TL;DR
I will probably still go to Pet World for small items like pet food, but I cannot recommend it for any big ticket items, or to people who are starting out with a new pet, because someone might treat you like garbage. Go in ignorant or go in extremely knowledgable, it won't matter to some of the employees at Pet World.
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I'm actually pretty bummed that I have to write a negative review for this place, so I'll start with the good things about it.
They're a local business, so their prices aren't necessarily competitive, but aren't too high. Their stock is good--they have off brands and such that I can't find at the big name pet places, and they seem to be improving their small animal section, to the point where it's one of the best places around to go for rodent supplies. They also have a really lovely in-house cat shelter that shows that their cats, at least, get a lot of attention.
I've never had a problem with their staff before, but today I had a big problem that is resulting in this review. My chinchilla's brother passed away a few months ago, and my partner and I decided to get him a new cage. After careful consideration of his needs, we agreed on one from Pet World, talked about how we would modify the cage we picked out to make it ideal, etc. I went in to buy the cage, and the guy who helped me get it harassed me endlessly about it not being a proper cage for a chinchilla. He acted like I was a totally ignorant new pet owner, when in actuality I've done tons of research on chinchillas, have owned them for 5 years, and knew exactly what I needed for my chin.
[Books on chinchillas *in their own store* would corroborate that the cage I was getting, when modified with proper shelves, would have been totally acceptable].
I wouldn't mind if he was just trying to give me advice, but he was *relentless*, starting an argument with me in the middle of the store, and eventually saying in that snobby way, "FINE, it's YOUR pet." It was the most uncomfortable I've ever felt in a retail environment. I'm a very quiet, understated person who has worked in retail, and I would never pick a fight with someone like that. Their lack of trust in their customers and the way he treated me was appalling, and I could tell that the moment I walked out of the store he was going to turn around and act like I had created the problem.
The people at Pet World need to figure out that customer service is essential to keeping a small business afloat. I don't think they will make it, otherwise. read more