experience and of course everyone was gone for the weekend and there was no one to take my call even though on their website they LIE and say their customer service center is open 7 days a week until 5pm. I called at 2pm on a Saturday so thats DEFINITELY false. I'm leaving this review to warn others. This company makes petsmart seem like luxury. THE WORST!!!!!! read more

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I took my 8 month Scottish Terrier in to be groomed and they would not groom him as they have never trimmed a Scottie and he was young. When I asked why I was not notified as I had made th appointment over a month ago, they said they were not allowed to call and only allowed to say something when you come in. Disappointed they wasted my time as I would have taken Herb to another groomer. read more

employees are nice and it was a good experienc and they had a lot of pet and food for my guinea pig and he only likes petco food so it was useful read more

Makiah and Sydnie made life so much easier for me, both women was very knowledgeable, and informative and help me out tremendously with my entire purchase they was very patient and wanted me to receive the best I strongly recommend you guys to ask for Makia and Sydnie, read more

They have no knowledge towards animals, I let one of the staff members know that two of the hamsters were fighting and she said that they were fine being together in the same cage. Obviously that's not true. This isn't the staffs fault but maybe they need to hear the feedback from costumers. read more

Alvin did a great job grooming my puppy! The grooming area of this Petco seemed very busy at the time, and I imagine they are so busy as one of the only grooming places open right now during COVID-19. He called me right when he was finished with my dog, which I appreciated because he doesn't like being in a kennel. Alvin has great customer service and I just want to acknowledge my thanks because I know this is a wild time. He did a great job with my puppy's face! read more

Petco - Pet Training Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

They're just great. Very knowledgeable, courteous and professional staff. They always have everything I need in stock. Place is always kept clean, products are organized, fully stocked and staff actually are proactive about helping me. read more

This is not a business to support. Ordered a RX cat food online on Friday. My vet was included in their drop down list. On Monday they canceled the order saying my vet was unable to be contacted for approval. Chewy got my vet's okay in an hour. read more

One, don't have someone slow working on the weekend and Friday. Two, don't say u accept walk-ins and ask me to make an appointment. I just wanted to get my dogs nails clipped which only takes like five mins and she couldn't even do that read more

Used to think this was a cool location cuz they have more pets than any other location. However, after today I will only be popping up here to get on their nerves and visit the cats. For one if I don't ask for your recommendation then I don't need or want it. I purchased a metal training collar. The guy that's next to the lady ringing me up calls another woman over who I assume to be the supervisor or manager, and says "you don't recommend these do you?" To which she states that she doesn't and she recommends the harness. Yeah I've had two and with my current pinched nerve we'll stick to what I choose. The lady in line behind me says "ma'am I think those hurt the dog" to which I responded then they should stop selling them. This lady proceeds to go back and forth with me because the employees thought it was suitable to give their unwanted opinion and unwanted recommendation. If I ask you for your recommendation then you can give it to me. I had to tell the lady in line behind me that she should stfu if she wants to stay safe cuz I almost smacked the shit out of her. Y'all will be seeing me frequently now because I'm an asshole read more

Just wanted to thank the Manager today (I think his name was Anthony) He helped me figure out a membership/coupon problem and resolved it fast and with common sense. Been going here for years, thank you again and my White German Shepherd, Melania thanks you too! read more

Unbelievable customer service from store manager. His name was either Kevin or Kevant. I wanted to buy an anemone but the store manager refused to help me because he doesn't know how much it costs. I point out the price tag to him but he said that could be the wrong price tag. Therefore, he refused to sell to me the anemone. I told him that I don't expect him to know the price of every thing in the store but I expect him, as a store manager, to know how to do a price check and do it when a customer requested. He just kept repeating that he doesn't know how much the anemone costs and so he can't help me and that's the end of the story. No apologies, no let me get someone else who may be able to help you. He just gave me a blank look and walked away. Petco store number 767 at 6622 Richmond HW. Was the store manager on duty this evening on crack? read more

This review applies to the grooming section at Petco. My husband and I have been taking our black lab, Gracie here for over a year to have her nails trimmed and anal glands expressed. Today at 1:30pm we went there and witnessed an employee dragging a dog across the floor by his neck. This was in the grooming area that is encased by windows. This was happening where the employee knew he would be seen by customers and his manager so I can only imagine what happens in the rooms that are not visible. Turns out, the grooming manager was in the room when this happened and saw it happen. There was a dog fight between two male pit pulls right before this happened because the same employee who dragged the dog did not have one of them on a leash. As soon as I saw this happen I found the store manager, who also brought out the assistant store manager and the grooming manager. I told them the story and they seemed shocked. They apologized and told me they would call me after they had reviewed the situation (still have not called). I am posting this to alert any loving dog owners out there who may be using the grooming section at Petco. This is completely ridiculous - as I said, this happened in the glass room where everyone can see in, so who knows what is happening in the back rooms. Lack of oversight is an understatement! All I can say is that employee is lucky it was not my Gracie he was dragging. I am so disgusted by this behavior and ultimately with the management for hiring such a disrespectful and evil person. A "one star" rating is more than they deserve. Yelp, allow a "zero star" rating for cases such as these. We certainly will NEVER go back to this Petco - for grooming or otherwise. Please feel free to contact me regarding this posting if you have any questions. read more

Loved this location except they don't have a good area for dogs to urinated before getting groomed.

Friendly workers and a decent selection despite its small size, if you can find the item you're looking for. It was a little disorganized the last time I went looking for some turtle food. There were a couple different displays, and it took me half an hour to find the kind I was looking for. read more

This is my local PETCO. At one level I would give this PETCO a Four or Five. If you know what you want -- dog food, dog treats, dog toys, etc., etc., etc., PETCO has large stocks of a wide variety of products. You can enter the store, quickly locate the product, qucikly check out and leave. On the other hand, on another level, I would give this and other PETCOs a one or two, or an even lower score. Most of the personnel in the PETCO store seem to be unknowledgeable and lacking in any motivation. Frequently, there is no knowledgeable worker or supervisor to whom one can direct questions or ask advice. There are exceptions, but they are few and far between. I once walked up to the individual who was responsible that day for scheduling appointments for dog grooming and baths. This invididual literally had a scowl on her face. I asked her to explain the array of option that were available to me and to my dog, and she just sullenly stared at me, pointed at the price list, and said nothing for a long time. FInally, she volunteered that the pricing depended, in part, on the weight of the dog. She told me to put my dog on the scales, which I did. However, the scales did not work. We quickly found out that this sullen employee had no idea how to operate the scales, which led to her glaring at me again in silence. At this point, I decided that I would never, ever get my dog bathed and/or groomed at this or any other PETCO. I also decided that I would never/ever board my dog at such a place or send my dog to a PETCO doggy daycare. I would also never, ever entrust my dog's health care in any, way, shape or form to this or any other PETCO. If you are shopping for dog food, dog treats or dog toys and you know exacty what you want, this is the place to go and things move fast, very efficiently. If you have more complex needs and need the help of knowledgeable individuals, you should definitely not be going to this or any other PETCO. Sorry, PETCO, but you most definitely need to "up your game," unless you simply want to be a dog food warehouse! read more

I must say- I am very pleased with my boy's grooming. He got cleaned out so nicely! It made it even more obvious that the grooming he received where I took him the previous time, was a true dud!! I speak as an experienced multi pet owner throughout my life and now also have 3 grandpuppies!! Grooming Doodles requires patience, expertise and time. Can't rush it and get it right. Today, I got all three- Patience, Expertise and Time. A big THANK YOU to the Grooming Salon!! We'll be back before long. read more

We had been going here for dog grooming for over two years. Initially they did a good job, but unfortunately the store has high employee turnover and it was particularly noticeable with our dog's grooming. The quality of the haircuts deteriorated and the length of time our dog was there basically doubled, bad combination for any business. On top of that, of our last six appointments three were canceled the day of the appointment and asked to reschedule. We tried to give the store plenty of time to improve, but things actually only became worse. I would not recommend anyone use this store for pet grooming services, they do not deserve or care about your business. I'm sure Petco's quick response to my comments is done to look like they are on top of things. The person that responded to my comments sits in an office no where near this location and has no say in how things are done at this location. As I said, we gave them every opportunity to keep our business, but things continued to get worse. I have no interest in providing my email or phone number because we are finished doing business there. I stand by my recommendation that they do not deserve or care about your business. Their quick response was nothing more than an illusion. read more

My review lies somewhere between 4 & 5 stars: Grooming Dept. -- 5 stars. They've always been able to squeeze us in whenever our dog decides that she wants to get into something (usually the creek in our neighborhood, which leaves her smelling like dead funk). Our dog has lab-like fur, so it's really just a bathe, moisturize and nail trim for her (no fancy haircuts). The staff is always welcoming and gushes over how sweet & good she was when we pick her up :) Training Dept. (Mike) -- 10 billion stars! I can't say enough good things about Mike! Our dog is an AmStaff mutt/mix with about a medium energy level. I think when we rescued her she *might* have had some prior training, but otherwise (being our first dog) we were all beginners! She passed the two obedience courses with flying colors, and with the tools and skills that Mike taught us, we have been able to teach her a few "party" tricks as well. (Side note, Mike is a Redskins fan, so how can you go wrong?!?) Staffers -- 4.5 stars. I have experienced most of them being courteous and informative when I come to them with questions. I'm knocking it down that half star just because of an instance when at the cash register on a busy day, my cashier was rolling his eyes and sighing at another associate who was having trouble on their cash register. The cattiness was a turn-off and I booked it out of there that day. Product Selection/Pricing -- 4 stars. I haven't really looked into the pricing thing too much, but I'm sure there could be cheaper alternatives out there for the things we buy. However, with the Pet Perks 5% back combined with the outing for the dog to pick out a new toy/bone, how can I not enjoy a little shopping trip for cat food? As with a lot of "big box" stores, they are limited in what they carry in stock sometimes. If you snooze when it comes down to finding your pup a holiday outfit or cold-weather gear, you might miss out on the correct size. *Bonus -- Last Chance Animal Rescue does adoptions all day everyday of cats and dogs! Please note though that since it is run by volunteers, I have been in there at 6:30 and seen them close up shop early since I suppose it was a slow day. (Their listed hours are noon until 7PM.) In conclusion, I love this store, and they give me more discounts than PetSmart does, so I will keep shopping there! read more