Petco — Local services in New York

Henry, my two-and-a-half-year-old Field English Cocker Spaniel, required extensive grooming due to severe matting resulting from our outdoor activities. Given his thick, curly, and matted coat, his grooming was significantly overdue and necessitated the expertise of a skilled professional.

Upon scheduling the appointment, I was uncertain about the groomer who would attend to Henry. Although I had encountered some of the most unfavorable reviews for other establishments, Petco in Riverdale received comparatively more positive feedback. As Henry's grooming was urgent, I reserved the earliest available slot.

Our groomer was Simon, who exemplified professionalism!

Simon demonstrated politeness, confidence, and professionalism right from the start. He quickly reassured me of his abilities and eased any worries about entrusting Henry to what was in store for him- an overdue grooming session. Simon created a warm and safe atmosphere, mindful of Henry’s tendency toward anxiety in unfamiliar settings.

Simon demonstrated exceptional attentiveness by reviewing Henry's specific requirements in advance and ensuring VIP care.

Furthermore, Simon proactively contacted me prior to Henry's appointment to inquire if an earlier time could be arranged, and he explicitly conveyed that no dog should be hurried—an aspect I greatly appreciated. When I arrived, Simon checked us in and reviewed Henry’s vaccination records to ensure everything was up to date. I appreciated his dedication to safety, as such carefulness regarding the safety and health of pets and staff is uncommon today. I really valued Simon's thoroughness!

Simon dedicated his efforts to grooming Henry from 1 PM to 4:45 PM, carefully attending to all necessary grooming tasks for Henry, i.e., bathing, de-matting, shaving, teeth cleaning, and nail clipping. The list goes on, as Henry required the full range of grooming services!

Despite Henry's challenging coat, Simon was transparent about the grooming process, kept me informed, and requested additional time to ensure a superior result. He handled Henry's anxiety with great care and showed a deep understanding of how to work with this breed’s natural tendencies toward nervousness and needing reassurance.

Simon empathized with Henry's emotional needs and endeavored to soothe him during grooming. He often updated me via text message—an available communication feature at Petco—and was receptive to my suggestions for handling Henry’s sensitivity. These updates from Simon were invaluable and reassured me that my dog was in good hands.

When I arrived early for Henry's pick-up, Simon graciously informed me that Henry needed additional grooming and invited me to watch, which I found especially thoughtful.

Subsequently, he provided a comprehensive care plan tailored to Henry's specific breed and coat. Simon's extensive knowledge, kindness, and sincere concern exemplify his professionalism as a groomer, especially suitable for dogs with nervous or high-maintenance dispositions. I wholeheartedly recommend Simon to anyone seeking a compassionate and professional grooming experience at the Riverdale Petco location.

I, of course, have scheduled a follow-up appointment for Henry with Simon.

I am exceedingly pleased that Henry and I were fortunate to be placed under Simon's care—an instance of fortuitous discovery! I no longer need to continue searching, as I have found Henry's preferred, top-tier groomer.

I highly encourage Riverdale/Bronx area residents to entrust their pets to Simon for grooming services. Both you and your pet will undoubtedly appreciate Simon's outstanding work.

Thank you once...

On Saturday, March 22nd @11:00am I had taken my dog for a grooming appointment expecting for him to be taken care of. Honcho is one of the SWEETEST most GENTLE & COOPERATIVE dogs you’ll ever meet. Since he was a baby I’ve been showing him the utmost love & affection & he’s never had an issue with ANY groomer in his entire 4 years of living.

I was told he would take about 4 hours but he’s never taken that long. I waited outside til about 3.5 hrs & I went in looking for him to see if I could at least see him through the glass. I didn’t see him so that’s how I knew he was brought to the back & was done. After 15 minutes waiting patiently, I went in the little office & asked ANABELL why no one had called me? Not even 15-20 minutes before finishing so that I can at least start making my way there (basic procedure). Not one call or text received. But Anabell said “oh they just finished” I replied how? I’ve been here for a while already watching. He was already in the back when I got here.

I was told to pay before seeing Honcho. Another red flag. I paid anyway, upon paying I then went to get my Yorkie.

That’s when I seen the slit. He was cut deeply on his left arm. So deep that there was powder to stop the bleeding. Honcho was NOT nor has he ever been matted so not even this was an excuse.

I told a gentleman who was working there in the office while dropping him off that he was cut there before so bad while they were clipping his nails so to please be gentle as he’s already traumatized. So when I seen the slit THATS the excuse they used “he thought they were cutting his nails so he pulled his arm back and he got cut” that’s false. An owner knows their dog & Honcho has had numerous grooming appointments & even some I did myself & he has never reacted that way nor have I ever cut him and I’m not even a groomer.

The best part is that the one who told me “they just finished” was the one who groomed Honcho... it was her. Why didn’t she just explain to me herself what she had done? Instead of acting like it was someone else who did it? Instead she has someone else tell me that lie.

This is the 2nd incident I’ve had here at this petco. DO NOT leave your precious animals with them unattended.

ATTACHED ARE PHOTOS OF HONCHO BEFORE HIS GROOMING...

I’m absolutely mortified with this store/company. Selling SICK animals. I used to come into this store all the time, never will I shop at a Petco again. We “adopted” a hamster last week, mind you probably younger than it should have been to take home. We figured let’s give him a good home, knowing that most people treat hamsters like a toy. We were so happy to have another addition to our family. Little did we know that the week before that the other hamsters were horribly sick with WET TAIL. Their eyes were stuck shut, their behinds were all wet. Poor babies. And on top of that, I told the guy they were sick, he took them in the back and HOPEFULLY the “vet” actually tried to help them. The tank that these babies were in after we had told a worker please help them, WAS NOT cleaned when they put new hamsters in, immediately just REPLACING THEM hours later. We did not know that. Not realizing the hamster we chose a week later was sick with the same exact thing because the tanks were not disinfected. Only to die a week after we brought him home even after doing ALL we could for him with specific antibiotics, helping him eat/drink with a syringe and giving him vitamins. How many people would go out of their way to actually CARE for these animals? Well, if you wouldn’t do so, you should NOT own an animal. Especially from this store. Even the fish are always sick. It’s all about money. Not the welfare of the animal. To TOP IT ALL OFF: went back there to tell them, FYI you need to bring your dead animal back to THEM to let them KEEP it if you want a refund. We don’t even care about a refund! We want our hamster back, not 30$. You can keep the money. I’m sick to my stomach. The company should be absolutely ashamed for the way they...