By Copper Afghan-Hound on April 21, 2013 Verified by Guest

I just brought my new puppy home from the breeder. He is just past 8 weeks old. I went to my local Paul Mac's to look into buying a crate and collar and leash. I was in there a couple of times before my puppy was ready to come home, and talked to one of the owners about the dog we were about to adopt, and I believe he knew me. When I entered, I immediately was disturbed at the atmosphere there. No body was smiling, there were women from the Peterborough Humane society with some sickly looking cats, and when a customer dived in to touch my puppy's face I politely asked her not to, and explained that one should ask before touching the face and tongue of anyone's dog. I was concerned but educating people who do not know this basic etiquette meant to protect the animal is not a problem as long as it is done with a smile. Wasn't I shocked when an employee of PaulMac's (wearing a jacket with the logo) came over to me and did the very same thing. I once again gave her my little polite monologue about doggie etiquette and she immediately became diffusive and sarcastic. The owner who still had not welcomed me or said hello was hiding behind a pillar at the cash and could clearly hear everything as I was 3 feet away, near the crates. She informed me in a very rude manner that if I felt that way I should not bring my puppy to her store. I was under the impression that our dogs were welcome to come in for fittings. I was under the impression that a professional working at the store and representing PaulMac's would know to ask permission to touch the face and mouth of anyone's dog. She was clearly letting me know that I could take my business elsewhere for my efforts to educate her on doggie etiquette. I left with a sinking feeling in my stomach and my partner and I decided that we would rather drive to another pet store where they have good customer relations even though we live blocks away from this store. I went onto the website to check what the policy is, and it clearly invites you to bring in your pooch for fittings and just to meet the employees. So what's the story with this particular Paul Mac's? I had a great experience with the one in Barrie, Ontario so I blame it on the owner who just stood by and kept his mouth shut. I went over to him and said Hi, and asked him if he remembered us. Indeed he did. She kept following me and continued the diatribe about how I should not bring my dog back if I did not want anyone to touch him! REALLY? Is that the policy? She even seemed to take pleasure in noting out loud that she had touched many animals that day and did not know if her hands which entered my puppy's mouth was disease or bacteria free. Like I said, there were sickly cats in the store for adoption today. I am looking for a head office contact to let them know but I could not find it on their website. Any one have the e-mail for me?

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By tiffanybrune on March 12, 2011 Verified by Email

Used to have a good selection - in the past few years this is no longer the case. I went to purchase fish, they have perhaps 5 types, all under an inch long, except one. Since it is now the only pet store that sells live pets, they over-charge like CRAZY. Our closest live pet store 20 mins away, its it's just as terrible... the better ones are almost an hour away.

On a slightly good note, some of the staff are getting nicer - with the exception of the older woman, she's always been horrible with customer service. And they will order anything in for you if they dont carry it - however you have to find what you want yourself because they dont carry any magazings to choose from, and they still charge the high prices.

Overall, I'm unimpressed and shop here as little as possible.

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By pareeeee on July 27, 2010 Verified by Email

OK this used to be one of the best Pet Stores in the area, but since this place changed hands it has been terrible. The new people are NOT knowledgeable, they NEVER have ANYTHING on hand that you need. They used to carry more variety of things but not anymore. Go to Owen Sound or Barrie...

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By Amaranth Smelt on March 6, 2009 Verified by Guest

The rudest sales lady I have ever met works in this store. You have to see it to believe it. I sure hope she isn't the owner.
You walk in..she ignores you. When you ask a question she 'grunts' the answer without looking up..she continues doing what she was doing. You feel like you are bothering her she rolls her eyes. It's unbelievable. I use to get all our dog food there (for our 3 dogs) but after having to be subjected to this one too many times, I have decided never to go back. I will also tell all my friends in Collingwood not to deal with this store. If the head office only knew, they would be mortified that someone like this is running a store with thier name on it.

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By Copper Afghan-Hound on April 21, 2013 Verified by Guest

I just brought my new puppy home from the breeder. He is just past 8 weeks old. I went to my local Paul Mac's to look into buying a crate and collar and leash. I was in there a couple of times before my puppy was ready to come home, and talked to one of the owners about the dog we were about to adopt, and I believe he knew me. When I entered, I immediately was disturbed at the atmosphere there. No body was smiling, there were women from the Peterborough Humane society with some sickly looking cats, and when a customer dived in to touch my puppy's face I politely asked her not to, and explained that one should ask before touching the face and tongue of anyone's dog. I was concerned but educating people who do not know this basic etiquette meant to protect the animal is not a problem as long as it is done with a smile. Wasn't I shocked when an employee of PaulMac's (wearing a jacket with the logo) came over to me and did the very same thing. I once again gave her my little polite monologue about doggie etiquette and she immediately became diffusive and sarcastic. The owner who still had not welcomed me or said hello was hiding behind a pillar at the cash and could clearly hear everything as I was 3 feet away, near the crates. She informed me in a very rude manner that if I felt that way I should not bring my puppy to her store. I was under the impression that our dogs were welcome to come in for fittings. I was under the impression that a professional working at the store and representing PaulMac's would know to ask permission to touch the face and mouth of anyone's dog. She was clearly letting me know that I could take my business elsewhere for my efforts to educate her on doggie etiquette. I left with a sinking feeling in my stomach and my partner and I decided that we would rather drive to another pet store where they have good customer relations even though we live blocks away from this store. I went onto the website to check what the policy is, and it clearly invites you to bring in your pooch for fittings and just to meet the employees. So what's the story with this particular Paul Mac's? I had a great experience with the one in Barrie, Ontario so I blame it on the owner who just stood by and kept his mouth shut. I went over to him and said Hi, and asked him if he remembered us. Indeed he did. She kept following me and continued the diatribe about how I should not bring my dog back if I did not want anyone to touch him! REALLY? Is that the policy? She even seemed to take pleasure in noting out loud that she had touched many animals that day and did not know if her hands which entered my puppy's mouth was disease or bacteria free. Like I said, there were sickly cats in the store for adoption today. I am looking for a head office contact to let them know but I could not find it on their website. Any one have the e-mail for me?

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By tiffanybrune on March 12, 2011 Verified by Email

Used to have a good selection - in the past few years this is no longer the case. I went to purchase fish, they have perhaps 5 types, all under an inch long, except one. Since it is now the only pet store that sells live pets, they over-charge like CRAZY. Our closest live pet store 20 mins away, its it's just as terrible... the better ones are almost an hour away.

On a slightly good note, some of the staff are getting nicer - with the exception of the older woman, she's always been horrible with customer service. And they will order anything in for you if they dont carry it - however you have to find what you want yourself because they dont carry any magazings to choose from, and they still charge the high prices.

Overall, I'm unimpressed and shop here as little as possible.

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By pareeeee on July 27, 2010 Verified by Email

OK this used to be one of the best Pet Stores in the area, but since this place changed hands it has been terrible. The new people are NOT knowledgeable, they NEVER have ANYTHING on hand that you need. They used to carry more variety of things but not anymore. Go to Owen Sound or Barrie...

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By Amaranth Smelt on March 6, 2009 Verified by Guest

The rudest sales lady I have ever met works in this store. You have to see it to believe it. I sure hope she isn't the owner.
You walk in..she ignores you. When you ask a question she 'grunts' the answer without looking up..she continues doing what she was doing. You feel like you are bothering her she rolls her eyes. It's unbelievable. I use to get all our dog food there (for our 3 dogs) but after having to be subjected to this one too many times, I have decided never to go back. I will also tell all my friends in Collingwood not to deal with this store. If the head office only knew, they would be mortified that someone like this is running a store with thier name on it.

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