Claremont Pet & Aquarium Center — Local services in Claremont

Please read my edited response for the review. I’ll reiterate, that right from the start, your employee (she had purple, dyed hair) is not telling you the truth. See below, and read the edited reply to the owner:

Edit::

First and foremost, I asked for permission. I did not, “Just reach in with my hands,” unannounced in of my own free will concerning the conure enclosure. I asked, “Would it be okay if I tried—”. I do not know what you watched on your feed, but it simply did not take place. If your employee (purple dyed hair) told you, “I just reached in with my hands first without asking,” then it is a blatant lie.

Your employee said, “That’s the only bird (conure) that will probably let you handle it.” Her choice of words strongly implied that the other birds were unfriendly, which is not true of the Senegal. She did not explicitly state, “Do not touch any other birds,” despite your sign.

Your employee needs to improve her communication skills. As someone on the autism spectrum, I require specific, direct instructions to understand what is permitted. She did not provide that clarity. Her comment about the conure being the only bird likely to allow handling suggested to me that I might try interacting with another hookbill, with the caveat, “Don’t be disappointed if you get the same results.” This misunderstanding arose solely from her failure to communicate effectively. A simple statement such as, “I’m sorry, but only employees can handle any of the birds unless someone is very interested in adopting one,” would have sufficed when I inquired about handling a conure. Her inability to communicate is not my responsibility—it's your employee’s oversight and a failure to train your staff to engage with customers in a friendly and informative manner.

Furthermore, she did not explicitly instruct me with the words, “Do not touch any other birds,” despite your signage. If she claims she did, then I regret to say she is being disingenuous to protect herself, which is common behavior to avoid accountability. I have visited your establishment multiple times, and in the past, your employees had no issues with me handling your birds, regardless of what the signs stated. This inconsistency has led to my misunderstanding of your current policy. Your employee should have approached the situation in a much more welcoming and helpful manner. She didn’t even bother to greet me when I arrived with my advocate, instead acting as if she detested her job and did not want to be there.

About the sanitation station and the sink:

I asked if there was anywhere I could sterilize my hands because birds are highly likely to carry salmonella. Your employee said you did not have anywhere for me to sterilize my hands, not even a mention of rubbing alcohol you pump from a dispenser, which is mind-boggling especially since you own a pet store. I'm sorry my wanting to prevent the risk of procuring the possibility of salmonella was such a problem and put you out so much that you dared to mention it.

Your business and in the manner which you manage it and your...

I brought my 2 yorkies girl and boy for a bath, hair cut, and nail trim. I was very specific on what i wanted for both of my dogs, the girl was suppose to have a little cut off on the top as well as facial hair. She told me 2hrs it would take to complete. She calls me 1hr after rushing me to come pick them up as i live 20mins away. As i was 2mins away she calls me again rushing me stating she was getting ready to close. She never mentioned this upon arrival when dropping them off for services. As i arrived to pick my puppies up i was horrified of what she had done to my girl yorkie. She cut ALL of her hair off on the top to where i wasn't even able to put it in a mini bun or put her bows. She basically had a fade and looked like her brother. I was sooo furious and mad because this was not what i wanted or asked for, if i wanted 2 boys i would have gotten 2 boys not a boy and a girl. Then as i paying for services with the cashier i told her i shouldn't have to pay for services for this mess but i did so anyway. So she walks up and intervenes as if shes a big bad wolf and dislikes what i had to say about how i felt about the services provided. As i was referred to the supervisor on duty, Heather the horrible groomer begins to argue with me about what i said. She is rude and she shouldn't work with the public or service any animals. She needs a new position because obviously grooming isnt for her. If i could give negative stars i would. I don't recommend their grooming services because Heather the groomer is horrible and so is her customer service skills and attitude. I spoke with the managers and instead of them offering to refund me they stated that they would give me half of on the next service. LMAO, do you think im going to bring my pets there and shes the ONLY groomer there with her nasty attitude and poor grooming skills, she might harm my poor dogs......

I drove all the way from Vermont to pick up a cockatiel bird. The one I chose seemed to be in good health, and I requested its wings to be trimmed. They took the bird to a room in the back where I couldn't see what they were doing. They handed it to me in a closed cardboard box, and I didn't check it until I got into my car because the bird was hitting itself. Upon opening the box, I noticed blood in its mouth, assuming it injured itself while inside.

After 5 days, the bird wasn't eating, so I had to force-feed it while realizing it had a broken lower beak. I contacted the store to share the story, but they hung up on me. After many calls, I spoke with Jen, the manager, and sent her photos and videos showing the bird bleeding just 10 minutes after leaving the store. Her response blamed me for putting the bird with my other bird. Two days after the purchase, I introduced the new bird to the other to ease potential homesickness and stress, I monitored them all night they were fine together.

The store didn't offer help, suggestions, or solutions for the injured bird, revealing a lack of responsibility and a focus on making money over care. It's not a trustworthy place, If you're considering buying a pet from them; be careful about letting them take your pet to the back room.

Note: The photo I attached it was taken 10 minutes after...