Animal Connection LLC

Category:	Pet Supply Store
Address:	1701 Allied St, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
Phone:	+1 434-296-7048
Site:	animalconnectionva.com
Rating:	3.9
Working:	10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 9AM–4PM 1–4PM

Location

Photos 30

Reviews 11

A Private User

While this store carries premium brands like Orijen and Natures Variety, I will not shop here. The owner will say ANYTHING to sell product. My dog only eats grain-free foods and when she didnt have the specific brand and formula I wanted in stock, she claimed that the breed I own "needs" grain. She will tell anyone that a breeder who works with their breed buys a certain food, just to move it (this is confirmed by a neighbor, who has gotten similar comments about a different breed). She will also ditch a pet owner the moment a horse owner walks in the door. Im happy that there seems to be a new groomer there. I once walked in to an empty store and heard a man literally yelling at a dog in the grooming room. When I peeked in through the door, the guy was yelling at a fluffy, little bison frise. The little thing looked downright angelic. No barking, no snapping. I tried to shop there, but each visit revealed something objectionable. There are far better options in town. Another tell tale sign that moving product is the primary goal here: the owner never showed any interest in my dog when I brought him into the store. At every other boutique in town, the staff wants to meet and great (and treat) a dog that comes into the store. The women at Animal Connection never even looked at my dog, a retriever that competes in field trials. Perhaps if we did conformation, shed be interested in him.

A Private User

I went into this store just to get a second opinion on some food I had recently bought for my yorkie--I was worried because after purchasing the food I read really mixed reviews about it. It ended up being a food this store carried and a great choice for a yorkie (Solid Gold Wee Bits). The owner really knew her stuff and was totally reassuring. She also showed me some other options for when I rotate my dogs food and some good ideas for supplementing with raw food occasionally--and she did all this KNOWING I WASNT GOING TO PURCHASE ANYTHING DURING MY VISIT! This place really cares about animal health, not just about making the sale and it is 100% evident in their customer service ethic. Wonderful! I will be shopping here from now on and definitely recommending it to others!!!

Jessica Lee

They have a fun and unique selection of dog-related items. Where I moved from I had a favorite hole-in-the-wall pet store which I loved to support, I was excited to have another locally owned store close to home. I went into the store yesterday because they advertised online that they carry my dogs food, a 5* food that costs about $65-70 per bag. The owner BARELY greeted me before trying to get me to buy a different food that costs $115 for a smaller bag. I did not ask for recommendations to switch dog foods and she treated me as though I am hurting my dog with the food he is on. Ive done lots of research for high quality foods that dont bother my dogs allergies and I really wish the service in this store didnt feel so sales-man like.

karin bendel

Animal Connection is the only store of its kind in Charlottesville or for that matter, anywhere else. It is unique in offering helpful information and advice from the owner, Pattie Boden and also knowledgeable, Maggie. In todays world of many food options, Pattie can help with the choice of the right food for each individual pet. I love Animal Connection and would not shop anywhere else. Its a charmingly interesting store, a delight to visit and will not disappoint. Excellent grooming is also available. Your dog or cat can find special treats and high quality toys. Thank you, Pattie for what youve created in Charlottesville. Some of us dont like to shop in the big chain stores!

A Private User

This was my second time visiting this store. The first was OK, except I felt that the store has a pretentious vibe. This time the person helping me was condescending almost to the point of being insulting, the comment I found most rude was "good food is much cheaper than vet bills". As a former vet tech I of course know this, and she was not able to intelligently answer my questions about supplements and their effectiveness. I felt like she was much more interested in making a sale, than hearing what I had to say and helping me make the best choice for my dog. I will not be shopping there or recommending it to anyone else.

Leah Esslinger

We started going there when we adopted a kitten back in September. The attention we got from Pattie, the owner, was a god-send. She educated us about food options, providing plenty of samples so that we could find one that fit our cats tastes and our budget. She has even helped us select herbal remedies to help us treat our cats kitty herpes (he was a shelter cat) and helped us find something for his sensitive stomach. We have since gotten a poodle puppy, and you can bet we will be going to Pattie for grooming too!

A Private User

WOW! What a great selection of healthy dog and cat food! I have tried to minimize grains from my diet and it is seems even sillier for my dog and cat to eat them! There are a ton of choices for good food that comes much closer to what would constitute the diet these animals evolved to thrive on. The owner was very helpful and provided us with some low cost samples. My only complaint was that she was wearing an England jersey (the day of the USA vs England world cup match)... unforgivable! :)

Dan K

I had my dog groomed there recently, which is not the cheapest option but I wanted to support local business. They asked what I wanted and I said, "cut it short but dont touch the face." I was disappointed to discover that they hadnt listened to my request and trimmed my dogs face. I was more disappointed that I payed so much money and my request was not filled than I was about how my dog looked. In the future I will get a cheaper trim somewhere where they will listen to what I want.

A google user

Very surprised at the reviews suggesting less than good information and service. I found the owner and her team not only straightforward, but more importantly they carry samples of industry leaders UNLIKE all major retailers. For once, I can test out my animals on new and better food choices without having to buy pounds of it before I know how it will go down. All recommendations have proved good for the cats - and the dog. Bonus: Not having to go out 29.

Helena Ridgeway

I have a newly adopted Yorkie that is underweight and picky to boot. I stopped into Animal Connection today on my way from home to VA Beach. Pattie was fabulous!!!! She listened to me talk about his behavior around food, his likes/dislikes, and she literally had him eating out of her hand before we left the store. This, after he didnt eat his dinner last night or breakfast this morning. It was as if she knew exactly what he was asking for. Thank you Patte!!!!!

Patricia Boden

Mr. Smith, this is Pattie, the owner of Animal Connection. We do try to keep the spaces in front of the store available so our customers can either bring their dogs safely in for grooming or so we can help them out large bags of pet foods. Our only concern is to make certain our customers have the convenience of parking closer to the store. Well sure try to address this concern in another manner and thank you for bringing this to our attention! We appreciate it!