And chain stores are wondering why internet shopping is taking over . . . go into the Petaluma Petco between 4:30 and 5 PM and you get absolutely NO HELP! I was in the store ready to buy but had one question. There was no one to help. One staff member working with a customer in the dog training area suggested I let them know up front so they could call someone to help. So I did. Did anyone come? NO! There were two other people in the same department looking for help and NO HELP! I left and won't go back. They lost a sale and clearly don't care. Bye bye Petco. You won't last long with that type of attitude and service. read more

Scruffy is a Rat Terrier who arrived at my door already with that name! It is very appropriate, too. He has the ugliest coat I've ever seen, three distinct layers (different colors) with the longest really feeling like wire, and growing unevenly off his sides like hairy wings. After his trip to The Petco dog salon, he comes back to me a silky platinum happy dog, with his undercoat revealing his "true colors". He must enjoy the groomers because he never complains, either. read more

I know this place is a chain, and I've heard they don't treat their animals well, but i've got to say it's not all bad. They DO carry Nature's Balance treats and food, which is great and moderately priced. Their customer service is good when you go on a weekend during the day (there tends to be more staff available). I just got a 12 week old chocolate lab, and a lady there really helped me pick out teething bones and a puppy gate for our home. Not as bad as others seem to make it out. read more

Petco has always has friendly and helpful employers. I took my dog through two classes and had excellent results. (Having been a trainer myself I feel I can judge them.) I have several species of animals and I can get all of their food there. read more

I'm so shocked to see such bad reviews for this great gem of a place! I have NEVER had a bad experience here! I have 2 labs, and they have been in some "smelly" situations in the past. I have always been able to get them in right away, and they have come out smelling like roses! My dogs are happy, and well taken care of. If at times I haven't had the "mom and pop" experience that others are looking for, that's OK...my dogs and their experience is what I am looking for. If I want a good grooming experience for myself, I go to a "people" salon! If someone is looking for a reasonably priced grooming, with flexible hours and last-minute availability for those "oh-my-god" moments, go to the Petaluma Petco! read more

If i was able to give it zero stars i would. The stupid worker made me buy a new tank to get two tiny gold fish. They died after 12 hrs i told them goodnight and they decided to sleep forever. I wasted 130$ read more

I took my dog in for grooming services and explained what needed to be done. There are also notes on the account that it is scissors only. The groomer completely fail to follow instructions and shaved my dog. That is unacceptable and unprofessional. It seems that Petco will hire anyone without experience. I've been going there for about five years and all it takes is one mess up to stop. I would not recommend ANYONE to take there dogs to the Petaluma location!!!!! read more

I've gone to get my dog groomed here for the past year. I've had no issues with them until a couple of months ago. This past visit has just solidified my negative feelings towards their grooming department. The groomer was extremely rude and a little aggressive to the point I didn't feel comfortable leaving my dog with them and left on the spot. I will not be coming back. read more

I recently had my dog groomed at Petco grooming salon located in Petaluma, Ca. The salon exceeded my expectations. My dog is a female of the Boxer breed and is shy. We were assured that she would be in great hands. The staff took extra time to comfort her to help her through her anxiety. I was very pleased of the efforts that were made to make this experience such a success. As a result of this experience, I highly recommend this salon to other customers. I look forward to many more visits to the this salon. Sincerely, read more

So disappointed in the Grooming Services now! I've taken my dog there for the past 5 years - never had an issue until the last 3 visits. I called to make appointment and explained that the last couple of times they didn't do a thorough job. That I would like for them to be sure to trim her all over and not just her body. The gal seemed irritated that I was complaining. I gave details about expectations then she told me to call back the day of visit to make sure they had it correct. When I called back she seemed even more irritated - and said back to me, lets see if I have this correct in an irritated voice. They took my Olive (4.5 lb yorkie) in at 1:00 p.m. and called my at 3:40 p.m. and said, she had misbehaved and nipped at the clippers, which she has NEVER done before! That I was to pick her up immediately and she was no longer welcome to be groomed there. She has a total of 8 teeth...and is super tiny. I can ONLY guess that she didn't trust the groomer and was scared, as we have never had this problem before. It's too bad they don't have the lady that has worked with them for years there - she was amazing! I feel that if they can't handle a small dog, they shouldn't be handling ANY dogs! I will be calling the store today to complain!! I will NEVER bring any animal I own to be groomed there again! read more

Not surprised to see the low ratings. Walking up to pay for items and one person at check out already working with a customer and three other employees standing around yet don't even acknowledge customers and two who duck behind the door that's behind the counter. Awesome customer service. read more

I went in to the pet grooming department to ask a simple question about haircutting of my dog, and I was not impressed by the staff there. The young man who "assisted" me was highly unprofessional, I wasn't even sure if he worked there as he was not wearing a uniform (also never heard of a belt before, apparently). My questions could not be answered without them being shouted to the other employee across the room. I felt like I was inconveniencing the employees with my questions. So I will not be returning. read more

Worst Groomers EVER. Today I took my (2) 10lb dogs to get bathed, nails clipped and one needed a hair cut. I was told 2-2.5 hours at most. Well at almost 3 hours the only thing that had happened was a partial bath for both of them. That's it! My dog still had dirt in her fur (from the park earlier in the am) when I got there. They charged me $6 extra for the one that had longer hair "because she requires more shampoo" (2) of the groomers were quite unfriendly and did not try to correct the situation at all. When I told the store manager about the situation she apologized and said she would speak with them but took no other action such as a reimbursement. One star is a much higher rating then deserved. When I got home I bathed my dogs and they looked much better. What a waste! read more

As far as big chain pet stores go this Petco is among the only I visit. Weekly I am there not just a once a year reviewer, Im a regular. The staff is very warm and helpful, (except one lady that may be a dog groomer) I bought my little girls a teddy bear hamster that is thriving. Don't feed yours cat food maybe? If you killed 2 already give up, YOUR DOING IT WRONG. I buy live rats and mice weekly for my snakes.(don't tell them there feeders ;) but they are always healthy and feed better lab grade food than what I feed them. In fact I have two rats that were so cute and had such a great temperament I couldn't feed them to my snakes and now I like rats! Some advertised sale prices are unclear in the wording and cost me $50 on a $200 automatic cat box but I got it any way and they GAVE me the expencive litter for it. read more

I made the mistake of having my dog groomed there. When I went to pick her up, I didn't recognize her at all. She was practically bald with a fro on her head (not what I asked for) She also had razor burn on her face and her belly. It's been over a week and my dog is still not back to normal. I have to put a cone on her because she scratches the burns on her face and they aren't healing. If you love your dog, don't take them there! read more

They pretty much stole $50 from me I wanted to return food but they said that I couldn't because the bag was 3/4 empty.... Ummm yea I have 4 pits and 2 Chihuahua and they all got a rash so I wanted to return the food and get a different brand of food but the manager (who I see most of the time and not once have I seen her smile or be welcoming) came in and really rudely responded that "I should have known better" I hope she gets fired soon! read more

Visiting family over holidays and had Charlie Brown groomed on Dec. 31 . The man butchered him. I complained to Mng. Jim. He said he would refund and. Give me future grooming free. Nothing yet. Spoke to him and still nothing. I will never use this place again and I am now going. To corporate to complain. PEOPLE WITH GOOD INTENTIONS MAKE PROMISES. PEOPLE WITH GOOD CHARACTER KEEP THEM. read more

I feel like I need to update this review. This is the second hamster we have purchased from the Petaluma Petco that has become fatally ill within five months of ownership. Something makes me think the conditions at the vendor are not very good. Seems strange to have two consecutive deathly ill hamsters in a one-year timeframe. I'm tired of my son's heart getting broken. I had hamsters growing up and they never got this sick and died so young. I hope others are not experiencing the same thing. I'm going to have a conversation with the manager next, because the woman I spoke to on the phone the other day seemed rather heartless. read more

If I could give no stars I would. I just left there and experienced the WORST customer service EVER from someone in the animal business. Back story : my 7 year old saved his money and bought a tank for his lizard that they sell. A 10 gallon tank. With full setup we just needed a couple of hides. However everything they have in their tanks they don't sell at their store. We asked the reptile guy about a moist hide. He gave us his answer and then proceeded to lecture me on how my tank was too small for the one little leopard gecko I was going to buy, which was not even that day, my son had to save the cash. I told him a 10 gallon was fine per all the books and lizard people I talked to and your store sells!!! My son and I started to research while in the store then this young unkempt kid came up to me again and proceeded to lecture me some more on my tank size. I told him that I spoke to zookeepers, read books etc.. He said he had a degree and scoffed at the AZA accredited animal caregivers, Well, buddy I have a degree too, in exotic animal husbandry. But I didn't tell u that cause it's non of your business. I told him I didn't want to argue with him. Then he proceeded to tell me he wasn't going to sell me a lizard at all. Excuse me?! I was incensed and by the time I found the manager I was too angry to speak I was ok when he talked to us the first time , it would be hubris to think u know everything. But to follow us and then badger , insult and refuse service to me and my 7 year old is a firing offense. read more

I have taken my pup Lillie here twice to be groomed and both times I have been very pleased with the service and the result. The staff is always very friendly and you can tell they love the dogs and their jobs. Yesterday Angie did Lillie's grooming and she looks just lovely and feels so soft. She did everything just how I asked. I also love how they write a note on how the appointment went, it's very sweet. read more

Out at Rocky Memorial Dog Park today and Animal Control drove up and started throwing out 50-100 new tennis balls and frisbees in all assorted colors. The many dogs present were very happy..Talked with animal control and found out they were donated by Petco and they do it every 3-4 months. Very nice of them. read more

Aquatics department not all that great, a bit unclean and disorganized. Novato store aquatics department is much, much better and almost always staffed by a fish expert. read more

I took my little yorkie for a cut. They didn't get the length right and his face looked lopped side due to a crooked cut. One side was long and round and the other was short and slanted. His whole body has longer patches then the rest. I tried to fix it and it turned out better then what he was left. Wasn't too happy. Didn't tell them anything because the groomers who were there weren't so professional. I say this because when I got there, there were 2 groomers working on dogs. Neither of them wanted to help, but obviously couldn't let a customer leave so one finally decided to help me. Long story short I didn't get what I asked/paid for...should have gone where I regularly take my dog to get groomed... :/ read more

Horrible customer service! Do NOT order crickets here! The last 3 times that I have gone in for an order of crickets and waited a MINIMUM of 15 minutes. I complained the first time regarding the ridiculously slow service. The 2nd time I actually requested as I was out of time and rather than make the effort to get the small order of crickets, they just simply refunded me. Tried again tonight as, unfortunately, this store is the most convenient location for me. Another 15 minute wait with asking the cashier to please re-order the crickets on the overhead. Again, out of time waiting at least 20 minutes. Back to the register to get the refund as the crickets were not being brought up. Asked where else I might get an order of crickets and the response was "Petsmart". Really?! The employee is recommending another local pet store instead of making the effort to get the crickets that they have that the customer has paid for! Again, they just simply start refunding the order. No attempts. Slowly, another employee finally comes out with the order. I explain that the wait time is beyond ridiculous. No apologies. I've given this place multiple chances - it just keeps on getting worse. Oh - and to add to the dysfunction - I order 15 crickets. They ring me up for 15 crickets. They come out 20 minutes later with 50 crickets and then state that I had ordered 50. I had the receipt showing they charged me for the 15 that I ordered. Will never step foot in this place again. Just going to have to go the distance for another supplier. read more

We have had nothing but great service and support in our adventures with fish and hamsters. My daughter loves animals and so weekly trips to Petco are not uncommon. Jessica is very knowledgeable and helpful in making the best selection of small animals and when our hamster got sick she helped us get her back to good health. Other staff have been helpful in the fish department as well. read more

PetSmart does sell holistic dog food; Blue Buffalo, Wellness, etc.

I have to say I am a fan! I love the dog training...it is a particular type called positive reinforcement. They dont shake rattlers, they dont bump, and they dont yell at the dogs. It is a very safe style of training whereby they get rewarded for good behaviors. It may not be what all dogs/owners need but the trainers all have a very thorough education in animal behavior and training. My dogs, my kids, and I personally love Sonja! She is patient and encourages the kids to learn and work with the dogs instead of just the adults. She is really terrific, and she LOVES dogs. Petco is lucky to have snagged her. Just my experience with my three dogs! read more

We have had only positive experiences at this Petco. The staff enthusiasm and knowledge vary by the person you talk to but we usually get help from Asst Mgr Cody and he is wonderful to us and is adored by our dog. We appreciate the great selection of high quality dog food and treats. We just got a kitten too and Cody helped us out with everything we needed. I have no idea about their fish/rodent departments, but for cat and dog shopping, this place has what you need! I also trained my dog there. The trainer we had moved out of state but we were very satisfied with the training. The great thing about Petco is that they have FREE puppy playtime for an hour on Sat and Sun! The playtime is run by the trainers and you can have your puppy (under 6 months old) meet other puppies and play under the watchful eye and guidance of a certified trainer. We used puppy playtime to check out the trainer and were so impressed we signed up for classes. Check out puppy playtime even if you don't do classes! read more

Friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable... what else do you want from a pet store?

I bought 2 female guinea pigs for my son at Petco in Petaluma. 2 weeks later I found patches of missing fur and called Petco. They said to bring them back in and they would take them to the vet and keep them until all treatments were complete and they are healthy again. Which meant multiple weeks. My son would have been devastated. So I took them to my own vet and paid for the visit and treatments that are a min of 3 weeks and cost more than the guinea pigs. Meanwhile my vet informed me that one of the pigs is a BOY, that I have to separate them, and the female could very well already be pregnant. Now we have the trauma of separating these poor animals when they clearly want to be together, I have to shell out another $100+ for a while new cage and accessories, my son is distraught that they are "sad", I can't return them because my son is bonded, or introduce a new pig because of the mites, and I might have a litter of babies that I have no idea what to do with. I called and the manager blamed it on the place they get their guinea pigs for sexing them incorrectly and offered no help. A moment of weakness at Petco has mushroomed into a big mess. A friend just had a young male pig die under the care of the San Rafael location. Please don't buy pets from Petco! These are not healthy animals. read more

I've been a customer for many years with basically no real problems except for today. I brought my puppy into the grooming area, her second visit, to get her toenails clipped. On the first visit they mentioned she didn't like her nails buffed with the machine so this time it was just a trim. I went to pick her up and they informed me they only did her back feet and not the front because she was acting up. Looking to find away around this problem, I offered to hold her while they put a muzzle on her and they refused, saying they couldn't do that and not giving a reason. I then offered to put the muzzle on her myself and they also refused. One employee said I could talk to one of the store managers, and as I was leaving to do so, another employee said it wouldn't matter what the manager said, it was their policy. So I walked out telling them they lost all my business, both purchases and grooming. The pet stairs I bought moments earlier I returned for a refund. I told the checker the problem I had and I told her they should get experienced groomers to work their store. She informed me they were experienced. I have a hard time believing they have much experience if they can't clip 4 nails on a little puppy. How in the world could they handle a 50 or 75 pound dog if they can't handle a 7 pound pup, considering they had done the service a couple times prior. The employees had poor attitudes and acted as if they could give a darn. Maybe all they need is extra training on the more difficult animals as well as a brush up course on how to treat the customers. I lost all confidence in their abilities or should I say lack of ability. They aren't the only grooming service in Petaluma and when I went to another pet store, they actually gave me a coupon for a free nail trim at Fit N Furry. read more

If you are buying fish, do NOT buy from this petco. It is completely unacceptable to have fish in such horrible shape. On 3 separate occassions we bought fish from here. The first time, the fish died within a week. The second time, our entire tank came down with ich. The third time, our tank broke out again with ich. We went back a fourth time with much hesitation, but decided that we would examine the fish closely to determine if it was still risky. We noticed that only one tank had a sticker on it saying "fish under observation". We noticed right away that the fish were extremely sick, probably with ich. At that point, the fish should not be under observation, but should be medicated. We looked at several of the other tanks surrounding the tank under observation and noticed that at least five other tanks were in similar or worse condition than the one with the under observation sign. Every time we go there, many fish are dead and floating in the tanks. As fish hobbyists, we strongly feel that the fish are not taken care of and it is likely that if you buy fish from here, it will die soon after purchase or the rest of your tank may be infected. No one should be allowed to sell fish in the condition of the fish we have observed in this store. read more