Britain is famously a nation of dog lovers and Posh Pets is the kind of business that indulges that…read morepassion. This is the place where you can take your canine or feline friends and have them pampered. Although some people may scoff at a business such as this they are extremely professional and seem to be popular with the people of the Selly Oak area. They have over twenty five years of experience and treat your pets like royalty. If you have a passion for animals then this is the place to visit!

Sadly my experience of Posh Pets is poor. At my first visit the staff were efficient ,…read moreprofessional, and suggested to get my Cockerpoo puppy used to grooming that I would need to visit regularly. I was warned that my puppy's coat was prone to matting. At my second visit they said " they had found several matts " It felt like I was being judged. I'd spent the weeks running up to grooming my puppy. ( maybe I was becoming too sensitive ?? ) I'd booked another groom but in all honesty as the day loomed I felt that less confidant and on the actual day I really couldn't face another dressing down. Whilst away on holiday I booked my pooch into be groomed. I certainly wasn't made to feel like an irresponsible pet owner. They were lovely, but confirmed that my puppy wasn't too keen but reassured me to keep getting her groomed. Today I rang PP and was informed they would no longer take my booking??? No explanation. They were less than reassuring, rude, and unhelpful.

Being a dog-owner I have something of a radar for pet shops and can sniff one out a mile away. You…read morenever know when you're going to need something for your dog, whether that be treats or essentials, like poo bags or, in the case of my destructive pair, a new lead after the old one gets chewed to bits. Em's is one such pet store that I've used on occasion and it's ok, but nothing special. It's clearly been there for some time and looks it. The interior is a little tired and could do with a lick of paint, but that doesn't mean it's a bad shop. Most pets are catered for here and you will, after an initial hunt, find what you're looking for. They also, strangely, sell a small selection of household goods, like brooms. Actually, now that I think about it and considering the amount of cleaning up I do after my dogs, brooms is a fairly clever thing for a pet shop to sell!

Initially, I was drawn to Em's as there was a rather lovely display of hanging baskets outside -…read morewhich always brightens up a boring concrete urban road, let's face it. So I was surprised to discover that it was actually a pet food shop rather than a florist. In fact - they also cut keys, sell mops and fishing bait, and give free Thai massages whilst playing the banjo. OK, so, that last bit was a lie, but you get the picture. Anyway, this gets a thumbs up from me, for being a lovely, unexpectedly flowery and multi-faceted pet food shop - replete with friendly owner. It was also rather convenient as I did actually need to get some cat food - so where better to be than a pet food store? They seemed a little under-stocked in the whole generic pet food stakes, which isn't necessarily the greatest thing considering that it does actually call itself a pet food store - rather than a pet food/ florist/ key cutting/ fish bait/ mop and broom sellers. That said, I love a bit of a multifaceted local business, and the cat was happy that she got something out of it, so it's all good, really.

As the owner of a very pampered and rather accident prone greyhound I am only too aware of the need…read morefor a decent vet's. After trying a few others in the area (who shall remain nameless - they weren't bad exactly but they seemed a little too keen to recommend invasive and EXPENSIVE treatment - not good really) we settled on the Orchard Veterinary Centre because they're close and offer their own insurance scheme - which dramatically reduces bills (especially useful when you are the owner of a dog who likes to hurl himself about the garden breaking claws etc) and I have to say they are really, really good. Not only do the vet's seem to genuinely care about the animals they are treating but the ladies on reception are always really helpful and happy to dispense treats and cuddles (to the animals you understand, not the owners). Dave - our greyhound - likes the place so much that some mornings when we walk past he tries to drag us up the lane which is a pretty good indication. They also offer imminently sensible advice and don't immediately prescribe (expensive) drugs. They also sell a small range of pet items - toothpaste, bedding, treats and the odd squeaky toy.

had let my friends dog die he is now upset and devastated…read morethe dog was able to live but you guys and put it down because you couldn't be bothered to help it

I was recommended this place by a friend so I boarded my two kittens there. I haven't seen other…read morecatteries But apparently the pens are bigger. I'm glad I took their own bedding and toys as the pens are drab with no windows or stimuli for the cats. I was told to book online to save and did not sit there reading the terms and conditions. I ask what time would be the latest to pick them up and was told 4pm when I arrived I was told I had to pay for another day. It cost me over £200 for two cats for a week. The cats were generally ok although seemed distressed and meowing on the way home - one of the kittens was drenched in her own urine - I do not know when it happened to be fair. I was able to call and ask how they were. If possible I'd prefer for my cats to be cared for at home next time.

This is a lovely purpose built 'luxury' boarding cattery which is housed by Harborne Golf Course…read morejust off Northfield Road. Whilst I don't actually own a cat, it is right next door to the vets we use and I have had a look around so can say with confidence that if I did have a cat I would take them here - each cat has its own heated space and there are separate bedding and exercise areas. The staff are absolutely lovely and all cats receive free health care (up to a point) during their stay. If you love all things 'catty' you might also want to look at their 'cat shop' which holds a variety of gifts, cards and cat toys. Also interesting fact - the cattery itself was opened by none other than Rolf Harris - if you take one of their leaflets you can see him beaming at staff on the day!