Dawson's General Store — Local services in Walthourville

I’ve been shopping at this store since moving to Georgia in 2018, and overall, I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve purchased bunnies, chickens, and regularly buy feed and supplies here. It’s a great store in many ways, and I appreciate the variety and convenience.

However, there are two areas that have become frustrating over time: customer service and the treatment of live animals.

Customer Service Concerns: On my last three visits, including today, I encountered younger female employees who were dismissive, unhelpful, and at times, rude. It felt as though my questions were an inconvenience, and the attitude from some staff members made the experience uncomfortable. I believe the store would benefit from hiring or training more mature, customer-focused staff who are willing to assist shoppers respectfully and knowledgeably.

Animal Welfare Concerns: I’m also concerned about how the store handles live animal sales, particularly ducks and rabbits. The requirement to buy multiple ducks, restrictions on sexing rabbits, and refusal to allow customers to check the animals themselves are frustrating. It feels irresponsible, especially considering the overpopulation of pets.

For instance, the Khaki Campbell ducks have been there for over a month in a crowded enclosure, and on several occasions, I noticed they had no fresh food or water. These animals deserve better care while waiting for adoption or sale.

This store has great potential, but some changes are needed—particularly in customer service standards and the ethical treatment and management of live animals. I hope these concerns are taken seriously to ensure the store maintains its good reputation.

Update to owner response: I clearly see why the employees are a problem now with this response here. It’s clear that this issues has not been addressed thus far by all the reviews on the employees lack of help and friendliness. Reviews. are put in place so customers can address issues they have had at a particular business etc. Not all customers feel the need to have uncomfortable interactions with employees they already do not feel comfortable around. As far as the ducks, yes you are correct it was not today. Today you had white Lion Heads rabbits there, where the ducks were. I was speaking about a previous visit when the ducks were there. I have also owned water fowl all my life. So I am speaking from a place of experience. I did state I shop here regularly and I enjoy the store and products offered but the situation with the employees should be addressed. It has been many times now I have dealt with rude ones that don’t look happy to be there. I understand the whole teenage thing but at the end of the day customers don’t want these types of interactions where they are spending...

I really like this store which is why its upsetting to leave 1 star review. A $25 FFL fee is criminal. Paying $25 for a $30 lower is insane. It's 2 and a half pages worth of work that takes 5 minutes for an experienced person and 15 minutes for an inexperienced person. $10 would make every gun owner in the area flock to your store. $15 is reasonable. $20 is an absolute ceiling and considered very high. AV Arms is $10. PFI Customs is $15. I started sending them there and picking them up on my way home from work. Dawsons has very inexperienced gun counter people with the exception of one tall buff guy which I had a great convo with one night. Dawsons highlights portions of the 4473 that they require you to fill out. One section is your social security number which the ATF/NICS does not require, but Dawsons does ( I have a CCL too). The other is phone number and email which is clearly labeled under the FFL portion and should only be filled out by the FFL. Im confident they can turn this around. These are minor issues. 1- If youre going to highlight the form, stop highlighting SSN. 2- Stop making customers fill out an FFL portion where email and phone is. 3- lower your transfer fee to fair market...

I purchased what I thought were two pullets 2 weeks ago. I told the lady at the register and the two young men who caught the chickens that I needed pullets and that I am not allowed to have any roosters since it was against city ordinances. I also stated that I would wanted a refund or an exchange if they gave me a rooster. At no given time did anyone tell me that they had a no exchange or money back policy. Today, I found out that one of the chickens they sold me is a rooster. So I called and told them that I would like to return the rooster that supposed to have been a pullet and either get my money back or get a pullet. I was told they can not tell them apart and the only thing they can do for me is that they allow me to surrender the rooster to them. Excuse me so you can resale him and get double paid. Why are you selling livestock if you can’t tell pullets from roosters. I understand that there are breeds that are straight runs but not lavender orphans. Never will I buy anything...