I have mixed feelings about corporate pet stores for several reasons. I don't approve of the capture and sale of certain animals for human entertainment (i.e. large parrots, exotic reptiles, etc.) My experience is that the majority of these animals end up in homes with people who do not know how to care for them, then lose interest, so the animal spends its entire life in a cage with no stimulation. This is unacceptable and is a form of animal cruelty in my opinion.
Another reason I have concerns about corporate pet stores is that they tend to have poorly educated employees.I have found that this often does not stop the employees from imparting advice on the products and animals they sell. I have been given blatantly incorrect advice/information on a number of occasions from Petsmart, Petco and Pet Lovers.
All that said, I do think that these stores offer a valuable service to consumers with the products they sell and the information they impart (when they have educated employees)
Now...for my experience with THIS Petsmart...
I have had extensive experience with this store with the fish and fish supplies, so I have worked with the girls in that area quite a bit. I have found that it is best to educate yourself with regard to diseases and parasites because their knowledge of such things is very limited. They are polite and helpful, but not very educated beyond the very basics of fish care.
I also buy high end cat food (Orijen) which this store does not carry. I get this food in Greenville when I am there for other business.
They carry a managable assortment of small animals (which I really appreciate -- it seems like a good balance...not a whole wall like you see in some stores) -- and the cages of all the animals are always clean.
Benfield Animal Hospital is right there in the store, but I have no experience with that.
Overall, the store is bright, clean and has a fun feel to it. As corporate pet stores go, this one seems to be okay. read more