They have such great service. There was this adorable little bird there too her name was aurora and she was so sweet. She just sat on my shoulder as I shopped and cleaned her little feathers. Definitely coming back! read more

Love this place! It's definitely the place to go for literally all your pet needs. At first I didn't think they would have much due to the size of the store but genuinely it's so full of everything you could ever need. Especially for fish and reptiles and birds and cats an dogs read more

I like the variety of fish available. But they have a row of tanks on the floor and in order for me to see what was in the tanks, I would have to get on my hands and knees. It was very uncomfortable for me to do that. I like the fact that they carry more than just fish but also snakes, lizards, birds arachnids and pet supplies. read more

They have a good selection of quality products and animals. They seem to have very knowledgeable staff but kinda of a mixed bag on how helpful they'll be, that's why 4 instead of 5 stars. read more

I come here every week for my Tarantulas weekly cricket feeding, each week I am treated with the very welcoming atmosphere and people that work here! Highly recommended read more

I will start off by saying i have been coming here for 30 + years.I like to support local small businesses.They used to have some really friendly nice employees and groomers.Recently they hired some new people and a few of them were very RUDE for no reason.I just asked a question politely.One of the groomers was even ruder than the first girl.Its not Leslie, she has been great clipping my dogs nails.I just want to say Pet Emporium please hire some friendlier more polite staff it makes a big difference to the public when you have kind , friendly staff. read more

I think that the employees here are very passionate about their fish, and it is one of the best-kept LFS regionally. They take good care of their stock and medicate preemptively. The stock that I have gotten from here is very robust and I have had no issues. read more

Fantastic Grooming My family dogs are relaxed and happy when they return home The dogs are brushed and have the works done The puppy is always bouncing around to show off his successful Adventure read more

I took my dog Lizzy there for a grooming. Lizzy is a rescue and very anxious. Angela treated her with care and kindness and did a wonderful job with her cut. She's a 50 pound poodle. I think $75 was very reasonable given the great job Angela did with her. If you are looking for a great reasonably priced groomer, look no further. read more

I've stopped in before over the last few years and it's gotten so much worse. At one point their aquatic section was thriving, maybe about a year ago their tanks looked super clean, super active and healthy fish, and great selection. It was a disaster when I went yesterday. Every single tank had multiple dead fish that had been rotting for a while, the water levels were super low so clearly no one was topping off, and the selection was terrible. They used to have killifish, corydora, loach, barb, etc. Yesterday, pretty much all the tanks were just filled with Mollies, Guppies, and cichlids. When I went to some other local pet stores after, they all shared with me that Pet Emporium has been going downhill a lot recently. It's such a bummer, they have a good space and clearly have the potential to be a great store. It's clear at this point that they do not care about the health of the animals they are selling. I hope that changes, but for now, I'd stay away from Pet Emporium! read more

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A few years ago I bought a bird here and she was the sweetest thing. When I went away on vacation for a week they took care of my bird but they put my bird with sick birds with a highly contagious respiratory disease and my bird passed away. read more

this is the best pet store i have ever seen. the owner is wonderful. especially the bird aurora.

Just bought a baby Jackson chameleon from them yesterday and I knew he would need extra care due to there lack of knowledge. Today he is dying. He was in way worse shape than I thought. I tried all after yesterday and all day today to get him going in the right direction, but unfortunately he is dying. All the things they told me to do were wrong. When I told them that they are not giving correct information, the lady just said that " all I know is my guys have been doing this a long time". I left a print out of basic care for Jackson chameleons on the counter. I'm assuming the lady is the owner. PLEASE BE CAREFUL BUYING ANY REPTILES UNLESS YOU ARE EXPERIENCED AND CAN TELL IF THEY ARE SICK AND HOW SICK. read more

Pet Emporium - He didn't move much from here. - Pet Groomers Near Me - Capitola, California

I've been taking my dog here whenever I visit my parents for years now and never had a bad experience once. The last time I went when I dropped my dog off the groomer asked me how she does and I've only ever received great reviews about my dog while being groomed so I said she does pretty well. The groomer, Dolores, then told me that the dog currently on her table just bit her. That was the first red flag for me but I just moved on. Also I want to say I've worked with animals, specifically dogs for 3 years in a veterinary hospital and on a ranch so I absolutely understand how difficult dogs can be. When I got the call to come pick up my dog Dolores began to tell me over and over again how bad my dog was and that my dog hated everything that she did, especially the dryer. She said that she had to go shorter in some spots because of matts (which I'm not upset about at all I totally understand that part) She said she is still wet and on the table and that "you need to come help me". I say no worries and immediately came down to help. When I got there my dog's cut was chopped up, which I expected, but she still had matts. I helped as much as I could and while I did Dolores basically lectured me on how I don't take enough care of my dog (who I've had for five years and have never had an experience like this). I also want to make it very clear, trying to shave a wet dog is literally a recipe for disaster, the clippers will get caught and the blades will get clogged. She mentioned how she couldn't get through certain tangles because of "how bad my dog's matts were" but really it's just because she didn't groom properly. I will say my dog was very matted, we had been traveling for a while but she's been like that before and groomers handle it just fine. If my dog didn't like the dryer there are so many solutions and I know this because I used to do it all the time at the hospital!! Also at one point, while I'm right there, she grabs my dog pretty aggressively and says "STOP" but in a way where it made me genuinely concerned how she was being treated when I wasn't there (and maybe explains why the first dog bit her). Overall I just felt like the whole experience made me very uncomfortable and I probably will not be taking my dog here again. read more

I like their fish section but I bought a betta from there recently and it was in pretty rough condition had fin rot lots of fin missing, slowly healing it back to life. It could barely eat when I would feed it, not good to have and sell fish like that, especially with 24hr return policy. Petco/ Petsmart bettas are in better condition and they are in a tiny cup. Front desk customer service could improve not very welcoming on invoked. read more

i got a rope fish from them it was super active eating great 3 days later it's dead they were willing to replace it but when I went to go pick it up after work I called ahead of time let them know I was going to be a few minutes late I was only 2 minutes late and they still didn't help me shitty custom service highly un recommend the only fish store in the bay that's worth it is fintastic fish because they actually care and quarantine their fish before selling read more

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A friend recommended Pet Emporium for grooming. At the time, I had a 7 month old Labradoodle (my BABY). Initially, I was put off by the looks of the grooming area - but trusting my friend and the way her goldendoodle looks... I went for it anyway. The groomer Adelmo - is INCREDIBLE. Definitely a gem. I provided a picture and he made the same cut happen!! He communicated with me during her first appt; texted and let me know Lolli (my pup) had done well through the more difficult parts. I felt like not only my puppy was being taken care of, but so was I. To add, I have received so many compliments from others after her appts, noting how good she looks. Thankfully, now that we've been going to him the last few times, at 11 months, she's much more comfy at the groomers. The prices aren't terrible either. :) If you have a doodle, definitely give Adelmo some business read more

Pet Emporium - Her new cut!! - Pet Groomers Near Me - Capitola, California

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birds, fish, reptiles and much more. great place to get your pet feed and check out little critters

If you're into fishkeeping, and I mean REALLY into fishkeeping, you know it's always a total gamble going into any pet shop with a fish section. Sometimes they're utterly depressing and full of dead fish, or sometimes you can tell the shop really cares and knows it's stuff. I'm happy to say this location is the latter! I was extremely pleasantly surprised by their range of selection for how small a space they have. They have your typical staples of livebearers and bettas as well as niche oddballs such as shelldwellers, gobies, puffers and ghost catfish. All of the tank setups looked well maintained and decorated with care, with some live plants and lots of lively fish. They also have selections of substrate and hardscape as well. If you're a serious hobbyist this is a shop to keep on your radar. read more

Pet Emporium - Yellow fire neocaridina shrimp - Pet Groomers Near Me - Capitola, California

Amazing store! Everyone is super friendly and educated on the type of fishes/animals they have. It's my go to store!

DO NOT SHOP HERE!!!! Your animal will be sick. I bought a tortoise and have spent over 2,000 dollars nursing him back to health. The tortoise was so sick he needed a feeding tube to get better. I am disgusted by the treatment of these animals and their living conditions. I would not have bought a tortoise here had I known how poorly they were being treated. That being said, I guess the only upside is that the poor tortoise (named Dot) is now doing well and able to eat on his own. Again over 2,000 dollars !!!!!! later. This store needs to be shut down and there needs to be someone held accountable. Look at the photo of my tortoise needing a feeding tube. I was not joking. :( read more

Pet Emporium - Pet Groomers Near Me - Capitola, California

My wife and I come here for fish and they have a pretty decent selection. What impresses me the most is that there is always someone there to help you catch the little suckers with little waiting. I like to hang out by the grooming window in the back while they catch her fish and watch the little doggies get a fresh chop! The store is literally packed with pets and supplies from wall to wall. There is always someone to help you find what you are looking for. While my wife hunts for fish, I like to walk around and check out all the little furry creatures they have for sale. They have reptiles too! I could imagine a disaster if one of the snakes got loose into one of the mouse cages, ugh. That being said, not all the pets will be pets, some will end up food... If you want some fish and you suck at fishing, this is the place for you! (some beer may be required) Give 'em a try! read more

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Would give 0 stars if possible - wife dropped off our doggie for grooming today. Cockapoo with very fluffy coat, we were looking to get a light trim, clip nails - but they decided to shave our dog where his hair is now short to the point where we are concerned about sunburn... (also very patchy, uneven) Doggie also was put in a crate, had to wait for hours before groomer showed up (was told to arrive at 9, groomer arrived much later). Also overheard from a customer in store (post-grooming) that the groomers are unlicensed (red flag). I see previous reviews reporting great cuts with dogs that have similar hair, we are very confused as to why things turned out the way it did. Perhaps we were unlucky? Nonetheless there seems to be very little oversight from management of their treatment of the animals. We got a refund for the services but money won't fix a bad haircut! Put our faith in a local business, only to be grossly disappointed. read more

The worst customer service I've ever experienced in a pet store. The young workers are very rude. Do not shop there. The store is gross and the animals look bad. read more

I've been going here since I was a kid. Finally, as a parent we bought our first family pet here. The staff were incredibly helpful and kind. My inquisitive 5 year old had a lot of questions and they were great. Our betta is doing great. -Awesome local business. -Fantastic staff -Abundance of selection for a small store read more

Pet Emporium - Pet Groomers Near Me - Capitola, California

This review is specifically for the grooming service. Aldelmo did such an amazing job on my pomsky, Zion. He got his nails clipped, paw trim, shampoo and condition with deshedding. Zion came back the softest he's ever been and smelled so good! Would for sure come back- highly recommend Aldelmo. read more

Pet Emporium - Silky soft and fluffy tail :) - Pet Groomers Near Me - Capitola, California

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Great service, knowledgeable, and great customer service! Bought a fish, a hamster and always get pet food. Like the small local business feeling! read more

Great service today from Ashley. I have an established 70 gallon tank with a small amount of fish 10 or so. I haven't added any fish for over ten years. Nice to have a helpful kind person to assist in purchasing a few fish and the knowledge to aid in introducing them into my tank. Thanks Ashley. You made me smile and made my day. Michael read more

Took our small dog to be groomed and he did a great job. Only took an hour for trim and nails only. We will definitely come back and would recommend. read more

They carry most of my pet related items and is very convenient for my hamster, and my mothers fish. We love local.

I have shopped here for many years. It is locally owned with helpful staff. I have goldfish that I bought here over ten years ago. My dog gets excited when we pull into the parking lot read more

I take my dog here at least once a month to Adelmo. He does such a great job! You definitely can't find a better groomer in Santa Cruz! I would rate this place 10 stars, if possible definitely highly recommend going to Adelmo. read more

Pet Emporium - Pet Groomers Near Me - Capitola, California

I went to Pet Emporium today. Right near the door there was an anole in a small plastic critter keeper. It was clearly sick and wasn't moving. It had a spot bulb shining directly on him, through the plastic top. No thermometer was present in the critter keeper. I brought the Anole to the front and asked about it. I was informed by an employee that it was sick, it arrived in that condition and needed to be warm because it was a tropical animal. The employee did not know the temperature in the tank. I responded that I understood it was tropical and you should at least know the temperature of the basking spot because the animal can easily overheat. (Cold blooded animals have to move to thermoregulate and this Anole was clearly too sick to move.) The employee informed me that though the store does have thermometers, the employees that work at Pet Emporium can't take care of animals the way they would like to because the owner doesn't want to spend the money. 2 things about this: 1. The employee was super open about how they feel about the owner, I was pretty surprised. 2. I get that an Anole that arrives in bad condition likely won't make it, but making sure that it has a thermometer in the tank and is within adequate heat range by way of a simple google search doesn't seem too hard or costly. read more

Pet Emporium - Overheated Anole, no thermometer in the tank - Pet Groomers Near Me - Capitola, California

Great grooming from Elise. Our Yorkie was groomed and treated as you would expect from a top notch groomer. Highly recommended!

I like to support locally-owned businesses, and this is definitely one of the ones I like to visit. This pet store has specific things I need for my freshwater aquarium and my beautiful Arizona Mountain King Snake. I need to buy these things anyway, so why not support a small, locally-owned business when I do?!? This place has been here for ages and they usually hire young people--high school/college-aged kids--to work the register and show you to what you need. These youngsters are always kind and knowledgeable and really seem to care about the animals in the store. Yeah, I could get this stuff a little cheaper online or at Pet Smart, but sometimes I need it right then and I'd rather give my money to a local mom & pop than a massive conglomerate. These kinds of places will eventually be priced out of business, but I figure I'll help them stay afloat as long as possible. read more

After years of research and debate my son finally decided on a turtle for his pet. We decided to go to the Pet Emporium off of 41st rather than Petco to support local business and consult their "reptile experts". My son and I went in three separate times over the course of a few months to speak and visit making sure we got the habitats correct and picked out the exact breed we wanted. Finally, as an early Christmas gift, we choose the ornate wood turtle and took her home spending $307. Like any good animal owner we made an appointment for Mr Turd with the best exotic vet in the county. We learned that the conditions the store kept Mr Turd in were abusive and not safe. Me Turd along with the other turtles are semi aquatic animals. Being kept in close quarters with no access to water caused severe parasite infestations as well as infected assesses on her body. This turtle is so sick, Adult worms are coming out of both ends along with severe anemia and calcium deficiencies and severely underweight. I called the pet store several times and was told "it's a wood turtle it should live on wood" no dummy- if I have a French bulldog should it only live in Paris?! I've gone in several times and was dismissed by the owners. The turtle is so sick and infested every single thing in his tank I purchased has to be thrown out. I have weekly vet appointments for deworming and at home have to give the turtle shot injections of antibiotics. (I am literally giving the turtle shots with needles). The owner refused to refund any money. Additionally I had to purchase a temporary sanitary tank to house the turtle in while she recovers, and another tank because the old tank has been exposed to a level of parasites the vet has never seen before. After spending 307 at pet emporium, I have spent so far $350 on vet bills (which I still have another 400 at least to go to rid the worms and infections) and another $300 on a new tank and supplies- we don't even know if the turtle is going to live. Shame on pet emporiums staff and owner who abuse their animals and give so little regard for their customers. My 8 year old is devastated Mr Turd might not make it. Way to ruin Christmas. 12/2/15 UPDATE: Mr Turd El Slow Poke was euthanized today during his latest visit. He has lost lots more weight and the abscess on his arm was not responding to antibiotics. He was refusing to eat because of his illness and becoming very weak hardly moving. The vet had to have the very hard discussion with us- but ultimately he was suffering. Shame on you pet emporium. read more

Zero stars. I've been going to this pet store for 43 years. Since ownership has changed, the customer service is horrible. You're never greeted when you come in and after waiting and waiting for help, while they're standing right there!, the owner and the chick with black hair seem irritated when you ask for help. This happens every single time I go in. I was going in at least twice a week for supplies. Never going back read more

DO NOT BUY ANIMALS HERE UNLESS YOU DO NOT CARE ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND WELL BEING. Instead of buying a new pet fancy rat from a breeder, I decided to take my chances and rescue a little boy rat who would have been snake food. I was sold a USED cage that was not properly cleaned and had crickets in it for 2.5x the price listed on amazon new, including "accessories" that were broken and used as well. I was sold a brand new glass water bottle that did not function properly. Within five days, my little boy was showing signs of a severe sinus infection and pneumonia. After taking him to multiple veterinarians who specialize in pet rats, I was able to get him on medication. He is getting better now, but if I did not have the hundreds of dollars to spend on vet bills immediately, he would have died within a week or so, according to the veterinarians. Don't sell rats as pets if you view them and treat them as snake food and don't value their lives. Everything in this store is overpriced, the owner will pressure and scam you, and after all is said and done, you'll most likely leave with an unhealthy new pet. If you are wanting to rescue and have the resources to pay for proper medical care, then do so, but do not put money in the owners pocket by purchasing accessories and necessities here. My darling boy is grateful to be out of there, not emaciated anymore, his fur is actually growing in, and he can breathe normally and comfortably after getting the medical care he needed to survive. Will not ever buy another product here, will only keep watch for sick animals that need help. read more

Pet Emporium - Pet Groomers Near Me - Capitola, California

There were animals DEAD IN THEIR TANKS, it smelled disgusting and over all it was horrible the staff weren't very nice.

We have been shopping at the emporium for more years than I can count, and have had so many positive experiences with their knowledgeable staff. Recently, however, the business exchange ownership. I was pretty surprised when I had gone in for some substrate for a new python, and the staff member didn't seem to know much about anything at all. We had a few different types of animals at a time, some exotic some domestic, and I recall, asking questions about various things, none of which she had any info on. The next time I came in a younger man recommended a certain type of substrate to keep the humidity regulated in the tank , I was grateful for his help at the time. 2 mos down the line I'm at the vet with a $500 bill because my snake has scale rot because the moisture level was too high, a direct result of the new substrate. This was never mentioned at the time of purchase. Then a couple months later one of the screens broke on a tank i'd purchased there for our python only four months earlier. I immediately called them to ask for guidance as to what to do but they prompted me to contact the manufacturer. left a message twice but no response. So I called the Emporium again and spoke with a woman who took down my info & assured me she'd get on it and figure out something and get right back to me. Three weeks later, I still hadn't heard a word so I called him and spoke with a gentleman He was nice but he told me that they didn't really order replacement parts, and that if I already contacted the manufacturer, my best bet was to purchase another tank. That on craigslist, I could probably get one inexpensively. Needless to say, I'm not very happy and will probably not not shop there again it's just unfortunate, I believe that, especially right now and especially for smaller businesses. Customer service should be a priority. Only second training employees so that they know how to help their customers to see how long this place is open no shit do it happen I'm gonna. I read more