Family Pet

Family Pet, located at 1401 Greenbrier Pkwy in Chesapeake, Virginia, falls under the "Pet Store Near Me" category, indicating it serves the local community with pet-related goods and the sale of animals. Based on recent customer reviews, experiences at Family Pet appear to be sharply divided, with one account highlighting exceptional customer service and a positive outcome, while another details serious concerns regarding animal welfare and staff conduct.

One customer shared a heartwarming experience of visiting Family Pet with the intention of simply looking at dogs but ended up adopting a Corgi puppy. This positive review commends a staff member named Asia, who reportedly listed the available dogs over the phone and then stayed past closing time to facilitate the adoption. The customer expressed immense gratitude for Asia's kindness and dedication, stating that she prioritized the puppy finding a home. The adopted puppy, named Rosie, was reported to be in perfect health after a vet visit the following day, and the customer attributed this positive outcome entirely to Asia's exceptional service.

In stark contrast, another reviewer recounted a deeply negative experience at Family Pet. This customer arrived at 10:00 AM, the stated opening time, but had to wait until "slightly after 10:30" for the store to open. This delay itself indicates a lack of punctuality and potential inconvenience for waiting customers.

The negative experience escalated when the customer inquired about petting a ferret. They were allegedly told that they could only do so if they were "100% going to buy it," a policy the reviewer found unreasonable as it prevented them from assessing the animal's personality and forming a bond before committing to a purchase. This policy raises concerns about the store's approach to facilitating responsible pet ownership, as interaction is often crucial in deciding if a particular animal is a good fit for a potential owner.

Further, the reviewer expressed concern for the welfare of the ferrets, describing them as "depressed" but also "so excited to see us," which the reviewer interpreted as a sign that they "hardly ever get handled." This lack of interaction could negatively impact the animals' socialization and overall well-being. The alleged policy of not allowing petting unless a purchase is guaranteed would exacerbate this issue.

The situation worsened when the reviewer brought to the attention of a female employee that the ferrets had "no food and no water." The employee reportedly claimed to have fed them that morning. However, the reviewer pointed out the immediate need for water, stating that animals can dehydrate more quickly than they starve. The employee's response was described as having "a lot of attitude" before she "said fine" and agreed to provide water. Disturbingly, the reviewer also claimed that the employee stated she "could not handle the animals" and then "literally threw them." Such handling, if accurate, raises serious concerns about the treatment of the animals in the store's care.

The reviewer also noted that "the birds also no water," further highlighting a potential pattern of neglect regarding the basic needs of the animals. The fact that the store opened 35 minutes late and allegedly had animals without water raises significant questions about the store's operational procedures and commitment to animal welfare.

Despite the reviewer's explicit interest in ferrets, the employee reportedly kept saying "there were no puppies," even though the reviewer stated they did not care about puppies. This suggests a lack of attentiveness to the customer's specific inquiries and needs.

The reviewer concluded by labeling their experience as the "worst pet store experience in my life" and expressed deep concern for the animals who they felt were "not being taken care of." This strong condemnation paints a troubling picture of the store's environment and animal husbandry practices.

Given these drastically different accounts, it is difficult to form a definitive picture of the environment at Family Pet. One review suggests a caring and accommodating atmosphere, particularly in the context of puppy adoptions, while the other describes a potentially neglectful environment with stressed animals and unprofessional staff behavior.

Similarly, the services offered are not clearly defined. The positive review highlights assistance with dog adoption, including staying late to finalize the process. The negative review focuses on the store's policies regarding interaction with animals before purchase and raises concerns about basic animal care, rather than mentioning services like grooming or veterinary care.

Features of Family Pet that can be gleaned from these reviews include the availability of puppies (specifically a Corgi), ferrets, and birds for sale. A staff member named Asia is noted for exceptional customer service in one instance. However, another staff member is portrayed as unhelpful, exhibiting negative attitude, and potentially mishandling animals. The store's policy regarding handling animals before purchase, as described in the negative review, is a notable and potentially off-putting feature for some customers.

Promotional information is absent from both reviews. There is no mention of discounts, loyalty programs, or special offers. Individuals interested in any potential promotions at Family Pet would need to contact the store directly at (757) 420-3800 or +1 757-420-3800.

In conclusion, Family Pet in Chesapeake, VA, is a local pet store where customer experiences appear to vary significantly. One customer reported exceptional service and a positive puppy adoption, while another detailed serious concerns about animal welfare, staff attitude, and restrictive policies regarding interaction with animals before purchase. Potential customers should consider these contrasting accounts when deciding whether to visit Family Pet. Those particularly interested in small animals like ferrets and birds may want to exercise caution and potentially assess the store's environment and animal care practices firsthand before making any decisions.