Whole Pets Market — Local services in Bayonne

One of the most rude encounters with older worker. As we were making our way to the back of the store we stopped by a stand that displayed supplements and vitamins for dogs. We have a 14yr senior yorkie at home who’s having a hard time with allergies at night and quite frankly has always struggled with allergies (licking paws, pacing, scratching). We’ve tried a series of tests at the vet throughout the years, numerous changes in diet, dog food brands and hygiene routines with the advice from our vet throughout the last 14 years. (Just wanted to give context regarding our dog at home). We’ve tried almost all angles possible and process of elimination. Upon stopping by the vitamin/ supplement stand we remembered we were recently recommend by our vet calming supplements to help her sleep with more comfort so we started to take a look into the options they had on the shelf . We already knew what we were looking for , however it was our first time seeing supplements in store as opposed to online so we were curious and reading the back of the bottles. This is when things turn left and become uncomfortable for us . We were approached by an older woman with curly hair who initially stated “what’s the question ?” Assuming we needed help, we then advised we were simply looking for calming supplements for our senior dog however we kindly don’t need any assistance. She then began to question what the exact issue was and what food our dog was on, which at this point we were already uncomfortable and didn’t want to get into detail because again we knew what we were looking for. We took a deep breath, hesitated and advised we were giving our dog table food. We knew the stigma was coming, especially that the associate was on the older side. I understand they are there to help and answer questions, however there’s a boundary you shouldn’t question with pet owners. Without knowing the details and the extensive list of proteins, organic meat, bone broth and vitamins they consist of my dogs daily meals and diet. The associates demeanor became even more condescending and flat out rude. At this point you can tell she’s judging us just off the fact we advised we give our dog house food. You can tell by her facial expressions and tone, we are adults and my partner and I wasn’t born yesterday. She then, without being asked again, advised “supplements won’t bandaid the issue”. At this point I was over the belittling and disrespect. My partner and I left the store with the store instantly, crazy how a 2 min interaction with the wrong person can change a whole first impression. I went back in moments later , in a calm tone expressed my frustration and wanted to reassure her the store missed out on a sale because of her attitude and the way she treats customers. She then became dismissive, I get it. Arrogant people don’t want to hear about how arrogant they are, they want to judge others for being arrogant. I just don’t understand, if you have customers in the store with the intentions of spending money because that’s the only reason why they’re in your store , why make them feel stupid? You think anyone will be willing to spend a dollar there?

The gag is, our whole intention of visiting this store was to look into and purchase a dry senior dog food for our dog. She has been getting into our kittens food recently and we wanted to add a dry substance into her diet to distract her during dinner. The dog food is located in the back of store, we stopped in the middle where the vitamins were. We didn’t even make it that far before changing our minds. We were willing to dish out on the calming supplements and dog food even considering it was a locally owned business so things were a little on the pricey side, however we saved ourselves the money and invested our time with this review instead. It seems like others below within the last year have experienced rude customer service from the older lady who works here. Maybe she should work somewhere behind a desk at a zoo since she knows so much about animals but doesn’t have any customer...

I went into this store because I believe in using local stores- I have 2 dogs, it was Mojos 12th birthday. I went right to the dog birthday treats, at which time a very nervous young girl said to move away because the manager would get mad if my dogs were near the birds….. the birds were on a contraption with wheels within inches of the dog birthday treats- she was very nervous telling us that- so we moved on. Immediately I noticed an older haggard looking woman with blonde curly hair and a scowl on her face run over to the birds- they were fine, my dogs didn’t care. Walking down an aisle, we noticed bunnies at my knee height- my dogs noticed them too- they just stared and watched as one bunny kicked out some cedar- the gnarly woman came over and scolded us and told us to keep away from the animals. Really, there are animals at every foot of the aisle- that seems quite impossible. I asked her if she ever smiles, she said she can’t because my dogs were near the bunnies. I told her we would leave and she said “ there’s the door” and continued to be nasty as we left the store with the register about 4 deep. This store is so overpriced ( medium sized toys $26) but I prefer to shop local and was willing to pay- never again. That “ woman” is one of the nasties people I’ve ever met and surly not good for business. The other people seemed quite nice but afraid of her- she is a horror and not welcoming at all. Pet people are generally good natured and nice- she does not belong!!! I will never return to that store as long as she is employed...

I’ve been a regular customer at Whole Pet in Bayonne for years — picking up dog food, and even using their shampoo services for my elderly dog a few times. I’ve supported this business and never had a major issue… until now.

This time, I came in with my son because we were looking to get him a pet. We were interested in a guinea pig and simply wanted to hold it to see if it would be a good fit for our family. I’ve had guinea pigs growing up — I know how to handle them safely and gently.

The woman working there was incredibly short with us and flat-out said no. Her reason? That guinea pigs are “too skittish” and she didn’t want us to buy it, take it home, and then bring it back if it didn’t work out. That’s absolutely absurd. Who expects a family to purchase an animal without even holding it first?

She seemed like we were inconveniencing her by even being there. We asked if there was anything else we could see — she said “no.” That was it.

I walked out stunned. After years of spending money here, I will never give them my business again. The lack of customer service, basic courtesy, and compassion for matching pets with the right homes is appalling. If this is how they treat long-time customers, I can’t imagine how they treat the animals...