Russo's Pet Experience

All of you people who think that this is an upstanding business that sells "healthy animals" ought to think twice about your animal IQ. I include myself in your group. It had been 30 years since I had made any type of purchase, big or small at Russo's, and the last my family had made was a Lhasa Apso puppy back when the main store was on Bristol. Abby was a great dog; she lived to be 22 with no major health issues. When I went to purchase a puppy for myself, I went to a breeder who bred show dogs. I was disgusted by how they didn't "handle" their animals if the "handler" wasn't there, and how the dogs all lived in play-pens. 17 years later, I bought a puppy from Russo's partly because that's where we had bought our family pet, partly because I was heartbroken over the loss of my baby and I couldn't wait to go find the perfect dog at the perfect breeder...what I got was $2000 in vet bills that remain un-reimbursed, and more heartbreak. My puppy is most-likely dead, and in 13 days, I visited the vet or the 24 hour vet 5 times, because he refused to eat. I had to force feed hm every 2 hours. My vet bills out-priced what CA laws state I may be reimbursed, but what do you do at 2 AM? One Saturday morning, he went into a coma in his kennel. I wiped corn syrup all around the inside of his mouth and gums as instructed. He snapped out. That was the day I had to sign him over to Russo's vet: That was the day I actually had to argue with the manager of the store about how "they don't cover hypoglycemia" to get my money refunded. I urge you to read the CA Health and Safety Codes before signing all those papers they want you to sign at Russo's, because the law says they cover every item that they say they won't. I have since purchased another puppy from a wonderful little shop in orange which is owned and operated by a veterinary group and my puppy has allergies. They will cover all allergy related expenses until she either outgrows them, finds a treatment that cures, or for life. Now that is service! I will never buy as much as a can of dog food from Russo's ...it's a shame because the poor kids who work there really love animals.

Posted 09/06/09 | Report Abuse

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Many puppies come from Brule Creek Breeders who house hundreds of dogs in kennels in IA. At http://www.petshoppuppies.org/ you can have them check the animal for you if you get the info from one of the sales people. I just think it's very odd to have so many different breeds coming from the same breeders. I would rather rescue the parents from such commercial mill. The USDA needs to come up with a better way of checking these places out. Once every several years is not enough!

Posted 08/28/09 | Report Abuse

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I have taken home 2 dogs and 2 cats over the past 17 years from russo's. They have been wonderful pets and I would not hesitate to bring home another baby from Russo's when the time comes. All of my pets have been healthy and live(d) long lives.

Posted 08/06/09 | Report Abuse

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I bought my shitzu-pekignese mix from russo's. She's 4 now. Went and bought another puppy last year (same mix) from the same breeder because their temperment is so sweet. We have had no problems so far. I would buy more dogs from them in the future.

Posted 08/05/09 | Report Abuse

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It would be nice if people new what they are talking about, rather than spewing untruths and lies. No one likes puppy mills and to assume without fact makes an ass out of you and me. Yes, 90%+ stores buy there animals from puppy mills, because they use the two largest brokers in the country to buy there puppies from. These brokers sell 86,000, yes 86,000 puppies a year, so if the mega brokers don't buy from puppy mills they wouldn't have enough puppies. Russos buys from small brokers who inspect each and every breeder before buying from them. How do I know, I am one of those small brokers. But guess what before that I worked at Russos for 20 years. They DO NOT buy from the mega brokers. I inspect every kennel to ensure there are NO puppy mill puppies. Has anyone who is posting these negative reviews ever heard of the California pet protection act? It says that Russos would have to pay up to 1 1/2 times what a consumers pays for their animal toward vet bills if the animal comes down with a hereditary or congenital issue. I don't think Russos would have been in business for the last 40 YEARS if they were giving out more money than they were taking in. Not everyone who sells puppies is evil, some of us really do go the extra mile to ensure we are NOT supporting puppy mills. That also means they pay more for their puppies, good reputable breeders and brokers are not cheap. If you are thinking of buying a puppy we encourage you to email us and get the truth. ken.sullivan99@yahoo.com, if you give us your number we will call you.

Posted 05/30/09 | Report Abuse

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Got a mini pin in December, the dog actually has one of the best temperaments I've seen in a dog, calm and sweet.. how ever it was the first and probably the last time I will buy a pet from Russo's.. besides the kennel cough he had when we bought him (yes in the general population of puppies) they are dishonest .. they charge you for a chip that they say they put in all the dogs. while getting my dog fixed at my vets we had them check the chip they used different scanners from different brands and couldn't find one.

Posted 05/14/09 | Report Abuse

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Hes super friendly with people and dogs and have a very high enthusiasm for life. Hell need an active home that is willing to work with a young puppy. He will definitely need some training. We are currently working on potty training and crate training. He originally came from Russos pet store. The owner abandoned him after he came down with pneumonia. contact rescuer

Posted 04/20/09 | Report Abuse

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Russ's Pet's have been in business for many years. They have a vet who comes in and checks the puppies & kitten's every week. They receive all of their shots. Their puppies are puchased from reputable breeders that are checked out before they are used. If you don't like pet stores then don't go there but stop lying about Russo's Pets. The puppies in the window are in there for a short period of time to play and then they are returned to their cage where they always have water. Two active puppies running around in a small area would dump a water dish in less then a minute and then you'd have two wet puppies. GET A CLUE!!!!

Posted 01/10/09 | Report Abuse

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A few years ago, when I was new to the horror of puppy mills and breeders, I walked into this shop while visiting from Illinois. I had just adopted my new Maltese puppy and was missing him dearly so I thought I will visit the puppies in this shop. What I saw left me running from the store in tears and searching for a number for the nearest animal welfare department. I called the number to file a complaint and before I could even get out all the details, the officer said to me "let met guess, Russo's at Fashion Island?" I was mortified that this man knew of the atrocities going on there but had not done anything to stop it. He explained that they visit them quite often, looking for any "legal" reason to shut them down. He also made me aware that until the laws change to protect these poor animals, stores like Russo's will continue to operate. Its appalling but legal!! Something besides reviews on a website need to be done.

Posted 12/31/08 | Report Abuse

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I went into this store looking for a hamster for my daughter. What I saw was horrifying and haunts me to this day! I saw a too-full cage of baby rats. One was being attacked by the others who had chewed a hole in its side, and it was still alive! I could not find a single staff person who would respond. It was horrible!

Posted 11/19/08 | Report Abuse

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I was scouting for a friend who was looking fir a Yorky puppy. I went to Russo`s. I will never go there again. I was crying the whole time seeing some puppies with a blanket, some with a bed and some just sleeping on the wire floor of the cages. I would say in the majority was the lack of bedding for these babies.

In the font window were 2 little puppies playing in the shredded paper with no water, no bed and no food.

The shop charges a fortune for puppies; and to me it reflects the kind of concern this place has for the animals by the lack of care given these babies.

Shameful and should be reported.

Posted 11/16/08 | Report Abuse

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We're all against puppy and kitten mills (well, at least those of us with a shred of sense and decency), but venting on these sites is only so helpful. If you want to make more of an impact, contact The Irvine Company who owns the property. Let them hear your voice. Let them know you don't condone this end-product of animal torture. If everyone in the U.S. stopped buying from pet stores for just one year, puppy (and other animal) mills would go out of business altogether. Here is the contact info for Irvine Company:

Corporate Offices
Irvine Company
550 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949.720.2000

General E-mail Inquiries -- webmaster@irvinecompan...

Media Contacts: Jane Gillespie (949) 733-2198 or Laura Davis (949) 720-3313

Please let Irvine know you want Russo's out of Fashion Island if they refuse to stop selling animals. If they get rid of the animals, they're as welcome as any respectable tennant. There is strength in numbers; let's get it done.

Posted 09/29/08 | Report Abuse

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I purchased the adorable long haired Chihuahua in the window from a Russos 12 years ago. His tag said he was from Kansas, which I now know is puppy mill breeding ground. He was so young to have been transported across the country, I thought, but so cute. As much joy as he has brought to our lives, it kills me every day to watch him now suffer over the last two years with severe end stage congestive heart failure. A later in life disease process that occurs as a result of "BAD BREEDING" and genetic ignorance. He requires three different medications twice a day. His lungs fill up with fluid with any activity which makes "playtime" impossible anymore. We carry him up the stairs every time and take him out multiple times during the night because he gets medication at night to keep the fluid down. He coughs and sputters and gags. All I can ask myself is "when is the time I should put him to sleep," then he looks at me and breaks my heart all over again. I now spend all my time volunteering at my local Animal Shelter and try to make the public aware that there are wonderful dogs that need homes and they are NOT disposable!! ALL puppies grow up to be dogs so please go to your animal shelter and save just one more dog from being euthenized. DO NOT BUY FROM A PET STORE... PLEASE!!!! It only keeps the cruel greed crazed factory puppy mill owners in business.

Posted 08/13/08 | Report Abuse

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I've had 4 dogs(on the 4th one now) none of which were bought from a retail store OR a breeder. My first dog was a black lab that we had for 12 1/2 years until unfortunately she was hit by a car during a very stormy night(RIP Magic). The second two were another black lab (suicide, RIP Lady) and a yellow lab (Died of cancer, RIP Max). I had Max and Lady for 13 1/2 years. Now I have an italian greyhound whom ive had for 3 years and he is wonderful. What do all of these dogs have in common? No health problems, good diet, excellent temperment, great with other pets(dogs, cats, etc.) great with humans including small children(as i know some dogs have problems with little kids), and last but not least we rescued all of them from the same place, Orange County Animal Shelter in Orange, CA(Note I know Magic was rescued from a shelter but I cannot verify which one as I was only 1 year old when we rescued her).

My buddy recently adopted a puppy from Russo's and has had a negative experience with the puppy and health problems(cannot go into details as things have not been settled yet between him and Russo's).

My cousin adopted her dog a Chihuahua-mix (slightly larger than a chihuahua yet color scheme is tan body with black face, color scheme reminiscent of a pug but head/body look like chihuahua or jack russell terrier not flat like pug) from a reputable breeder and her dog has had no health problems as well as being very well behaved with a great temperment.

All in all, shelters and breeders seem to be the best places(there are exceptions to every rule) to find a great pet.

Posted 07/20/08 | Report Abuse

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Irresponsible puppy mills are an unfortuate reality, I think everyone can agree on that. However, so is irresponsible breeding by local breeders. We bought our Boston Terrier from Russo's after visiting several local breeders. He is now almost 3 years old, healthy and sweet as can be! The vet that was treating him while he was at Russo's has purchased all his pets from Russo's and highly recommended them as a "pet retailer".

We have a second Boston Terrier - from a local breeder - that has many health problems and we spend thousands of dollars a year keeping her comfortable and healthy. She has her problems due to irresponsible breeding by local breeders who were aware she could have these issues because they are all hereditarily passed from both sides of her parents. After she was purchased from this breeder, she ended up in a rescue where we adopted her and brought her to a caring, loving home.

If you do your research, regardless of puppy mills or local breeders, your odds for a healthy pet are much better. There is also the factor that some animals, regardless of where they come from can just have health issues.

As for Russo's, it is unfair to pick on them. It is a business - pet retailers or breeders. We are so happy with our healthy Boston from Russo's (and our unhealthy one from a local breeder too)!

The biggest problem with Russo's is irresponsible BUYERS who fall in love with a pet in a window and buy them without thinking it through or being pressured into buying from a spoiled child (as someone else pointed out in their review as being Russo's problem). Everyone needs to think responsibly when adding a furry family member to their home, regardless of where they come from.

Posted 04/24/08 | Report Abuse

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Russo's Pets should have been shut down by the Irvine Company a long time ago and this still holds true today. Greed and not enough public involvement keeps their doors open. The puppies and the kittens (and other animals) are so darn cute that it is easy to get sucked into purchasing from this place, especially when a young child is begging to take home that cute animal in the window.

PLEASE BOYCOTT buying pets from this pet store! You and/or your family members will be met with a sick pet and possible a dying pet that will have many, many medical problems. No one should have to buy a pet that becomes ill, even if the illness is parasites and/or kennel cough. Parasites can kill a young puppy or kitten and it has from this pet store. When you buy a pet, it should be 100% healthy.

Save yourself the heartache and take the time to research independent local California breeders and DO NOT buy from Russo's or any other pet store. You deserve a healthy pet from day one. Russo's is a greed based, overpriced business that could care less if you take home a sick pet.

Posted 04/23/08 | Report Abuse

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I bought a english bulldog from Russo's Pet Store about 8 years ago. I know for a fact that this dog was a puppy mill dog. Maggie past away on 12/21/07. Even though I had many problems with her I kept taking her to the vet and after many evaluations found out she was a puppy mill dog. I am very unhappy with this pet store. I would not ever recommend this company to anyone.
A former bulldog owner.

Posted 12/23/07 | Report Abuse

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Actually Margaret you have no idea what you are talking about.

As a breeder through the CFA you pay a fee and have the information of EXACTLY where your cats have gone. I have contact with every family who has bought one of my kittens. You also MUST have a registered Cattery through them in order to have proper papes.

I don't breed more than two litters a year so maybe there are actually good breeders in the world. I have not had one sick kitten nor one problem since I have been doing this.

If you wish to see what breeders do try searching petfinder.com specifically in Arizona where you will find they rescued over 165 kittens from a private breeder.

Don't pretend to know things you don't. There are good people and bad people in this world. Learn to equipt yourself with the heart and knowledge to find them.

Posted 12/22/07 | Report Abuse

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"I am also breeder and I choose Russo's specifically because I believe it unethical to transport animals." NONSENSE -- sell locally then! "Unlike a lot of breeders, I know where my kittens go." How? Does the pet store release people's information to you?? Really???"So comments about "good" breeders not selling to pet store's is an out right lie." Again, NONSENSE! Here is what the CFA (Cat Fanciers Association) says about that : "Be aware, if you are considering purchasing from a pet store, that reputable breeders of pure bred breed cats do not sell their kittens through this channel. Sometimes, kittens for pet store sale are obtained from "kitten mills" where breeding practices may be less than optimum. Frequently, pure bred kittens sell for considerably more at a pet store than from a pure bred breeder. ..." http://www.cfa.org/cbrs-2.html "Having said that, even if you visited the breeder yourself, you would have the same outcome. Just like we have no control over the health of humans, animals are therefore under the same lack of control." Nonsense! Breeders have a HUGE influence over the kitten's health-- from genetic screening though nutrition to cleanliness to parasite control, etc! " Start your complaints to directly to the source, the breeders licensing bureas." Nonsense! There ARE no Breeder's licensing bureaus! CFA does not license breeders!

Posted 07/21/07 | Report Abuse

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First of all, I have bought pet's from Russo's over the last 12 years. I am also breeder and I choose Russo's specifically because I believe it unethical to transport animals. Unlike a lot of breeders, I know where my kittens go. So comments about "good" breeders not selling to pet store's is an out right lie. Dan is a very great caring man who has a pet store out of his love for animals and I know this from my working relationship from him over the years.

Having said that, even if you visited the breeder yourself, you would have the same outcome. Just like we have no control over the health of humans, animals are therefore under the same lack of control. The fact that any pet shop (especially Russo's) has an onsite Vet and will give you the visit and checkups for free, are reason to safely purchase a pet from a store. A breeder will NOT give you this luxury.

Every person who has bought one of my kittens from Russo's has paid top dollar and received such an animal. Anyone buying a pet for such a price obviously will care for it properly as it is a huge investment and family member.

Breeders are to be registered and licenced. Blame the AKC and such agencies for their lack of attention to paperwork. The CFA will NOT allow a breeder mill and are very thorough on checking on such when registering litters for sale. In fact, they have outlined rules against any litters being born 90 days after one is born.

In short, don't blame a pet shop. Do your research before buying a pet and realize the laws that govern are at fault and not the store's. Start your complaints to directly to the source, the breeders licensing bureas.

Posted 04/19/07 | Report Abuse

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Anne and anyone else insane or stupid enough to purchase a pet from a retail pet store -The second sentence in your post says it all - you paid a high price for sick puppies!!! You also paid for the privilege of giving profit to your veterinarian, because if you think treating the "parasites and kennel cough" was expensive just wait until you add up all the expenses that a poorly bred dog will incur!!THERE ARE ABSOLUTELY NO- NONE-ZERO- REDEEMING FACTORS OF PURCHASING A PUPPY FROM A PET STORE!!!ANY BREEDER WHO HAS A HEART LARGER THAN A PEBBLE WOULD NOT SEND ONE OF THEIR "BABIES" OUT TO A 3RD OR 4TH PARTY TO BE SOLD NOT KNOWING WHERE THAT DOG WILL END UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!By buying a pet store dog - you have put money in the pockets of puppy millers, brokers, and those who only breed animals for the quick profit they produce.YOU PAY THE SAME $$$$$ to get a puppy from a responsible, caring breeder who has produced pups from breeding dogs that have:Passed Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) tests for:Hip dysplasiaElbow dysplasiaThyroid disordersHeart conditionsand CERF (inherited) eye/sight problemsGO TO AKC.ORG - search the breed your interested in, find the Club for that breed, learn about the dog - and contact a breeder involved with the breed club - THAT IS THE ONLY PLACE TO BUY A PUPPY!!!or really do something good - and go to pound!!!

Posted 03/16/07 | Report Abuse

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While I understand that there are many bad experiences buying from pet stores like Russo's. I can honestly say that my experience has been excellent. While the dogs did come home with parasites and kennel cough (not unlike from any other breeder), the store was happy to provide care and medications. They also use a group of vets that are not in the business to rip off owners with sick dogs. The first 2 vet visits are paid for in full and all treatments are paid for by the store and there is a guarantee of 1 year from purchase for all genetic or persistent issues. While I am sure that my dogs came from what are classified as puppy mills, I have 2 beautiful, healthy well adjusted dogs. I would recommend that any persons entering into a lifelong commitment - would research and take the time to investigate as I did prior to purchasing VERY EXPENSIVE dogs. That is my chief complaint with Russo's but in my case - I got what I paid for - awesome & well adjusted dogs.

Posted 01/03/07 | Report Abuse

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http://cbs2.com/topstories/local_story_035002537.html

All you need to know about the business practices of Dan DiGiacomo are in the above story. The man is lying right through his teeth. Please click the above link and DO NOT BUY from Russos Pets.
I hope and pray that the Irvine Co. does not renew this evil mans lease at Fashion Island and Irvine Spectrum.
Please watch the video and DO NOT BUY FROM!!!!

http://cbs2.com/topstories/local_story_035002537.html
Dirty Dogs: Is Your Best Friend From A Puppy Mill?
David Goldstein
Reporting
(CBS) LOS ANGELES "What do you think of Kate?

I think she's the best dog ever."

Nine-year-old Janelle Dinsmore loves her golden retriever Kate.

"Your mom said you wanted a dog for a long time. Why?"

Because they're so fun and entertaining and I get so lonely sometimes," Janelle said.

The Dinsmores shopped around for the right dog -- and were told Kate came from a reputable breeder in California.

Until the police told them the real story -- the dog was from Mexico.

"At that point I was really enraged, angry and sickened that I had basically been duped."

And she's not alone.

"He used to be our dog. He used to be your dog?"

Four-year-old Ava Bogart and her 7-year-old sister Adalia fell in love with their golden retriever puppy Goldie who came from the same litter.

"They loved the golden retriever. They wanted to get it and we finally decided to get it."

But Goldie -- who was also from Mexico -- got sick as soon as they got her home. They ended up returning the dog to the pet store after she was diagnosed with parasites and dehydrated.

"The vet told my wife that if we wouldn't have taken the dog to the vet it would have been dead in 24 hours."

These dogs weren't purchased from backyard breeders or fly by night puppy peddlers. Each was for sale for $2,000. One was purchased here at trendy Fashion Island in Newport Beach, the other at the Irvine Spectrum.

Both were bought at branches of Russos Pet Store, where salespeople said the dogs were from California -- and even provided documentation. But the owners later discovered they were smuggled from Mexico.

"When you go to Fashion Island you don't expect to buy a $5 dollar dog off a truck that just came back from Mexico."

Becky Dinsmore is noticeably upset. That's because her puppy is facing two hip surgeries to fix genetic problems she believes stems from the dogs breeding in Mexico.

At the San Diego border -- federal agents see puppies being imported illegally from Mexico all the time.

In a task force in December -- vehicle searches turned up hundreds of puppies under 3 months old. They were found hidden in a make-up bag and under blankets. And they have hidden dangers.

"Most of these puppies are too young, they have underlying diseases that we can't detect during a five-minute inspection."

But at Russos pet store -- the owner, Dan DiGiacomo claims the dogs came from a reputable breeder. And DiGiacomo says the breeder told him the dogs came from California. They didn't and now he says he won't buy from him again.

"I took him at his word. I'm sorry I didn't check up on it. Obviously that was my mistake. But his dogs are quality. It's not like they aren't quality dogs," DiGiacomo said.

But tell that to the Bogart family who had to buy another dog to replace Goldie.

And to the Dinsmores. Their dog Kate is facing two serious surgeries -- and many months of recovery they never expected.

"Our last dog we had for 18 years and we waited on purpose to get the right dog.
But we certainly should not be going through this.

( 2006 CBS Worldwide Inc.)

Posted 12/22/06 | Report Abuse

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We purchased 4 Cavalier King Charles puppies from Russos Pet Experience over the last four years and 2 out of the 4 died before they even turned 2 years old of a GENETIC LIVER DISEASE. They all came from Kerr Kennel in Silver Lake, Kansas and was closed down this year. I am being told through some investigating that they are a puppy mill!!! !!!!!If you have purchased a dog and it came from this Kerr Kennel please contact me, I really want to find out if any one else has had to go through what we have.NEVER EVER BUY FROM RUSSOS THEY DO BUY THIER PUPPIES FROM PUPPY MILLS!!!

Posted 12/20/06 | Report Abuse

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PLEASE IF YOU HAVE ANY COMMON SENSE AND LOVE ANIMALS, DO NOT BUY DOGS FROM THIS STORE. THEIR DOGS ARE DISEASED AND FROM PUPPY MILLS. THEY WILL TELL YOU THAT THE PUPPIES ARE FROM LOCAL BREEDERS AND TO THEM INDIANA OR IOWA OR TEXAS IS LOCAL! STOP THE MADNESS AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS TO DO THE SAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted 11/15/06 | Report Abuse

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Russo's Pet Experience is a good place to buy pet merchandise. They have a great selection of cool beds, leashes, dog clothing, and accessories. However, I would not purchase a dog from Russo's. The dogs tend to have odd temperment quirks as well as problems with their coats and general health. Many have been there a long time, which makes them very hard to housetrain.

Posted 08/09/06 | Report Abuse

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