Petland

Well, Bella, I have a VERY hard time believing that you have actually gone to help pick out puppies for the store unless this particular store has done a very recent 180 on their practices in the past. As for the promise that all of their puppies are from local breeders, when my puppies papers finally came after 6 months of pestering, Texas turned out to be local! The paper trail also stated that she had been shipped through Ohio or Indiana or some damn place. No wonder when I brought her home she was so sick. Explosive diarrhea and vomiting on a daily basis. Your vet out in Hills told me that she just had an upset tummy from being at the store, and that while she had been at the store she had been treated for the same. (None of this was EVER disclosed to me before her purchase!!!) But after giving her the medications that he recommended, she got worse. I took her to my vet, and she slowly improved over the next weeks, but of course the store wouldn't pay for any of that. I also spoke with the breeder listed on my puppies papers and she told me directly that she "only ever dealt with brokers" because she "didn't want to have to deal with any puppy returns. Does that sound like a responsible breeder to you? Does that even sound like a breeder who cares about the puppies that she breeds? No, for her, just as for Petland, animals are a cash crop. Shame on you for trying to portray it as ANYthing other than what it is!
I also contacted the store more times than I can recall, even speaking to the manager, and was told that the warrantee didn't cover illnesses that were short term. I don't know about you, but 6 months did not feel short term to me. Besides that her paperwork listed her as a boy. Hmmmm, shock to my vet who spayed her!

Posted 11/27/09 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I too am concerned that Petland sells cats and dogs especially. Maybe the animals are from reputable breeders, maybe. It is the one side of their business I really don't like. Like Petco in Coralville, I'd much prefer them to simply list the shelters and breeders in the area (and provide access to petfinder).

That said, when it comes to getting advice about products or even animal care, I find the Petland employees to be first rate. I admit that I felt that on the first couple of visits they were directing me to the most expensive merchandise. However, they explained to me why they recommended certain products and I verified their claims at home. They have a great return policy for food, treats, and litter (I have a cat) too.

I'm rating them 4 stars because of the animals. Honestly, it should be 1 star for the animals and 5 stars for everything else.

Posted 11/06/09 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Anyone who has purchased a sick, hurt or a poor quality animal or that has any knowledge of any puppy mills within the state should voice their story to the news. Channel 13 WHO-TV in Des Moines has done a great job at investigating Petland and their false claims. If you have had any problems or doubts call them on their newsline (515-282-1313) ask to leave a message for Sonya. They will go all over the state to get your story. Don't let others fall into the same trap and help to put these sick people out of business!

People please open your eyes! All you have to do is Google the words (Petland puppy mill), (Petland Humane Society), (Petland lawsuit), (Petland animal cruelty), (Petland sick puppies), (Petland sick dogs) or Google the word (Petland) and click the news link at the top of the screen. Read at least one review page, read a few news stories and watch a video. All of your questions or doubts can be fulfilled.

Posted 06/08/09 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I bought the most beautiful Boxer male puppy from this store. After only having him for 9 months, he started having seizures out of nowhere. After a horrible weekend of giving him anti-seizure medication and bringing him back and forth to the emergency vet, he died. I was devastated. After I came to my senses, I remembered that Petland had given us a warranty, stating that if anything was diagnosed that "prevented him from leading a normal lifestyle.." I would get some if not all of my money back. I contacted the store 7 times (no joke), asking to speak to someone about this warranty. Finally, I spoke to one of the managers, and faxed them all the paperwork I had from the veterinary, and a copy of my signed warranty. When it came down to it, they are telling me I am getting nothing under the warranty, but offered to sell me another puppy at a reduced price! Are you kidding me? I have consulted legal advice because I feel this a shady way to run a business. I'm the one who's had to make all of the calls and follow-up on this situation! Don't think for a minute that just b/c they give you a warranty, that they're going to hold up their end of the bargain!

Posted 03/08/09 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

A few things that people are saying are true. We DO have expensive puppies. There are reasons for that, which we will be happy to tell you about when you come to visit.

We DO work on commission which I still don't agree with, but it ensures that every customer gets helped.

We DO NOT get our puppies from puppy mills!! I'm appalled at some of these non-factual reviews. Tell everyone your sources. I have gone with the kennel tech to pick out some of our puppies and found the best conditions imaginable. I went to pick up some Pomeranians and met the breeders who love those puppies like their own. IF YOU HAVE DOUBTS, you are more than welcome to go with us and see where we get out puppies from. There is no stronger evidence than seeing it yourself.

Feel free to stop in and ask for me. My name is Bella and I am there quite frequently. I would be happy to introduce you to our kennel techs and show you the area that we keep our puppies in.

I own two shelter dogs and love them to the fullest. I am more of an animal lover than most people I've met. I would never work for an institution that supports puppy mills or treats any of their animals badly. They are our babies until they go home with you.

Posted 01/22/09 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

We recently visited Petland in search of a couple of new puppies for our family. We were shocked at the way the store is managed and the insanely high prices! Lots of puppies, but no visible prices for any of them. We were told that we had to ask about pricing for each puppy that we were interested in and that they would have to have the manager review the puppy's packet and decide the price. A very sneaky and underhanded way of doing business, and making it very difficult for those who are interested. When inquiring about one particular mix puppy, we were quoted $1200. That's right, One Thousand-Two-Hundred Dollars!!!!

Petland is by far WAY TOO EXPENSIVE, and FAR TOO MUCH HASSLE! You'll be the one jumping through hoops shopping here.

Posted 01/17/09 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Boycott Petland and other petstores that sell dogs for profit. It is estimated (ASPCA,HSUS) that 99% of all petstores in this country get their dogs (merchandise) from puppy mills. No reputable breeder would ever sell to a petstore, it's that simple. Petstores that sell animals for profit fuel puppy mills. As if this isn't bad enough they contribute to the pet overpopulation problems seen throughout this country. As the same time as shelter animals are being killed, puppy mills are churning out millions of puppies in bare minimum conditions.

Our Message: Never buy a dog from a petstore. Adopt from your local shelter/rescue. Don't buy while others die.

WHAT IS A PUPPY MILL? A facility, large or small, that breeds dogs for profit. These facilities are totally legal but inhumane. In theory these facilities are regulated but even regulation requires the bare minimum-basic food, water, shelter and most often than not this is not even the case. These facilities are notorious for ignoring the dogs' physical and emotional needs. The dogs go crazy from boredom, and their bodies waste away. Lack of vet care is usually the number one problem among puppy mills. Dogs are prized for their boundless enthusiasm and zest for life, but in puppy mills, they receive no compassion, and their spirits are broken. They live and die in pain and misery. Offspring of puppy mill dogs are not healthy due to careless breeding. Eye problems, deafness, genetic problems such as hip dysplasia and luxating patellas often exist.

***As consumers, we have the power to stop the cruel cycle of animal abuse perpetuated by puppy mills AND Petstores***

JUST BECAUSE IT IS LEGAL, DOESN'T MEAN IT'S OK

If you area a victim of a sick puppy from the Iowa City Petland or simply want to do something about this contact me at:
boycottpetland@yahoo.com

And yes Bella, There is no stronger evidence than seeing it yourself, so go check out the Shiba Inu breeder and some other ones and see for yourself...

Posted 12/10/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

as a former employee, my one suggestion for you is: research research research!!! Petland seems like such a wonderful and magical place. Adorable puppies line the wall, you're greeted with a smile, and beautiful birds are more than willing to hop on your shoulder and say, "hello." every person who steps into the store for the first time is in awe. I was, you will be, and the many dozen people I've sold dogs to were as well. well, things change.
Almost every person that I see on the street who has stopped to talk to me because I sold them a dog tells me of the countless allergies, psychological problems, illnesses, etc. that their dog has. it's insaine! Parvo was an issue in the kennel on more than one occasion, and I know of a few puppies that actually died in the store. Another former employee visited a "breeder" only to find her puppy's mother badly malnourished and covered in sores. she was not allowed to view the father. Sadly her puppy was put down due to inherited psychological problems.
Small animals were also appalling. Rabbits would enter the store with their toes chewed off by rats. bloody bits of bone were easily visible. the owner was also known to throw away live animals stuck to bug traps.
The kennel staff does the best they can with the animals they are provided with. They are very loving people who fight an upward battle with bad breeders and the store's whack job of a vet. In fact, almost anyone that works there (below management) have the best interests at heart. they know not what they do.
bottom line is... if you want a puppy, go to a breeder or a shelter. really research the breeder. visit them. know where your dog is coming from! all the warranties in the world can't pay for the grief you experience when you have to put down your best friend.
One great thing about the store is the reptile and fish department. The guys working there know what they are doing and provide wonderful care and knowledge. ask for Andy, Jeff, or Mike and they'll more than surpass you expectations :)

Posted 09/19/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

The store is really clean and the people are really nice. I think they must work on commission though cause they kept asking to help me... lol.

We fell in love with one of the puppies there. They knew alot about her, gave us all kinds of papers proving that they weren't from puppy mills, we met the owners and the GM, and they offered to give us a tour of the back rooms to prove that the puppies are taken really well care of. She already knew some tricks and was really well socalized. We couldn't be more happy with our little girl, and we got all kinds of warrenties with her, so we know that if there was ever a problem, they would take care of it!

We really recomend going there! Some of our friends have already gotten kitties there!

Posted 08/30/08 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Petland sells dogs from puppy mills. Despite what they say about having animals from 'local reputible breeders'. All that this means is that the animals have the minimum amount of food and water required. This does NOT mean that your puppy will have interacted with humans before, or even knows to not mess in it's den because it will have never been outside before! If you don't know what a puppy mill is, please please do your research before you buy from there!

And no, you're not saving a puppy, you're just making room for the next one!

Posted 05/29/08 | Report Abuse

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Tried to order a frog from only to find on Sunday they had none but the order was going in Monday so they would call me and let me know when they would be coming in. Tuesday Comes and hadn't heard anything and they still hadn't called so I called back and they had lost my number and he would get his order in that day and could be there between 4-6 Thursday if it needed to be. So Drive the 45 minutes up there and no one knows anything about it and the only thing one of there salespeople care about is getting the tank sold to you now and you can come back tomorrow and get the frogs. *It's a $30 drive.
I called back the next day to talk to the manager and she says the guy who orders the reps (*probably can't list his name) says he made no such statement that they would be in thrusday and he tried to call.

First I have the note on my desk about Thursday. Gave his my number twice and a back up number for my wife. And with caller ID and Voice mail its a blatant lie that there was an attempt and the idea that the manager would understand that I am pissed and offer to see to it personally or something. So I am going to suggest just go somewhere in cedar rapids because all you get here is apologies and "please come back any way even though I don't believe that someone here just wasted your time and money."

Posted 04/19/08 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

If you want a cute dog or a puppy go to a shelter this store sells sick dogs that they get from puppy mills. Never support this type of business they need to be shut down.

Posted 03/12/08 | Report Abuse

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

I feel that this pet store is equivalent to many pet stores in the merchandise that they carry. They have a good stock of pet food, supplies, toys, etc. The prices are a bit high, but seem typical of pet store prices.

I was SHOCKED at the prices for puppies at this store though! When calling for a "mixed breed/hybrid" that I found elsewhere for $150, this store was going to sell me the same breed for $2700!! I could not believe the prices! I understand that they offer many "extras" with that price of the puppy, but in my opinion, that is way too much to ask for a dog that was not even a purebred with papers. This was for a mixed breed from two different purebred parents.
Before you buy an animal from this store....check around! I can practically guarantee that you will find your beloved pet for MUCH cheaper!

Posted 03/31/06 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

We bought feeder fish there for 25 cents. A lot better than Wal-mart pricing. It's not a difficult place to get to or find. I liked the store for whatt we went for. I, too, agree that the prices for cats & dogs are high.

Posted 11/05/05 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

I usually buy my pet supplies else where but I was on the other side of town last week and I remembered I needed some shampoo for my dog. This ordinarily wouldn't be a big deal but she has problems with dry skin and itchiness and the poor thing needed some extra help that "wallie world" couldn't supply.

Going to this store is a cinch....head down Lower Muscatine road going southeast and you will find it...the parking lot is never super crowded and nicely kept up as well!

Running into the store as I was in a bit of a hurry I located a clerk in a jiffy and he helped me find just what I needed and not only had me checked out in record time but also gave me soem personal tips of his on how to easy my dogs itchy skin.

I will definitely go back to this store if only for the personal service I received there. it is a nice place to shop in.....clean and bright and the personnel are tops as well!

PROS: ....lots of variety and good customer service
CONS: ....can be hard to decide what is best...find a clerk for help!

Posted 09/11/05 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

The puppies and kittens are in glass viewing type cages. Definately would question if they are the result of a puppy mill (puppies still have dew claws - something a responsible breeder would have removed when the pups ar 24 hours old). Dogs are over double the price you would pay from a breeder. Clean store. Lots of fish - appear to be healthy. Higher end dog/cat foods.

Posted 08/03/05 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Petco has all sorts of great animals, from fresh water fish to puppies, its a great place to go to buy a new animal, or get all your stuff for your animals.

Posted 07/11/05 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?