Pet Emporium

Miguel H

2024-04

Used to like having this place as a local option to source fish, but I'm not sure anymore. I understand that fish will die at any pet store but the fact that they're left long enough to develop a film, and that there were 4+ dead fish across a number of tanks... I dunno, I'd just rather shop somewhere that at least appears to take care of their stock.

Angel Cooper

2024-01

Came for a jumping spider, and they had several babies to choose from. They seemed to have a variety of different reptiles, birds, rats, mice, fish, and other creepy crawlies (scorpions, cockroaches, turantulas. etc.) to choose from. There are plenty of supplies for everything sold in store. A really cute, friendly rat named baby rat. And helpful employees. Who advised me on how to take care of my new spider. I will be coming here again for my exotic pet needs. My baby loved looking at the fish.

Briana Mosbacher

2024-03

These guys have been around forever. Unfortunately their customer service is horrible. The staff always seems unhappy and annoyed to have to assist you. I was really hoping when the new owner took over that things would get better. But it doesn't appear so.I recently made a purchase of a fish for $43 (one their most expensive fish), I took it home and right away I could tell it wasn't looking good but thought it might get better after it decompressed from the travels. It died by day 3. I reach out to them and ask what can we do and was told, you get nothing. Doesn't matter that I was a regular who would visit the shop every couple of weeks and they know my bulldog and we would have great conversations. They refused to even give a partial store credit.The hard part is they are currently the only option for fish other than PetSmart in our area. Looks like I will be doing all my fish shopping online or in San Jose from now.

robert bellemore

2024-05

Great old school pet store. Great place to get feeder insects of different varieties. My ranking four stars, very good, five stars would be only for the best

Wayne Fiskum

2024-01

We are traveling and needed to have our Springer Spaniel groomed. We happened upon Pet Emporium and decided to check and see how far they were out for an appointment. Kristin said she could get him in the next day 12/20 for a groom, wash, nail trim, and gland expression for less than $100. She had us come in at 9:00AM and drop him off. She did an excellent job, followed our instructions on the type of cut, and got the whole groom done in 2 hours. I would highly recommend Kristin.

Brooke Randell

2024-01

I am really disappointed by the way that they treat the tortoises and turtles in their store. I went in today and saw a red-footed tortoise who was way too dry and couldn’t open one of his eyes. There was no humidifier for him and the substrate was no good. These animals need to be kept at a specific humidity, which explains why he was so dry. On a previous occasion there were two adult turtles in a plastic container that was way too small for the two of them. There was no rock for them to bask on and they had very little room to move around. I didn’t see them today, so I hope that they have been given better living conditions. Please provide these animals with better care.

Ashley Larman

2018-05

The outside seems small but don't let that fool you! The pets here are very well handled and taken care of, no sick animals any time I go in. There is a very nice selection of animals and supplies, and the customer service is awesome! As soon as you walk in they greet you and see if they can help with anything. Also, the staff is pretty knowledgable about the care and keeping of the animals. So sad that this pet store isn't closer to where I live... But the 50-minute drive is totally worth it!

Shelly Mayhew

2021-05

If I could give 0 stars I would. If I wanted my Maltese to have a horrible shave job, I would have shaved him myself and save the money. They totally butchered his hair, didn't even brush his teeth, as we requested.

Alida Stevens

2024-04

Over crowded with a lot of fish and reptiles not for sale while "being medicated." Staff is friendly and helpful.

Jesse Headrick

2023-09

Pet Emporium has come a very long way from its previous ownership. This has been my family’s pet store of choice for pretty near 20 years because of its proximity. Recently it changed owners and the store has been completely revamped from the ground up. There is a remodeled fish room with much better selection of fish, better decorated tanks, better taken care of stock, etc. Additionally, there is a much healthier selection of arachnids, insects, reptiles and birds, many of which I’ve never seen at a pet store in person. As far as physical product goes, prices have come down far closer to being competitive with big box/Amazon, to the point where you’re willing to pay any slight extra for the fact you don’t have to go to Petsmart, not be able to talk to a single knowledgeable employee, wait in a single, understaffed checkout line that goes half way through the store, and support a small locally owned business. I keep aquariums at home, so I frequent the fish area mostly, and for years I have always tried my best to talk to Ashley as she is overall knowledgeable about every facet of the store, and I believe the store’s current condition is a huge credit to her.

Clair Voyant

2023-05

I love this pet store. It is locally owned and they are always so helpful with the best animal selection and care! I highly recommend for all pet needs.

Charlee Nothing

2023-10

Best pet store in SC! Ashley is super helpful and knowledgeable, we come here weekly for our reptile food and supplies . They have all sorts of pets in here too , the inventory is always changing.

Bradlley Martinez

2022-05

Great product selection, friendly and knowledgeable staff and is Always fun to see the live animals

Miesha Bernstein

2023-05

Been coming here about 20 years and it’s actually improved a lot compared to a few negative reviews I’ve seen. The animals are VERY well cared for compared to chains or other places. They have also accepted specific cases of neglected donated reptiles and nurse them back to health as forever store pets. Last time I was in they adopted a metabolic bone diseased bearded dragon as a store pet (not for sale) and we’re hand feeding him daily.They’re prices reflect inflation and the local economy. Rent for a store in Santa Cruz is insane so you’re not getting Amazon prices.If you consider that it’s local, quality animal care, good selection of products, unique and historical to Santa Cruz, mom and pop vibes with charity mixed in- the prices are worth it. We stand and support pet emporium!I hope they consider doing more events like they used too like the costume contests or educational field trips for schools.

Bonnie Schier

2023-05

Nice to be able to trade at a hometown pet store that is genuine about helping me to meet my pet's needs and wants. Twice I have asked that they order a particular brand AND flavor "just for me" and both times the cat or dog food I needed was brought in. Very nice and helpful staff. They even have a groomer on site with several years of experience. I go to Pet Emporium before I go to any other pet store in town!

Jessica Laces

2022-05

Their animals always look so happy and healthy! It is pricey, but I love supporting this place because they take such good care of their critters. Their mealworms are HUGE! They close down sales for a tank when a fish dies or if there is a problem and all the tanks are on separate systems to prevent spread of disease or issues. The woman who works in the fish area seems very knowledgeable. They require employees to wear masks too which is awesome! If you notice an employee without a mask and tell the manager - they handle it.

Elaina Sillano

2023-05

I love this little mom and pop pet store. Everyone is very personable and willing to go the extra mile to help. Love all the animals. Especially the albino turtle or tortoise? and the skink. Totally rad. Love it.

Bella !

2023-05

The lady with long black hair with piercings is so rude. I asked her simple questions about the reptiles and she acted as if i was such a burden… so snarky with attitude. Later i came to give over some baby snails mine had and she was such a c*nt about it!!! I understand customer service isn't fun i used to work retail lol, but every time i’ve ever talked to her she is so mean. GET A GRIP its your job. At least pretend you care like the rest of us. Everybody else in the establishment is so sweet tho.

Asta Baker

2023-05

Employees are very helpful. First plant I bought everything was fine, my comet goldfish (5 years old) was great with it. A month or so later I went back in and got a tiny pleco and a second plant. 2 weeks later, the pleco has just died and the goldfish is very sick with shredded fins and a bad case of ich. My bad for overstocking a 10 gallon I guess. If the goldfish dies I'm bleaching the tank. Not sure what after.

Michael Knighton

2024-03

Like the staff and great pet selection and service

michael peno

2021-05

Great service today from Ashley. I have an established 70 gallon tank with a small amount of fish 10 or so. I haven't added any fish for over ten years. Nice to have a helpful kind person to assist in purchasing a few fish and the knowledge to aid in introducing them into my tank. Thanks Ashley. You made me smile and made my day.Michael

victoria Walker

2022-05

I started going here last year when I set up an aquarium. The advice I’ve gotten from the employees here about fish has been very helpful and valuable because fish keeping is a lot more of a hands on hobby than most people think. 😅😂 The place can be a little dusty at times and you may see a dead fish here and there, but it’s a pet store so I don’t expect much different. My only complaint, and this is more of a personal problem than anything, is that it’s pretty cramped and I get a little claustrophobic especially in the fish area.

Shannon Stone

2022-05

If I could give 0 stars I would. This was my 3rd and last time returning to this store. No one greets you when walking in, and they have the most unprofessional employee working in the fish area(which is all I go in for) she dosnt even acknowledge customers or ask if they need help. When I finally asked her to get me one of the catfish out of the tank she literally acted annoyed like I was bothering her. She didn't say ANYTHING. get people with atleast decent customer service skills working in your shop! Until then I won't be returning

Nick sundeen12345 S

2022-05

Decent place to get reptiles and animals along with supplies. I had current problems with my tortoise they gave me but it has been resolved, I have been refunded and I really do think they are a good pet store. And undergoing this experience, I advise all of you to talk with the owner or employees first if you have a problem. They will make sure you’re satisfied and they handle things relatively professional.

jon bennett

2023-05

Extremely limited selection over-priced, and rude employees that are not helpful in the least bit. Only reason I went here is because of traffic and did not feel like driving to pet pals or petsmart. What a joke..please don't waste your time and money like I did.

Lisa G

2020-05

Nice little pet store. Although I wouldn’t call it a one-stop-shop they have a quite good selection for fish, birds and reptiles. Not sure how good the supply is for cats and dogs.They’re knowledgeable and on several occasions I’ve seen them take out animals and give instructions on care.The location is a tad dodgy, and the store looks tired. But there’s typically good parking.

Nick Schermann

2024-04

Great have many unique and unusual pets

Cassie Prater

2022-05

This place and it’s employees obviously love animals. Seen rats they have had for ever and just take care of. Watched employees pull out these old guys to love on while I was shopping. Shows a lot about the character of the man that owns the place and the people he hires. Glad to shop here. Like giving business to a store so devoted to to it’s animals

Marcel Thanasack

2021-05

Excellent pet shop, decent size and wide range of products and pets. Fish selection is brilliant

Lisa

2022-05

*Update a year later: feedback is taken seriously apparently, because the improvements have been made for all the animals here! Very happy to see.Nice employees, but overstocked on fish, rats, and birds. I came for aquatic plants and left very sad. Hate seeing animals in such poor care, the local petsmart looks to be more humane.