Charlys Pet World - Pet Store & Pet Grooming in Alhambra — Attraction in Alhambra

TLDR; The groomer manhandled my cat, whom I specifically described as spicy, never bitten me but has hissed. For another cat, the website prices are wrong ($65 advertised, $120 in reality, check my screenshot of the website), and they claimed they didn't have my number and couldn't call me when they were finished, even though I booked my appointment using a phone number. This is not a professional establishment, this place is like getting your cat groomed in the backyard of a neighbor who has owned a cat or two, and that's the extent of their experience.

I'm reviewing 3 trips altogether.

I brought my cat Tove in for a nail trim. I know that Tove is a little more aggressive since she's a rescued stray, and that's why I bring her in to a professional groomer. The groomer was a woman and I didn't catch her name, but this trip was great. Tove complained a little bit, but the groomer held and restrained Tove in a particular and safe way and the nail trim went very by very quickly and without incident

The second time I brought Tove in, we had the same groomer, and Tove was a little more aggressive. I expected the groomer to hold Tove in the same way, but for some reason, this same groomer was much more aggressive with Tove; it seemed like she was getting more aggressive as Tove was getting more aggressive. My mouth dropped open as I saw her pick Tove up and quickly flip her around to get at her back paws. I'm obviously not a professional, but why would you do that? I expressly stated that my cat is more aggressive, but they didn't attempt to use any of the present harnesses or equipment with Tove, she kept flipping Tove around as though she were the most docile cat in the world. At one point Tove got off the table and almost ran out the door to the grooming room, which was open for some reason. The groomer this time essentially performed the way I would perform as a non-professional.

Against my better judgment, I came a third time with Hildy, a very sweet and docile cat. You can touch Hildy's paws and her belly with no problems. We've passed Hildy around from friend to friend to hold, people Hildy's never met before, no problem. Keep this in mind. We brought Hildy in to get some de-matting done. For one thing, I booked an appointment ahead of time on their website, entering my name and phone number, and saw that the price for a full groom, for a cat 5-20 lbs, is $65, or $80 for a bath and brush. I've attached photos of these prices. When you arrive at Charly's, there is tape over all of the prices. At the end of the visit, I walked out paying $145 dollars. $120 for the full groom. I was confused and talked about the website price, and the cashier told me perhaps I was looking at the price for a large dog. Check my screenshot, my cat is clearly registered as a cat. I was charged an additional $25 dollars because Hildy was being aggressive apparently.

I wasn't there during the groom, it's possible that she was being aggressive, but I found that very surprising given her temperament.

Also, I was told to come back in 90-120 minutes, and I'd get a call when her grooming was done. Before I left, I actually popped my head into the grooming room and asked if they had my number, just to make sure. I waited 2.5 hours before calling to see what was going on. The cashier told me she made a mistake and thought my partner was signing the paperwork for the grooming, but we didn't, we weren't given any paperwork, and consequently she said she didn't have my number to call.

But when you make an appointment, you give your name and phone number and details regarding your pet. When I signed the paperwork on pick-up, I saw that it's an agreement detailing the exact services to be rendered, along with contact information. I am so confused. How was I allowed to leave without signing this, and why is this paperwork necessary if I had booked the appointment through the website with all my information? How did they not have my number? Why are the prices all wrong?

I'm giving two stars because the first visit was perfectly...

When this location was McCormick's Pet Emporium, I would bring my cats here to get groomed. I didn't have any issues then, but I came today because I wanted my sweet boy to look good for some photos as this was the last time he was going to be groomed.

My cat had gone to the emergency room twice in the past week and a half, and we were told to prepare ourselves. So, I planned a photo shoot. I went in the morning and the clerk that helped me was so sweet (she is the only reason worth going).

I was very specific and we discussed a trim and keeping Henry's face the same. I mentioned he had been shaved a little on his side because of the ER, but I didn't want him shaved. The sweet clerk whose name I didn't catch told me when I picked up Henry that the groomer, Edgar, somehow mixed up the paperwork despite her going in four times to make sure he knew what I wanted. Her co-worker confirmed that she went in.

They were going to offer a discount for the "next time," but hearing that made me break down in tears because there wouldn't be a next time. She was so sweet to us and apologized profusely. I know it was not her fault and her kindness was so appreciated. She was so sweet to my Henry. I cried the entire time walking out, but I do want her to know that I appreciate her and I hope the owner knows that she deserves a raise, and better not dock her pay because of her kind heart.

Now, my baby is shaved and I will never get to see his beautiful stripes again. I am so heartbroken. I want to cry even now as I write this.

I found nicks on Henry (cuts), and he was traumatized from the experience.

I did see the owners response to someone else Who commented about the smell of urine. It does smell like urine, and ammonia. The place that I take my dogs to get groomed is also a pet store similar to this one and it does not smell like that. It's not about not wanting to be in a place that has animals or appreciating animals.

If the Groomer appreciated animals, he would have listened to what I wanted, been aware that my son was going through a traumatizing experience, is dying and made sure to keep him safe and comfortable. There wasn’t even any fur left for me to keep some. My sweet boy. I am devastated and...

Lisa reached out to me and asked if I was interested in stopping by for my cat, Mochi's grooming since I used to take my cat to McCormick's and now there's new ownership. I told her that I haven't been to McCormick's in ages because of how they conducted business. I mentioned that my cat may be aggressive and difficult but if they're willing I'd love to make an appointment.

Ended up making an appointment for Saturday and went in. Lisa was so welcoming and sweet. She and the groomer Marcos genuinely love animals. They said that my cat was so good, docile, and calm. I was in shock because those are not the words I'd describe my cat! I'm ecstatic that my cat allowed himself to be handled and groomed.

I'm a loyal client and will definitely be back when Mochi needs future grooming. Lisa also gave me some sample food to take home for my dog and cat which I was grateful for since my dog is such a picky eater and it's a great way for him to try out foods.

I highly recommend Charlys Pet World for your pets...