Little Creatures

I either shop here or their store on Columbus Ave. Very friendly and they always spoil my dog who really loves the place. They’re open until 10pm so it’s a big plus when I’m running late.

So cramped, it’s barely tolerable. They don’t have much, but where would they fit more stock? They carry some cool dog toys that I hadn’t seen in any other pet stores. However, I refused to buy any because ALL of the toys were covered in a pretty serious layer of dust. I’m by no means picky, and can wipe off a little scuff here and there — but these toys were just FILTHY. Cute toys, but I’ll pass. My dog has enough allergies as it is.

I’ve never actually been into the store, but several months ago when I discovered my German Shepherd had a food allergy– this store was the ONLY store in Manhattan that I could find that carried Royal Canin dry rabbit food for dogs.
So I’ve been ordering deliveries of this food with Stella & Chewy’s rabbit food (which we use as treats) from Little Creatures for almost a year now. They are always pleasant and knowledgable. Our deliveries are always on time and they actually have some pretty good sales on the Stella & Chewy’s stuff sometimes, which is always nice. They also keep your information on file so when you call, they know exactly what you want and it’s just so nice and easy!
They are an awesome small business. Highly recommend.

I ran into Little Creatures to buy my cat some more Halo dry food about a month ago. Tonight when I was feeding her, I noticed that the food expired in Sept. 2013! I’m not overly concerned because she doesn’t eat a lot of it and hasn’t been sick, but I’m still tossing it. Halo is expensive food too — around $ 20 a bag! Definitely checking expiration dates from now on!

I have been shopping at the 86^th and Amsterdam store since it opened, and I used to really like it, but in the last few weeks there has been a sharp decline. The people who work there are unfriendly, they don’t answer when you speak to them, and over all just seem much less knowledgeable.
Most recently I made a purchase for a friend, and then found out she had already purchased the items. I brought them back in 2 weeks later to the day and was told they only give store credit. I looked at my receipt and all around the register and no signs indicated this. SO I asked if they are supposed to tell people this, or if it is written anywhere and the cashier didn’t respond he just stared at his computer screen. Then he asks for my phone number and first name, and then he tells me the next time I come in to ask for him and he will give me the store credit…
So I said, «OK so I am giving you back all the items I purchased, my receipt, and you are giving me nothing in return? Except that I should ask for you?» He was like «oh don’t worry I’m always here…» I told him it made me feel very uncomfortable and it didn’t seem like a smart decision on my part to leave with nothing at all and if the store always only offered store credit they should certainly have a more legitimate way to handle exchanges.
The whole situation made me think that I won’t be back. I took my items and walked! I might go back to speak to the owner, who I have met before, but honestly I just might never go back because it left me with such a bad feeling.

I’ve used this store for my cat needs over the past ten years. I’ve found them to be really helpful and prompt in their delivery. I really appreciate that they made a donation to my cats when I mentioned I had adopted (my latest) two adult male brothers from a shelter. Like most things going there in person is helpful, but I’ve never been disappointed ordering over the phone.

I think this is a great place. Often stop in there for my pets food, and they have a wide variety. The prices are ok, but I like buying from a small shop, where maybe they remember who I am. It is a good feeling in a big city.

Little Creatures also has a location on 525 Amsterdam Avenue (btw 85^th & 86^th Streets). I was in the area working with a client and stopped in there afterwards.
I was pleasantly surprised. They carry a great assortment of high value food for dogs and cats. Many of the products I recommend to my training and dog walking clients are sold here, including the Easy Walk Harness, Mushers Wax, Wellness Treats and more. Overall the venue is clean and merchandised well considering the small/​medium size constraints of the space.
The staff was knowledgeable and friendly. The owner Greg, is especially knowledgeable about proper pet nutrition! I’m a fan.

This is a neighborhood store where there is excellent customer service. We have been buying pet supplies from them for years and they have always been very pleasant and helpful. When we get low on cat food and kitty litter, all I have to do is pick up the phone because they have all the information as to what I always order and are able to deliver what I need the same day.

Little Creatures is moderately more expensive than PETCO, but they offer free delivery (and PETCO does not). So the day that PETCO starts delivering is the day Little Creatures goes out of business. Unfortunately, delivery TAKES FOREVER (think: hours), so plan ahead. They’ve also delivered dog treats which were covered with worms (disgusting), so you might want to skip those. Oh, and the store smells like animal urine, which I attribute to… animal urine.

I’ve been shopping at Little Creatures for forever (like, probably since the late 1980s or early 1990s). As other reviewers have noted, the staff is very knowledgeable, albeit sometimes harried. I’ve always found them willing to correct their errors – and I’ve had some mix-​ups with deliveries over the years, it’s worth noting.
As for prices, I’ve found Little Creatures to be somewhat on the high side, BUT HEY: They deliver, and they are a small business (so no economies of scale), and I feel an obligation to support small businesses when I can. I definitely feel that I get good value and service for the money I spend there, which is why I’ve been their customer for nigh on 20 years now.

Love This Place! Jimmy is great and can answer most questions and order any weird item you might need. I love going in there because it feels like the cool music store we all hung out in in college. They get busy but Jimmy handles it all pretty good. They also deliver all over manhattan but it’s best if you are north of 50^th st. Give them a shot if you need something you can’t find, especially prescriptions.

Last time I ordered a bag of dog and cat food they sent me 2 bags of dog food and refused to fix it?! I just ordered from them yesterday at 5:00 pm and they delivered the food at 10:00 pm! I’m happy to be moving so I won’t have to resort to using them. Prices seem to have gone up as well.

Really good independent pet store, they have TONS of food options from lots of different brands. The employees, while not the friendliest, are very knowledgeable about the products and will help you if you ask.
As far as prices, they have the best prices I’ve seen from any UWS independent store. Please buy from them so we can keep them open!

Nice little pet store in an unlikely location. Well stocked with dog food including both random labels we buy. It kind of smells in there, though.