I work at Nordstrom. Service is extremely important. Chantal at Petco was great. She gave Nordstrom like service. She is informative and truly a keeper. read more

This Petco is in need of a real enternal review and training from Corporation. They have a employee working in the aquarium department that really needs to be reprimanded. I took my nieces and kids into the store. One of my niece informed the employee by the name "Corey" that one of the fish in the fish tanks was dead. She began to tell my 11 year old niece " That she did not need to yell at her and that she would take it out because that was her job." I walked up right after, just to be told by the same employee "that my niece did not need to tell her that the fish was dead especially in front of the customers. I dont think this is a store policy because there is no sigs saying not to tell the employee about the dead fish.My 16 year old daughter was there the whole time and said that my niece never yelled at her. My niece began to tell me in front of this employee that she never yelled at her. Corey then began arguing with my 11 year old niece. I could not believe she was even addressing her and not me. I told her how was she going to starting arguing with a child. I told her I was going to go talk to her manager which she stated " have fun with that". I spoke to the manager briefly because I was so upset. The manager did apologize. But I feel they must be friends if she was so comfortable with acting like that with customers. Again the employees name is Corey. read more

This is based on dog training by Starrla. She is awesome with our gigantic pit bull mix Darwin (that must outweigh her by 75 lbs) & and our quirky little Boston, Dennis. By history, she has trained livestock, including horses. She has a personality for animals and people...Starrla is encouraging without being controlling and weird. Training with her is an individual experience both to the dog and owner. She works with the issues at hand and always encourages good behavior....Great way to train and keep the pets happy and the customers coming back. She gives us lots of coupons and other little bonuses! Our dogs are so happy... and so so much better behaved. read more

Most groomers tell us that Elvis has to be shaved down because of matting, but the ladies at Petco El Cajon made Elvis look like a movie star (dog). They gave him a teddy bear cut and he looked great. I thought I was going to have to pay $75 or more, but the bill came back the same as those other places that just shaved him down. Going here from now on! read more

I have been taking my dog to get his nails trimmed (not groomed) here for almost 2 years now. They were aware from day one he has seizures and is on medication for it. He had one seizure there while getting his nails trimmed almost a year ago. I was close by and went right in to care for him. After that day they continued to allow him to get his nails trimmed and it hasn't happened since. Two days ago I called to find out if his regular lady was going to be available the following day, she (Molly) said yes in the afternoon. So the next day I call to let them know I'm coming in to get his nails trimmed. The lady on the phone let Molly know we were coming, Molly's response was "they don't service dogs with seizures"!!!!! Then why did you except him from get-go knowing he did???? And why did you continue to see him after only one seizure out of all his normal visits. He does not miss behave while getting nails trimmed, he stands there and allows them. I could see if he was hard to handle, or if he had seizures often during visits. Also it would of been great if they would have followed "policy" and not have excepted him from the beginning when I made them aware. I think it is EXTREMELY horrible they don't service a dog just because he has seizures... which by the way he is a registered service dog. I could see more so if I wasn't treating him for it. So if a dog is missing a leg and can't stand properly is that in their policy not to treat? It saddens me because my dog was very comfortable with Molly, and I never seen an issue! This definitely came as a surprise to me. read more

This is the best Petco. It's the only one I've gone to. I've gotten betta fish and my little dwarf hamster. The workers here are so kind and helpful! I've never had a hamster before and the lady working there was so kind and helpful. She made sure the hamster was nice, and not a biter, explained everything I needed to know about having a hamster, and told me everything I would need from bedding to toys to food. The man who helped me with my betta fish was so kind. After buying my first one there, I went again for another. He told me where there were more betta fish and helped explain which color they would turn out to be. He also explained about their lifestyle. He is so kind. This was maybe the 4th time he has helped me (in person and over the phone). I highly recommend this store. They love pets and will explain to you everything you need to know. They each deserve their own set of 10 stars. Both people who helped me. My betta fish are happy and so is my hamster. Thank you both so much! read more

Love this store and the staff. They are always friendly knowledgeable and always have what I need for all of our animals. Returns are no hassle and no problems. Prices are reasonable and quality is great. Thanks Petco we can't live without you! read more

I go out of my way just to go to Petco I've been going there for years. This stuff is amazing and even the manager Lol

The El Cajon store is always clean and well stocked. It is a bit pricey but that isn't the stores doing, that is Petco corporate. The employees are very helpful and friendly. Chantal was knowledgeable about products and services. Our rescue dog had fun smelling all the treats and checking everything out. She is now signed up for a training class. read more

I only gave 3 stars for a few reasons. First I brought my dog in to get groomed and called first and asked if they were busy. They said, "nope bring your dog in". I brought him in for a basic bath and nail grind and told them I had a few errands to run so few hours should not be a problem. 2 1/2 hours later I called and said I was back in the area and wanted to know if he was done. They said he would still be a bit. Almost 3 hours later I just came in. I asked if he was done and they said oh yeah he is. I just paid and left. 5 hours for a basic bath and nail trim was way too long. They also never called me when he was ready. I got him in the car and he still stunk. I have an English Bulldog so yes he stinks but you can tell when he's had a bath. His ears were dirty and his nails had not even been touched. I called back as soon as I got home and they told me, " I know the girl that did it and I know she always does her job." They got back on the phone and said, "oh just bring him back for a nail clipping." I was mad after letting her know it does not look like he was even washed that she wanted me to take him right back after 5 hours of waiting just to fix the nails. I told her to make a note and I will be in when I can. I cooled off and called a few days later. I called Petco and the groomer Emily was very helpful. She honestly seemed like she was sorry about what happened and right away got a manager. The manager not only refunded me for the groom he agreed to groom him again at no extra charge. I was very pleased with how the customer service was handled when I called back. Obviously the day I called the one angry woman who answered the phone could care less about anything else. I brought my bully in and they took him right away and gave him the good groom I expect from a groomer. The groomer her name started with an A was amazing with my boy and took extra good care of him. He was done under an hour. I would have given more stars if the crab apple who answered the phone when I called back the first time was a little more helpful. Kudos to the manager the day I called back the second time and the staff that took care of me :) read more

This petco is by far one of the worst petcos I have been to. The majority of the employees here dont care about their job because one time I was there and I heard a lot of profanity from the employees on top of that some are rude to the customers I remember one employee in particular by the name of Mary. Mary is honestly the worst especially her attitude towards others. This store needs to get better employees because I am not comfortable stepping foot in their anymore. read more

This review is for the Dog Trainer Kim. She's worked with me so well with my little stubborn dog that I have recommended her to all my friends. She's specially certified, been working for years, patient, and if you're willing to put in the work yourself with your puppers you should have little to no problems! Animals are definitely her calling, she loves every dog the same way you love your dog. Its truly phenomenal. A+++ read more

There's a new groomer there that does phenominal work. Mine and my girlfriend's miniature poodle and yorkie was groomed there recently by a groomer named Rochelle and they turned out beautifully. During the holiday season most groom shops were over booked and couldn't take in our dogs so we settled for Petco. We have taken them here before sometimes when our regular groomer was booked and it was so so mediocre work, but I was amazed how wonderful they both looked and smelled this time. Their feet and faces look so adorable. My girlfriend and I couldn't be happier. Their hair is so soft, fluffy, silky and tangle free. It actually was a way better job than their usual groomer. Looks like we found a miracle worker for our fur babies. Our yorkie can be a bratty handful sometimes, but Rochelle does wonders and he was actually behaving. Petco did an awesome job in finding this groomer. We definitely will be returning as long as Rochelle is there. Amazing work! read more

This is a fun place to shop and bring the kids for a free trip to the zoo! We get to see so many interesting reptiles, and fish. We've learned so much about our pets by coming here. read more

Employees are friendly and offer good information regarding nutrition. I also like that they have East County Rescue there every weekend with cats for adoption. read more

I'm a new hobbyist to my bearded dragon Steffen. He is about 7 months old and recently became very sick with Metabolic Bone Disease which, by the way is a horrible thing to witness your pet go through. I realized quickly he needed vet care and $100 later the Doc injected him with calcium and vitamins and told me how avoidable this could have been had I known to properly care for him. My mistake was the UVB lighting apparently, the sunny location I placed him in was not good enough. In fact sunlight will NOT penetrate through glass, so it was necessary to purchase a separate UVB lamp and upon doing so I met Anthony an employee with Petco and I must say he saved my dragons life. He also has 4 beardies and one of his had MBD at one time. He told me with a lot of TLC he can recover. I was so upset that I was responsible for Steffens decline and unsure of his survival it seemed silly to spend another $150 on lamps and heating pads and vitamin supplements. I would have spent $300 to save him that day, it all worked Steffen is healthy as ever and huge part of our family. Thank you, Anthony for your support and great advice in my hour of need. You Rock!! read more

I got a new puppy and went in for help picking a puppy food the first person I asked told me to go to a girl who was standin there speaking to another employe. I went to them and asked for help. She said she had to be at a defeatist an the other man said he couldn't elp me because he was a trainier and ," people pay a lot for his time" and he told me to go back to the original guy. The guy came over and I told him I needed wet puppy food and asked which was good to bye he pointed to a dry grown dog food and took off. From now on I think I'll just go to another pet store. read more

‼‼‼‼I just wanted to share my experience for any dog owners who actually truly care for their loved ones safety and care. I DO NOT recommend you take your pups to petco grooming. I brought my dog to get her nails trimmed..immediately she was shaking and growling at the employee who was going to be taking care of her. She did not feel safe and i did not feel safe leaving my dog in the groomers care, as i was in there filling some paper Work i was watching the way they were treating two dogs getting groomed both crying and screaming.I even witnessed a dog falling of the metal boards and getting choked by the leash attached to the table. The other puppy had a tangle the groomer was obviously hurting the puppy and pulling on it's hair so hard the puppy was literally yelling for help. I decided to walk out because it was really heartbreaking to see innocent beings being treated so poorly. I feel as if the groomers do not genuinely care for animals and if the owners where there they probably would've treated the dogs with more care. If you do decide to stop by please make sure you stay and watch how they treat your babies, because as soon as you walk out they will not care if they hurt them ‼‼‼‼ read more

As for pet supplies, they carry alot. As for experienced employees, they only have a few. I have multiple pets, and among those include a 36 gallon aquarium. So I have the tank set up, bring in water for a test. I'm then told water is good, and I can buy fish. So I ask what are good "starter fish". Based upon the recommendation I bought fish, two days later 75% of them died. I take the dead fish and sample of water back into the store. First I have the water tested again, and told it's fine. Then I show them the dead fish.....They had no response, and offered me more fish. I again buy fish, and the same happens. The next group of fish make it 5-10 days and die. Then I am sold "semi aggressive fish" and told they will adapt well to a tank with fish already there. Not the case, so for pet supplies they are great, for pet advice, use google or someone else. Not all hourly employees who work at a particular store are the guru's. read more

Rude, rude, rude treatment today, and I've been a customer for many years.

On the last week of February I arrived at Petco in El Cajon on 2nd street at 7 p.m. I was looking for a cat scratch tower and wanted advice and assistance. The manager on the floor was dismissive, disrespectful and angered me so much that I left the store and hunted down a PetSmart rather than spend my money at Petco. I was civil and simply requested help from an expert and instead was insulted. read more

Customer service needs improvement! Perhaps employees should have training on how to achieve customer satisfaction.

MIKE IS THE BEST!!!!! My boyfriend and I won fish at the Del Mar Fair and the day after they had died. We were both very upset and vowed to be the best fish owners possible so we went to Petco and picked out a 5 gallon tank and supplies. Mike was super helpful with picking out what kind of chemicals we needed and what fish can withstand our new parenting. We ask a lot of questions and Mike was very kind and knowledgable with his answers!!! Today we went back to extend our fishy family and we were graciously greeted by him again. He recommended beautiful fish and explained how to care for them during the stressful moving period. Overall, great guy!!!!! We will, for sure, be back soon!!! read more

I attended two Saturday free seminar/play sessions. There is no seminar and free play is totally unsupervised. The trainer who was suppose to be there was late both times and completely unengaged. There was no conversation even remotely related to a seminar There was no introduction of people and dogs. I would never take my dog there for training. My puppy was so traumatized I will probably never take her to petco again. read more

This store is good not great but good. The manager is incredibly educated on animals and very helpful. Everything is overpriced as usual but good for quick 1 stop trips. The grooming department could use ALOT of help and maybe even a change of personnel. Every single time i drop my dogs off for a simple wash and dry it takes them anywhere from 3-5 hours to complete and thats ridiculous. Other than that its an alright place. (For PETCO sales management; LOWER YOUR PRICES! and get more business.......) :) read more