I was looking for a gift for a cat and dog lover when my neighbor recommended Tomlinson's,…read morespecifically this location near Target. I had never been to a Tomlinson's before--honestly, I had never even heard of it since they don't have any in California. I learned during my visit that there are 18 locations in Austin, and WOW, what an amazing store!
The customer service here is on another level--it honestly felt like the hospitality of a high-end hotel. The staff is incredibly kind and welcoming, even opening the door for customers. They truly go out of their way to help, and I'm not exaggerating! I believe the employee who assisted me was Vanessa, and she was fantastic. She helped me pick out the perfect gifts, especially for the cat-related items since I don't have a cat myself. I was shopping for an 8-year-old who has two cats, so I wanted the best toys. I ended up choosing a faux rabbit foot toy with feathers for self-play, a classic "Lambie" plush, and a handmade hemp catnip mouse with a long tail for interactive play. I even learned a lot about catnip, which I had heard of before but didn't actually know much about--this staff is truly knowledgeable!
I also brought my dog with me, and not only did he have a blast playing with other dogs, but the store also gave him free treats to try. They even sent me home with some freeze-dried sample treats, which was such a nice touch. The selection of dog toys here is incredible--I'd honestly be hesitant to bring a child in because the toys are so high-quality, they could pass for children's toys! I ended up getting an amazing eco-friendly crocodile toy made entirely of recycled materials. Its legs are ropes for tug-of-war, and its hollow body holds a replaceable water bottle that creates that satisfying crunching sound dogs love. Once the bottle is chewed up, you can swap it out for a new one--such a smart design!
This store has everything--leashes, collars, treats, and a huge variety of toys for both tiny and giant dogs. They also had the cutest little plush toys shaped like root vegetables with adorable faces--absolutely melted my heart! Prices were super affordable, too. Honestly, after seeing what they offer, I don't see the point in ordering pet supplies on Amazon anymore. Stores like this deserve our support, and it's a place my dog genuinely enjoys visiting.
I was also looking for travel-sized dog food for a trip and found some perfect 3.5 oz pouches for only $2, which I could take in my carry-on. While browsing, I noticed a lot of repeat customers stopping in just to grab their favorite treats from a self-serve treat station, kind of like those bulk snack bins at Sprouts or Whole Foods. Next time, I'll have to check it out for my dog!
Another thing I need to ask about is their nail trimming service, which my neighbor mentioned. While I was there, I even saw the staff helping deliver an adopted puppy to its new home--such a sweet moment! And as I was checking out, I learned they offer same-day delivery, which is so convenient. I haven't placed an order yet, but it's good to know that option exists.
Overall, this was such a fun and memorable shopping experience. I'll definitely be coming back and getting all my pet supplies here from now on!