I used to go to this store all the time. I thought their prices were a little high, but not outrageous, and their staff seemed very helpful. I also believe in patronizing local businesses.
I no longer go to Park Pets, for several reasons.
One--they say they sell "designer breeds." I'm a vet tech, and in the "biz" we call these dogs MUTTS. Not that there's anything wrong with mixed-breeds--some of the smartest, cutest, sweetest dogs I have met have been mixed-breeds--but pet stores that invent breeds and then sell them for hundreds of dollars are being a little dishonest. Also, pet stores that sell dogs are usually getting their puppies from puppy mills. I don't know if Park Pets buys from mills, but I asked them about the breeders they use, and they were very unwilling to give me information. That's odd: reputable breeders stand behind their products, and this information would be an endorsement of Park Pets. Hmm. Suspicious.
Two--and this is a really personal thing--but I had been buying pet food, fish, tank supplies, pet products, on and on, from them for several years. I was in there on a weekly basis, and the employees knew me. Anyway, one time I went in--I was 8 mos. pregnant, and I really really REALLY had to use the bathroom. I was almost in tears. I asked them if I could use their bathroom and they refused. I KNOW they don't have a public restroom, and I was really embarrassed to ask, but they were kind of snotty about it. (Like I was buying $27 worth of products just so I could trick them into using their bathroom.) I thought that was mean--not declining my request, but making me feel like a creep.
Three--this was after the bathroom incident, but I never let ONE experience, unless it's really bad, define the business. I brought my dog in for a bath--when I picked him up, the groomer came out and pressed literature into my hand. I thought it was something about flea prevention or dry skin, but when I got outside and looked at it, it was a RELIGIOUS tract ! I thought it was highly inappropriate to allow someone to come to your business, PAY YOU FOR SERVICES--and then use that as an opportunity to "fish" for converts!
That was the last straw. It irritated me not only because I thought it was tacky, but also it reminded me of the bathroom incident. If they are so Christian, why were they so mean to a pregnant lady in obvious distress? And if their Christianity isn't genuine, what does that say about their care for their animals? read more
