I've only used this store a few times, but I plan on becoming a regular (and may update this review as a develop a closer relationship). I generally don't care for "big box" pet stores, but I like Pet Supermarket. This store is smaller, with a local pet shop atmosphere. The staff-- in my experience-- is very friendly and knowledgeable, versus the inexperienced or downright apathetic staff of other stores. If an employee can't answer one of my questions, they do their best to find out for me (no "I dunno's" or, worse, wild guesses).
A couple of weeks ago, I bought a cockatiel at this location. I talked out the decision with a female employee who'd owned birds herself for 7 years. She followed me around the store and made sound recommendations about food, toys, supplies, travel cages, etc.. Not trying to rack up a bill, but simply setting me up with necessary supplies that reflected my desire for a healthy, happy bird. They sold me the bird without question. In retrospect, I wish they were a little more concerned about the animals' welfare. They didn't inquire as to whether I own or had ever owned birds, what kind of setup I had, if I knew this was a 20+ year commitment, etc.. A simple care sheet (which even Petsmart offers) would have sufficed.
Back to the cockatiel... I didn't really know anything about the bird I'd purchased. I guessed it was younger (and at that age, they're difficult to sex), but they couldn't tell me much about it. He was skinny and a little quiet, but otherwise seemed fine. I took my bird to the vet a few days after I got it for a general health checkup. He tested negative for parasites and (as I later found out) psittacosis, but his bacteria count was very low. The vet's guess was that he was improperly weaned and didn't receive enough beneficial bacteria from his parents, which led to problems with digestion and malnutrition. The vet gave me a probiotic to help boost his bacteria levels.
At about 4 am on the seventh night I owned him (read: the last night of his 7-day warranty), I heard a noise from his cage. I uncovered it, thinking he was having a night fright, and found him lying on the bottom grate. I took him out and he laid in my lap, eyes open but seemingly paralyzed, as I frantically searched the internet for help. Within the hour, he had what appeared to be several seizures and died in my lap. I didn't have a necropsy done (couldn't front the $100+ for an examination that would likely be inconclusive), but I called Pet Supermarket later that morning. The manager was kind and accommodating, expressing sincere sympathy and giving me a store credit (they don't offer refunds) for another cockatiel. I had to present them with my bird's corpse to get this credit-- not my ideal situation, but I understand their reason for it. It's also worth mentioning that in addition to not offering refunds, they don't comp vet bills ($200 down the hole for me).
Anyway, the point of this long, sad story: I suspect Pet Supermarket gets their stock from bad breeders. This isn't unusual for "big box" pet stores (take heed if you ever buy from a bigger chain), but I was a little disappointed regardless. I debated whether I should even buy my next bird from this store, but I find it hard to throw away a $90 store credit. I will definitely pick a fatter, more active tiel and take it to the vet immediately. Despite the traumatic (and expensive) experience with my first bird, I give Pet Supermarket props for handling the situation reasonably well. I have hope that my next experience in bird ownership will be a positive one. I will definitely return to this store to get my next feathery child all sorts of treats and toys. (:
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Riding RTS?
During the week: Pet Supermarket is on the 6 and 15 routes and just across the street from a stop on the 8.
Weekends: Pet Supermarket is accessible by the 407 and 408. read more