The Pet Works

For pet enthusiasts in Olympia, Washington, and the surrounding areas, The Pet Works, situated at 407 4th Ave E #201, stands out as a local pet store catering to a wide range of animal companions. Operating under the platform category "Pet Store Near Me," The Pet Works aims to provide not only essential pet supplies but also a variety of live animals and specialized items. Based on recent customer reviews, this store has garnered attention for its positive changes in bird care, its selection of feeder insects, and the helpfulness of its staff.

One significant development highlighted in a recent edit (January 30, 2025) is the positive change in the care of their birds. A returning customer expressed their happiness in observing that all the birds in the store now have their flight wings. This indicates a commendable commitment to the well-being of the birds, aligning with more ethical standards of animal care. For bird lovers in Olympia searching for a "Pet Store Near Me," this update suggests that The Pet Works is now prioritizing the natural behaviors and health of their avian residents. This positive shift addresses a previous concern raised by the same customer, indicating a responsiveness to feedback and a willingness to improve their practices.

However, a previous experience shared by the same customer (from May 2023) recounts a less positive incident involving an inexperienced employee handling a parakeet, which resulted in the bird escaping its cage and flying around the store. While the parakeet was eventually safely recovered, this event understandably caused panic and upset. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper training and experience when handling live animals in a retail environment. Despite this past issue, the customer also praised the store's "bird person" as "really amazing and friendly," who assisted in the purchase of a cockatiel and another parakeet. This suggests that while there might have been isolated incidents, there are also knowledgeable and dedicated staff members specializing in specific animal groups, particularly birds, who provide excellent customer service and care for the animals.

The same reviewer also raised a concern about The Pet Works' practice of purchasing cockatiels with clipped wings, describing it as "abuse." They shared their experience with a cockatiel that couldn't fly for a long time and sustained injuries as a result. This highlights a potential area for improvement in the store's sourcing practices, reflecting a growing awareness among pet owners about the ethical implications of wing clipping. While acknowledging the positive aspects of the store, this feedback provides valuable insight for potential customers who prioritize ethical treatment of animals and may inquire about the store's current policies on this matter. The recent update regarding flighted birds suggests a potential shift in their approach to avian care, which could extend to their sourcing practices as well.

Another positive update from January 2025 mentions the acquisition of a "most lovely flightless fruit fly culture," which was considered high quality and beneficial for feeding jumping spiders and tarantula slings. Priced at approximately $16 after tax, this availability indicates that The Pet Works caters to owners of less conventional pets, offering specialized feeder insects that might not be readily available at larger, more general pet stores. For enthusiasts of arachnids in Olympia looking for a "Pet Store Near Me" that stocks specific dietary needs for their pets, this positive feedback is encouraging and suggests a niche that The Pet Works effectively fills within the local pet community.

Further reinforcing this point, another customer expressed their satisfaction with obtaining feeder insects like dubia roaches and crickets for their spiders from The Pet Works. This confirms that the store is a reliable source for these types of live food, which are essential for many reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. However, this reviewer also noted a desire for the store to carry fly spikes or larvae, which would be beneficial for feeding their jumping spiders and potentially other reptile and amphibian owners. This constructive feedback suggests an opportunity for The Pet Works to further expand its offerings to better serve the local community of exotic pet keepers and become an even more comprehensive "Pet Store Near Me" for this demographic.

Overall, the customer reviews indicate that The Pet Works in Olympia has a friendly and helpful staff, who are generally perceived as caring towards the animals in the store. The recent positive change regarding the wing status of their birds is a significant step forward, addressing past concerns and demonstrating a commitment to improved animal welfare. The store also appears to be a valuable resource for owners of spiders and potentially other exotic pets, providing access to feeder insects like dubia roaches and crickets, and even specialized items like flightless fruit fly cultures. The feedback regarding the desired availability of fly spikes or larvae presents an opportunity for the store to further enhance its offerings for reptile and amphibian owners.

While the provided information does not contain any specific details about the store's environment beyond it being a physical location where these interactions and observations took place, the focus of the reviews is primarily on animal welfare, staff interactions, and the availability of specific products. Similarly, there is no promotional information included in the given text. Local customers are encouraged to contact The Pet Works directly at (360) 489-0134 or +1 360-489-0134 to inquire about their current offerings, any loyalty programs, or ongoing promotions. Visiting their store at 407 4th Ave E #201, Olympia, WA 98501, USA, would also provide an opportunity to assess the environment firsthand and speak with their staff about specific pet needs and the range of animals and supplies they offer.

In conclusion, for residents of Olympia seeking a "Pet Store Near Me" that offers a diverse range of animals and supplies, including specialized items for exotic pets and a seemingly improving approach to the care of their birds, The Pet Works presents itself as a noteworthy option. The friendly and helpful staff, along with the availability of specific feeder insects and the recent positive change regarding flighted birds, are definite advantages. Potential customers who prioritize ethical treatment of animals may want to inquire about the store's current sourcing policies, particularly regarding wing clipping. The store's responsiveness to customer feedback, as evidenced by the change in bird care, suggests a positive trajectory for The Pet Works in serving the local pet community.