Animates

Titus is on a ½ raw, ½ dry food diet. Knowing that the food I usually purchase is made in San Francisco, I figured it would be a task to find similar raw dog food in Auckland. Initially I called Pet Stop, unfortunately they did not have raw pet food, only the freeze dried treats. The sales clerk did suggest I call Amimates, as they are a larger shop and would have more variety.
Once I called I spoke with a young man who was very friendly, knowledgeable about their products and patient with my questions. He provided a few options of raw food and dry food then gave me the store hours. Seeing as I had just picked up my dog from quarantine, I needed to get food for him.
This shop is the equivalent to a smaller version of Petco in the States. It has all the major food brands (of New Zealand), along with flea treatments, toys, beds and other pet essentials. The staff is very friendly and helpful and of course they loved Titus.
Although I prefer smaller Mom & Pop shops, this one will do for now.

Cats and dogs are actually quiet high maintenance, especially in their elder years. When they’re young they need the occasional vaccination and thats about it. But my now aging cat and dog are both on carefully tailored diets which supplement all kinds of things that they apparently need. Animates was recommended by my vet as the place to buy the properly supplemented dog and cat biscuits so that they can enjoy their last few years. If only I had enough money to spend on my own groceries as I do to spend on my decrepit pets — they are living in that dangerous grey area between not young enough to live without special care and not old enough to put to sleep.

This is the pet store I come to the most because it is the biggest one closest to my home and therefore will because of buying power be cheaper. It is most of the time anyway. Animals need things, I have a dog and he needs many things, pee pads, eye wash, anti dandruff shampoo, toys, treats and so on and this all adds up. Great thing is Animates have a club you can join so when you get to 300 points you get a $ 10 voucher. This is quite good because it doesn’t take as long as you think. There are in store specials, buy 2 get 1 free sort of thing and other discounts and offers that you would not get from a smaller pet store.
This place is usually mega busy, especially on the weekends. Three cool things about this pet store, 1) you can take your pet inside on a lead so they can come shopping with you 2) they have a store cat that hangs out in the fish and aquarium section and 3) the staff give out treats to your dog. A great shopping experience for both animal and owner.