PetSmart

Just like Andrea, I like to support smaller businesses. However, there are times when the independent stores don’t have the things you need, especially if you own a smaller dog. There have been a few times when I have tried to buy items for my small dog in the independent stores and have not been able to find anything appropriate. Luckily, PetSmart, being a large chain store, has a good selection of items for small dogs. There are also plenty of choices for grooming, training, toys, food, and other pet related supplies. The other great thing is that you can also try some things out. For example, because our dog is so small, we were able to try on some times to make sure that they fit properly.
It is clear that the people who work at PetSmart care about animals. The ones I spoke with at this location are very willing to help and knowledgeable. The folks who do the grooming appear to be great with animals. The animals appear to be calm and well treated. Oh and you definitely can bring your dog into the store. There are stations located around the store in case of «accidents».
If you join the PetSmart PetPerks program (free), you can get discounts on items. Plus we were told that being part of the Perks program, they will notify you if there is a recall on an item you purchased. Love that. It’s nice to know that I don’t have to worry too much about supplies being harmful for my dog.
If you want to get your dog groomed/​nails trimmed, you need to bring in paperwork that shows your dog has up-​to-​date immunizations when you register for the first time. Obviously this makes sense and I’m happy that PetSmart does this.
This is the only PetSmart I’ve been to, and what I’m reading from other posters is that this location is on the smaller end. This store is pretty big so it’s going to be interesting when I check out a different location.

A very rude PetSmart salon manager at this store at Emerald Plaza in Ottawa reduced my daughter to tears with his rude behaviour and unprofessional attitude when she went to pick up our dog.
We have been taking our dog to PetSmart for 9 years. No more PetSmart for us.

Theres not many retail stores that allows pets/​animals indoors, so I love bringing my dog here to interact with other animals that are there with their owners shopping. I usually go there for grooming, which is fantastic at this location (only one mix up previously but it was solved), which keeps me coming back to Petsmart.
This is one of the smaller stores, so it can be hard to maneauver around the store when it is busy, or if someone is getting their dog trained. (There was a couple who was training two dogs on my last visit down the aisles of the store, so I was trying to shop around them and not get in their way).
The selection for dogs/​puppies is smaller, especially when you compare this store to the other Petsmart down the road next to Costco, but I always leave with a new toy/​treat regardless.

Being a puppy mother, I’ve visited most of the pet stores in Ottawa, and though supporting smaller businesses is always my first choice, sometimes I can’t avoid th allure of a good Petsmart. This was the first place we stopped when getting ready to bring home our little bundle of fur, so I guess ti has a special spot in our hearts. It’s not as big as the massive Petsmart down Merivale closer to Hunt Club, but this one has everything you could need, including a groomer, pet training and the usually toys and food selection.
I always have an excellent experience when I come here. I appreciate being able to bring Finn in with me, and he loves meeting new friends. The staff are incredibly helpful, always helping me find whatever I’m looking for super-​quick, whether it’s a new brand of food, or cleaner. The groomers are fantastic. Finn has issues getting his nails clipped (super corgi diva), and looses his mind whenever someone makes a move for his paws. Somehow, these ladies always keep him calm and make it a little less painful of an experience to watch. They’re very quick and super affectionate.
The only reason I hesitate to give this location five stars is that I wasn’t especially happy with their training courses. We only lasted a few sessions because we felt like products were constantly being pushed on us, and that it was more about selling us products than training out dogs. Our trainer was friendly and sweet, but I’d rather take Finn somewhere with less sales pressure.
Bonus? Any cats or kittens here are from the SPCA or Humane Society. If you’re ever considering buying a pet from a store, make sure you check where they’re coming from!