I have been spending money on a treat for my dog twice a week for about 6 months. The cashiers at the shop are sweet, but the owner is really unpleasant and has been nasty a few times before. Today was the final straw when she refused to help me (I wanted to see if my dog would tolerate a scarf over her head and wanted to use one of her coats--not to put on the whole thing, just a ribbed section over her head. There was no risk of damaging her merchandise.) When I expressed my displeasure she tried to back pedal and make alternative suggestions, but I have had enough of her passive aggressive behavior toward me and my (very well behaved) dog. I will not be visiting any more. This makes me sad because I'd rather support a small business than the big guys. read more

They had what we were looking for to wash our dog but when we showed up, we were told it would be a 30 minute wait. We waited for 30 minutes and then we were told that it would be much longer. The person in charge said she would call us when it was available which was nice because we didn't have to wait there. Luckily, we were staying close by. I would recommend calling first to see what the availability is for the washtub if you are going there to self wash your dog. I do think $20 is a little pricey since TSC offers the same service for $9.95. Unfortunately, there isn't a TSC for 30 miles away that offers it though. read more

Heard about this place from a friend of mine at the dog park & was NOT disappointed! SUPER friendly staff from the start and made everything super fast and easy for me. I took my dog here to get his nails trimmed, and heard that they do walk-in appointments... literally walked in around 1pm today and was able to be out of there within less than 10 minutes! SUPER impressed by the professionalism, kindness, and promptness of the team here! Will definitely be coming back. The nails were 20 bucks but the quick timing made it so worth it & the nail job was great, completely cut down equally amongst the paws. Also the parking is EASY as there is a huge lot right out front, and if you get hungry there are NUMEROUS stores around as options as well as a quick 5 min walk to the downtown mall. read more

Great products, good advise! Bought my new favorite undercoat brush for my Rottie from them. It's a Kong product and blows the Furminator out of the water as per the advise of the on site groomer, the furminator actually shaves hair away undermining thinning the undercoat. read more

Rude. Kids aren't allowed to help wash your dog and no ability to social distance in the dog wash area. I didn't get to use their facility and will never go back. read more

Just moved to Charlottesville and so glad to have found this place not only to keep stocked up on goodies for my "loves to chew" Australian Shepherd, but a great self-service bath to keep her clean during the winter months. Staff was very friendly and accommodating. Will be making regular visits from now on! read more

Animal Connection - Self-service bath - Pet Stores Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

This is a review of the grooming. I couldn't find reviews online, so I wanted to post my own since it can be hard to find good groomers. But my coworkers spoke highly of Animal Connection and for good reason! I took my pup in for a nail trim at first, and they did an excellent job! He's a bit of an excited pupper, but they had no problems with him. So since they did a good job with nails, I brought him for a groom since he was looking a bit scruffy. He's a terrier mix, so he has a wired coat and I was nervous that they'd chop off his beard (it gives him character), but read they knew how to care for wire coats. The woman who took care of him, Carol, was superb. She listened to me, then she gave me what she'd recommend and I trusted her. So glad that I did! He looked quite dapper after. I'll be back. :) read more

What a wonderful friendly place. We were traveling through and our dogs needed a wash. Self service dog wash, wonderful stocked store, lovely owner. Wish we had this at home. read more

Very rude and condescending. We've been here twice. The first time they muzzled our dog unnecessarily for nail trimming even though she has literally gotten her nails trimmed at a dozen places and that has never been necessary. The second time, following the lead of flyers at the dog park about a new self wash dog station, we went over to use those facilities. Although not made clear, the dog wash closes an hour before the store does so we wasted our time . That's two bad experiences at one pet place. In a town full of excellent pet options, there is absolutely no reason to go here. read more

We absolutely love animal connection and the friendly staff! This is our go to place for a nail trim. They take walk-ins, so it's so quick and easy. The groomer is wonderful, my pup always just goes right back with her. The store is fun to look around and they have great, natural treat options! Highly recommend! read more

First time for Phoebe and me at this do be it by yourself dog wash. Been to 3 others and this WAS THE BEST!! Set your in water temp, 2 nice clean towels, tearless face wash and cotton balls with ear cleaner. Nice separate drying table with a lead that encouraged Phoebe to stand without making her uncomfortable. Strong commercial dryer make the fluff stuff quick. And the people were so friendly! This place is 6 stars! read more

Since becoming a dog owner 4 years ago I've "sampled" the grooming and retail options that Charlottesville has to offer. I had yet to find a place that had knowledgeable helpful grooming and diet advice beyond my vet. I had given up thinking that given the size of Charlottesville and how particular I am that I just wouldn't find somewhere that checked all the boxes for me. How happy I am to find that Animal Connection is that place! They have unparalleled customer service, knowledgeable friendly staff, and put your dogs well being first. I am so happy to have found them and cannot say enough good things about them read more

I have shopped at Animal Connection several times and was not impressed with either their selection or prices. The owner's food advice was generic and not in line with current research. I follow several Charlottesville pet stores on social media to keep up with new products and events and every event this store does is a direct rip off of a competitor! It's classless and frankly embarrassing. I do not recommend giving Animal Connection your business. read more

was able to stop by awhile back for a visit. Dogs enjoys the fresh made treats so much I called the owner and ordered some for my spoiled pups.... Package came quickly exactly as ordered. Excellent service and products!!! read more

Went today for a "holiday party" for dogs where the event flyer said free pet photos, free goody bag to the first 50 dogs, chance to win 500 bucks and cookies and hot chocolate while you shop! That sounded so warm and welcoming for an open house! When we got there it was cold and raining out and there was a long line for the pet photos so we went inside where we were greeted rather awkwardly by the owner- "Are you here for the pet photos?!" Twice she asked us! We were a little taken back so I said "yeah I guess" but not really we just wanted to look around and warm up. She pointed outside and said "they're outside!" Okay we know, we saw. We walked around and looked at some items where nothing was priced. Also no cookies or hot chocolate was offered! We then picked up some items and went to the register to pay- I noticed a small tray of cookies on the counter and the goody bags were behind the cash register (not mentioned on the event flyer that you had to make a purchase to get one) and we were there well within the first 10 minutes of the event. The cashier was really friendly but after my transaction nothing was offered still so I basically had to ask for a free goody bag! She did tell us to fill out a raffle ticket for a chance to win the 500 bucks. Then we did the pet photos which is basically where there's just a digital picture taken and you can find it on Facebook. This was our first time to the store and it seemed organized enough but a little cramped and not as exciting/welcoming as advertised. We spend hundreds on our dog monthly but unfortunately we probably won't be back. read more

I started shopping at Animal Connection after a recommendation from my trainer. The staff is beyond friendly. They are always quick to give treats to their canine visitors and when I was in the market for a new dog food brand, they gave me samples of EVERY food so we could find the right one. I would highly recommend this store to any dog lover! read more

I had my dog groomed there recently, which is not the cheapest option but I wanted to support local business. They asked what I wanted and I said, "cut it short but don't touch the face." I was disappointed to discover that they hadn't listened to my request and trimmed my dogs face. I was more disappointed that I payed so much money and my request was not filled than I was about how my dog looked. In the future I will get a cheaper trim somewhere where they will listen to what I want. read more

This is a wonderful store! They have a great selection of raw dog food (no processed junk here!) as well as supplies and cute little knick knacks for humans who happen to love dogs. The lady behind the counter is always smiling, kind and eager to help. The chews they sell -- specifically the water buffalo horns -- have been super durable. Going on 3 weeks now! Glad I discovered this place and will keep coming back! read more

Hard to find someone willing and talented enough to hand strip an Irish Wolfhound or one I would trust my big guy with. Staff is incredibly loving and patient and he is attended to in a quiet and calm place where he feels comfortable. Thanks from Branigan and me! read more

I took my 11 year old Aussie/Border Collie/SPCA mix in for a bath last week. His bath and grooming were the best he has ever had in his life...by far! It was somewhat expensive but worth every penny. He was treated kindly and got a break whenever he needed one. This relatively expensive bath and grooming was worth 3 of the baths he has gotten at a nearby chain. This is the only place I will go to in the future...so worth it! read more

Patti is great - super friendly and knowledgeable. Love their treats for both cats and dogs! If you're not sure if your pet will like something, Patti will usually give you a sample. And she's always so sweet to my pup when we go in to visit. read more

Owners aren't helpful and place is not properly ran. Employee and owner weren't helpful and sit on computers when costumers are there. Saw owner yell at employee. Do not recommend. read more

Helpful creative fun grrry owner. Everything I needed to improve life of my brother's dog,Jeffrey. Great bed, marrow bones, frozen and smoked, great food, & guidance. All the best. read more

I have a foxhound and a beagle/basset that can be more than a little sassy when it comes to getting baths, nails trimmed (oh HECK NO), and really all-around grooming isn't on their agenda. Even our vet has said they could no longer cut one of our dog's nails but to take her for walks on sidewalks instead to wear them down... it doesn't work if you are wondering. Animal Connection may literally employ dog whisperers only. My dogs not only look the best I have ever seen them (and smell the best), but I am not vacuuming up what we call "Bramble Weeds" (furballs from Bramble) every day. The staff is knowledgable about all things dogs. I feel terrible I didn't know what these spots were on one of my babies and it turned out to be heat rash. They completely not judgingly gave me some solutions and products that can help in the future. My babies came home relaxed none of that post-groomer stress zoomie nonsense. Just happy, sleepy puppies. They are also SUPER fast so don't stray too far, because your phone will be ringing any minute that they are ready to go home. read more

Love this place! Great selection of treats and only the best selection of food! I rotate a lot, so it's nice to have a place that I know any option is safe for my pets. read more

Called in to ask a product question, and got cute VERY short. Was rude about it, and basically hung up on me. Not impressed. I'll go elsewhere. read more

Best selection of natural pet foods in the area. And highly knowledgeable staff who really know their products. They really care about what's best for the pets. Hands down, a great resource. read more

I found the owner not to be as hands and knowledgeable as she advertises and she does not work full time in her store. She doesn't carry most of the products in her store that she advertises. I went into the store to buy dog food that she advertised and was told that she could only order the food and her price was $10.00 more than the other pet stores in Charlottesville. You have many pet store options in Charlottesville, I recommend you choose anyone but this one. read more