Rivers & Reefs Pet Center

Reviews 6

A

A Private User

Upon walking in to Rivers and Reefs for the first time, I was welcomed by a quaint atmosphere and a friendly cat. However, as time went on the staff was increasingly rude. The prices were typical for a small store (expensive). After meeting one of their cats (who I thought was friendly), later, bit and scratched me (understandable, I know cats can be moody). One of the store clerks noticed and just grimaced at me and said "oh shes wild, you shouldnt touch her when shes in her spot." (Her spot shouldnt be elevated and next to the register if she gets aggressive) Then, I asked another clerk why fish spines sometimes become crooked. He said, "oh, thats just from old age," (strange considering it was happening to mostly young fish). I later discovered that he was completely wrong (after doing my own research) - it means that the fish most likely has TB (a crooked spine is also a symptom of a few other fish diseases/stressors). Unfortunate since the rainbow shark we bought there was beginning to show signs of a crooked spine once we got it home. What appeared to be the owner, was checking us out...we were chatting it up when I decided to get the keys and check on our German Shepard in the car (it was very cloudy and cooler than normal, in the early evening, all windows down, I couldve stayed in the car with no air conditioning and been ok). The guy checking us out said, "people around here WILL break into your car if you leave your dog in there. You should have brought her in on a leash." I dont think that guy would want a hyper GSD in a small enclosed space with 3 cats and a bunny hoping around on the ground in a topless enclosure.Perhaps the 2 out of 3 people working there were having a bad day but that is no excuse to be rude to new customers. We will not be returning to Rivers and Reefs. Im all for supporting small business but unless you want to be told how to care for your pets (unwantingly) and be misinformed, you shouldnt go either.

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OL

Olivia - Siphris

I was having trouble with my tank and wanted a second opinion on what steps I should take to correct the troubles I was having. Unfortunatley my visit did not go well. At the time of my visit both the woman and man that were on duty were not not very personable for customer service oriented. The two attempted to give me advice but came off as very snarky. One told me everything I was doing was wrong, in a very matter of fact tone. It felt like she was talking to me as if I had never touched a fiah tank before, unfortunately I have and have also done extensive research before making any decisions regarding my tank. And the other tried to tell me a fish that Ive had for 5 months was a female and that someone must have swapped out my fish (he is a male betta, this was based on then and now photos). He was not joking. They did seem to be knowledgeable, however they also seemed to be "my way or the highway" type of people. I do not know if these were the owners or just employees, but I will not be making return visits to find out. Unfortunate my visit went this way. Customer service aside interior reflects the exterior of the building in that it appears rather Rundown and dirty. Some of the shelving appears to be prepared to fall off the wall and the back corner of the building was a pile of "stuff". To be brutally honest that corner looked like a hoarders home to me. Looks aside, this store has available multiple different types of fish, a small to moderate selection of fish care products, Birds, Turtles, reptiles such as lizards, and roughly half of the store was dedicated to dog care products and pet food combined.

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DA

Dallas Norvell

When Rivers and Reefs first moved into the South 1st Street location I will admit that my first experience was less than friendly. And I had minimal interactions at their previous location. It felt very much like a new business that was overwhelmed. I decided to give them another chance early this year and could not be more pleased with the products and the staff. I went in to address my cats many different needs and received wonderful recommendations from food recommendations to unusual hair tangles and general health. The advice and recommendations felt well thought out and came from a place of knowledge. Ive interacted with the same three employees on many different days and regardless of how busy they may be Ive always felt they took the time to stop what they were working on to fully address my concerns or questions. On every visit so far I can relate an instance where they have saved me money. The products do seem a little expensive until you look at the ingredients. They deal specifically in natural and healthy better made foods for your pet. So you arent gonna find H.E.B. Purina prices but I think they carry a wide enough variety that you can find a perfect balance between cost and quality. If you are looking for PETCO dont come here. For that matter Ive NEVER received good service at a large pet store chain. I find the level of quality products refreshing. I find the staff helpful and friendly and more important unlike larger chain stores they are present to be asked questions and not hiding in the back. I recommend this local pet store very highly.

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CR

Crystal Martin

To start off with, WOW might be an understatement. My experience starts with a new vet,a puppy who ate a rat(EEKK), and needing to eliminate the stench of the rotting animal it just ate. I was referred to this location as it was simply the closest but hold I wouldnt regret it. Im greeted by friendly people who can tell Im lost. But I quickly notice as the employees and owners speak to EVERYONE that came in and even called them by their first names that this was no ordinary pet store. All you could need in one place. Very informative and they didnt make me feel bad or like I was inconveniencing them with my many questions. Introductions were made by owner, employees and myself. Let me say this is my new place to shop for my pet needs. Oh, and I feed my dog Nulo which there is one particular type in the line. I mentioned to the owner and he said he will get it in for me. That rocks! Ill be back soon. Thanks guys!!!

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JO

John Williams

If you want to someone to cut you off and jump to conclusions when you ask a question, come here. Example from today: Me: Hey, I already have a furminator and it works really well but if I dont do it weekly... Her: Yeah, dogs shed. They need to be brushed weekly. Me: ...okay, well if I miss a week it takes forever to brush her because... Her: We dont sell furminators here. (beat) Me: ...I have to keep stopping to clean it, so I need a brush to get most of the hair... Her: yeah, you have to do it weekly Me: ...before I go in with the fine tooth one. Two stars because they had a brush to fit my need. P.S. Im not sure why so many people are complaining about the cat, you dont get to pet every animal you see, get over it.

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VA

Valerie Wong

Browsed here after a lazy brunch nearby -when you enter, youre immediately surrounded by cages of birds and directly in front of you is a calm, lazy cat that probably ignored you from its perch. A great selection of pet food, toys, and actual pets. I also heard they did daycare/pet sitting. Although I dont see myself buying any products here anytime soon, the animals here looked healthy and well cared for. Im surprised they could keep so many without some kind of animal food chain occurring.

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