I've always had cats. But to this day my favourite little puss has been the one we got from Lady…read moreGays. My beautiful ginger beast, who we picked from the glass cage of Lady Gays when he was only a fist full of fur. I don't know if it's quite PC to talk quality of cats but my Lady Gays kitty is as good as it gets. I actually also have a cat who we rescued from the SPCA and although he is a good cat he's a little off his rocker. Skitsy, nervous and not as friendly. So I think it's safe to say that buying your new kitty from a quality pet shop can ensure he'll be a great companion. Now I really have nothing against rescuing vulnerable cats in need and it's great to head to the SPCA and see what beautiful creatures are there but yes I do have a slight preference for heading to a pet shop. Lady Gays has always been one of my favourites. I like that the glass cages are quite big and the pets look generally happy inside.

There is nothing quite like walking past a pet store with your girlfriend; the reaction is better…read morethan walking past a shoe sale. And of course Auckland doesn't have pet shops scattered around the CBD, so walking around Takapuna usually involves a visit to Lady Gay's. Didn't they used to have fish tanks and turtles? And rabbit-y rodent things? Do pet shops even exist these days or are they too un-PC? I was disappointed by the selection recently, the store moving more toward accessories and grooming services. But the shop is clean, doesn't smell and has staff that look like they enjoy their job. You'll probably have to fork out for the Zoo if you're looking to impress your date with animals.

Pets! If you love pets, then come in here and check it out. They have so much cool stuff, and it's…read morevery easy to spend a morning just looking at everything and oohing and aahing at all the cute puppies and kittens and bunnies and guinea pigs and birds and fish.... There are heaps of pet food options - not even that much more expensive than the supermarket, and it's the better quality options as well. Recently I went there and a rep from one of the food companies was there giving out samples and explaining the benefits of that new variety so that was helpful. I've also bought excellent cat toys there. The best one has been the cardboard cat throne. It sits at the end of my desk, and my cat sleep on it all the time (instead of sleeping on my keyboard), and the corrugated cardboard is exciting for her to scratch (instead of the couch) so it's a win all round. Also there's a loyalty program.

4 Seasons Pets has been in and around Glen Innes since before I even remember - in a few different…read morebuildings, yes, but the bottom line of the shop has never changed - a one-stop haven of all possible things pet-related. From pet bedding to food to even clothing, anything you could ever need for your beloved animal you could probably find here, and if you can't then I'm sure the helpful staff would be obliging in helping you on your quest. You can also actually buy animals here as well - on the back wall there is a whole row of sweet looking puppies and kittens, all either curled up sleeping or jumping around playing with the other pets in their cubicle. There is also a rodent and bird room and an aquarium section, so if dogs or cats aren't your thing and you want something slightly smaller then 4 Seasons have still got you sorted. And if you are quite the pet-lover who makes trips to stores like this often, then you can sign up to the 'Grub Club', which gives you pretty sweet perks and discounts.

Now that I've got my own pup, pet store visits are almost a weekly occurrence and fortunately for…read moreme, Pet Market is close to home. It's pretty much got everything you could ever need for your pup. Dog beds, leads & harnesses, a ton of treats & toys including a pick 'n mix section full of natural goodies like pigs ears and dried liver. They've also got a great range of Kongs (the best dog toy out) and the special biscuits that fit in both the bone and the original Kong toys. I've signed up to their loyalty program too, which mean every $300 I get a $10 (or is it $15 voucher) and the 10th bag of dog food that I buy is free... unfortunately my little guy goes through it so slowly that he'll probably be 10 before I get to my 10th bag, but still.

You get cat people and you get dog people. I'm a dog man, I love the roughness of a dog and they…read moreare there to be your friend, to protect you and to love you. All they want in return is that you care for them. Cats on the other hand are masters of their own domain. They couldn't give a rat's ass about you, and most of the time that is exactly what you'll find in your bed, a gift as they say. But put any macho male in a pet shop filled with kittens, and you will have a lover of cats. Damn, these critters are cute. It takes a strong will to walk away and not rescue one of these tabby tykes. Pet Market is home to a wide variety of pets, and the store layout is perfect for browsers and buyers alike. The Shore is now home to a clean and well stocked pet shop; all I have to do now is find a way to become a regular.

I'm loving this sudden influx (well, 2) of designer dog stores. Perfect timing…read more... Anyway, the newest addition to the scene, Eight Paws has recently opened on the second floor of glorious department store, BLOC (also home to Citta, Father Rabbit & Tim Webber Design). Previously an online store, you can now get all tactile with wares their prior to purchase, which given the price tag can only be a good thing. They stock a range of different beautifully designed brands from all over the world including Billy Wolf jackets, Cloud 7 Beds, Love Thy Beast & Found My Animal. It's easily the most beautifully curated range of pet products that I've come across both here and in my travels. My favourite item that they sell is their pale green & white peppermint scented poop bags. They're well-priced and most importantly help keep the offensive smells at bay! I also recently bought Lulu a Found My Animal rope colour in royal blue - saaaah fancy!

We discovered Eight Paws during the Bloc open evening and what a treat. Good quality and well…read moredesigned bits for doggie friends. The beds and collars are super good but are also pretty pricey so it is just as well they are built to last. After quite a bit of indecision time - too much choice - the big girl scored a new leather collar and the little one a rope ind leather one. Very styley The best buy was the peppermint scented poop bags in a fetching green and cream stripe. Definitely worth a visit

Finally a designer dog store in Auckland! Munky's corner has got everything you could ever want to…read morepamper your pooch - raw treats, organic toys, designer dog beds, coats, leads and collars... the list goes on. A word of warning however, it is pricey but, coming from someone who has done a lot of research, all designer dog kit on the market is. Probably my favourite item at Munky's is their awesome oil skin dog coats - both stylish and practical... key when you spending 120 large. Who knows, maybe Luca will be in for a treat this winter. Less expensive and probably more appreciated by your pup is their range of dog bones. They've got duck necks, veal shins... the list going on! Great for keeping your dogs teeth in mint condition and also for occupying hyper-active puppies during work-hours!

Another good pet store has opened up and provides some nice imported and locally crafted collars…read moreand coats for our furry friends. A good touch is the freezer full of natural treats so you can stock up on chicken necks etc while checking out the latest in dogware. Check it out with your pooch so you can try the collars on while you are there - I am sure they shrink the way home otherwise

I quite like this pet store because it has a pretty decent fish section; lots of different species…read moreof fish and tanks, as well as turtles. Basically if you like things that live in water, this is a cool pet store to come to. They do have other pets of course, and heaps of pet related products. In terms of the store layout, what the hell is going on? It's pretty much a maze of twists and turns. One minute your winding through what seems like a small store, then it opens up revealing another corridor and yet more aisles. It kind of gives me the impression of a warehouse that is still in the process of unpacking all of its goods. I tend to stay away from that madness and stick to the fish.

This is not the pet store I usually go to, only on occasion have I been here because it was more…read moreconvenient at the time. There is just no service here. When I go to Animates the staff are friendly, they say hello, they ask if you need help but here, nothing. I have experienced this lack of service each time I have been. The prices are no different to Animates, the range is slightly less compared with Animates and the store is not well set out, in fact it is somewhat confusing. One time I wanted to buy no more tears formula for my dog, he gets weepy eyes. Not because he is emotional but because Pomeranians are prone to protein build up. Pet Stop had 3 to chose from and all of them were over $22 a bottle. I was certain the last bottle I bought was around $13 and what do you know, Animates sell the stuff for $12. Other times I have come for toys or dog treats and just left without buying anything due to the range and range of prices. When I go to Animates I always buy stuff, I have a loyalty card and the stock is there, you have more options and often there are specials in store too. Petstop is a large pet store chain that has the variety and pricing of a small independent pet store. Go to Animates.

Excellent place for bird and dog lovers, beside it, many people love the parrot in the bird barn,…read moresome of them can say "hello", it's amazing. There is a large park and a skateboarding place. Defintely worths going there often.

The Bird Barn is a bit of an Auckland institution. Well known across the city, even I - a kid from…read moreMt Eden - have spent a lot of time there over the years. Rare and exotic birds, lorikeets, finches, bantams - the Bird Barn stocks them all. Upon entering the Barn you are confronted with a giant pink cockatoo and a few cages down is Snowy, a talking cockatoo that will happily greet you before asking you about your day. He actually gave me a huge fright the first time I went there - I couldn't figure out who was talking to me! The rainbow lorikeets are my favourite, and with an entire cage of these beautiful birds located outside, The Bird Barn is somewhere I admit I go when I'm having an average day. It puts a smile on my face. Though first and foremost a place to purchase birds, today the Bird Barn also incorporates a pet store - something that further delights me, especially when I'm feeling down. Puppies, kittens, fish, guinea pigs, rabbits and an entire barn of birds - how can anyone leave this place without a smile on their face?! Next time you're on Lincoln Road, stop and take a minute to be wowed and impressed by all the cute animals. Don't worry about buying anything - staff are used to people window shopping! Bonus: The Bird Barn is locally owned and locally focussed - my boyfriend's family even used to breed budgies and sell them to the Barn!

About a million years ago, I got a ride home from Petworld neighbouring store Baker's Delight by…read moreone of the guys who worked at the pet store. We were driving along in a Petworld van, and he was in his Petworld shirt, and we hit a cat on the Pakuranga highway. While striking animals with vehicles isn't top on my humour list, there was certainly some black humour in watching the Petworld-clad man run around a park trying to find the poor animal. By the way, the cat was found in the end and Petworld man looked after it and found its home; it all ended up a very sweet story and a good show of how Petworld looks after animals... just what unfortunate circumstances for it to happen in. After seeing this, and seeing the duty of care these animal lovers have for the pets in store, I know heading to Petworld Pakuranga should be your first stop if you're looking for an already loved and cared for pet.