About 18 months ago, when I brought home my puppy (the first dog I'd had in 20 years!) I would visit Paws every week or so to spend money unnecessarily on a rainbow range of harnesses, leads, chews, treats, toys, pee pads and hide bones and anything else I could think of to make the settling in/training/socialising easier. I also wanted to support a local business rather than buying online.
I always took my dog as I was trying to get him used to different people, travelling in the car, different places, and he always received lovely pats and attention.
The range they have here is great, and I believe that Paws are big supporters of local rescue organisations which is also to be commended.
My relationship with Paws ended when I realised that two of the harnesses (with matching leads) I had bought were not "step through". One I had taken off the card and was planning on giving to them to donate as they saw fit. I took my dog in store to ask if it would be possible to exchange the unopened harness for the same colour/brand in the step through version. I didn't actually have a receipt at hand, but given my regular attendance with my dog (who is an unusual mix) and being served by the same person every time I attended, I just didn't anticipate the very blunt and less than friendly "you could have bought that anywhere". The policy is 100% legal, and I understand the reasons, but the delivery was really abrupt to the point I left the store and was just a little teary as it was quite unexpected and not at all like my previous experiences when spending silly amounts of money on my previous visits.
When I got home I went through and grabbed my most recent credit card statement and could see around $300 in total charged at Paws in the last month alone. I could have returned to pursue my exchange, but it seemed more appealing to just never go there again. I now shop at Petbarn. read more