New Pet Store/vet/groomer In Sydney (Lidcombe)

[DZaak]

Hi All,

A new Pet Store called "Best Friends" opened up in Sydney in the updated shopping centre in Lidcombe (across the road from Costco).

What makes this store so interesting is that it has a groomer AND a vet clinic inside the store. This is a good all in one stop for dog owners. I do find though that their prices on vet and grooming services to be a little high.

[Maddy]

Hi All,

A new Pet Store called "Best Friends" opened up in Sydney in the updated shopping centre in Lidcombe (across the road from Costco).

What makes this store so interesting is that it has a groomer AND a vet clinic inside the store. This is a good all in one stop for dog owners. I do find though that their prices on vet and grooming services to be a little high.

Because there's no way that could go terribly wrong or anything.

[LisaCC]

They have these stores in Canberra I think?

I've never been in one but I've had vet nurse friends work at a non franchise petshop with a connected vet and they haven't had issues. My current vet has a groomer attached to their building too, which seems to benefit people.

[Rebanne]

I've got a groomer friend who works at a vets connected to a pet store in Sydney. Basically one big building divided.

[Vehs]

They have these stores in Canberra I think?

I've never been in one but I've had vet nurse friends work at a non franchise petshop with a connected vet and they haven't had issues. My current vet has a groomer attached to their building too, which seems to benefit people.

Yup we have one in Canberra - I went there a few years ago when it opened and bought a dog jacket, but I found the prices pretty high for treats and toys. They also sold bunnies and other small animals.

I have friends who groom there

[dididog]

The vet at our local Best Friends is our regular vet for checkups and minor issues and I've found them really well informed and very accommodating of my dog's fear of vets. While I probably wouldn't use them for any major issues they're pretty cheap and always provide me with great service so while it obviously differs store to store I wouldn't discount a vet just because it's attached to a pet store.

[sunny1shine]

they have one near me and they have member nights / puppy school reunions where they've invited out flyball club to do some demo's at.

haven't used the rest of the services, their VIP member programme doesn't have points accumulation which is the norm at other pet stores near me. But the VIP gets a better price on certain products (best price on kong products with the vip)

their puppy school was the best value I found and used a dedicated room / dedicated facilitator, didn't push products on me (or I have learnt to just block that out really well)

they regularly play Queen for their piped music, and some blues traveller. Which hurts me as I have a rule of if queen or barenaked ladies are playing I need to buy something from the store playing them - luckily I only ever go when I know I need to buy something.

[DZaak]

Yes, they're services are relatively expensive.

Just FYI, they are doing grand opening sales right now. Tomorrow they have 20% off storewide. I stocked up on high quality food (Blackhawk). They also have Ivory Coat, which I just feel is too expensive when Blackhawk is still great quality. That being said, Ivory Coat is probably the best food out there that's easy enough to get in Australia based on my reading and reviews.

[Two Best Dogs!]

I love my Best Friends, the staff have gone above and beyond for us. I wouldn't use their vet for emergencies as there's a big 24/7 near us but they've been great for check ups, urine analysts, eye checks, nail clips, vaccinations.

Absolutely amazing customer service, they give us free things and they've been a major part of getting the dog to trust people.

I've written to the customer service department a couple of times because of how blown away I am.

Other things I've been tickled pink over is:

Ordering in stuff I've mentioned off hand (we have antlers! Various sizes and cut up!)

Personal reference to a dog behaviouralist

Managing other customers and staff to enable my dog to "succeed"

Moving other customers on who are disturbing us (young men who won't take "leave my dog alone" seriously)

Their never ending patience with the dog and letting us use them as people and dog rehab multiple times a week

Organising in advance to bring their dog in so my dog can meet it

Offering to meet us outside of work hours for dog greets / socialising

The vet letting me take the dog in and around examination rooms and equipment without making an appointment to accustom her to stuff

Meet and greets and general socialisation with vet and groomers (so going to vet isn't anymore stressful than any other place)

Such a huge variety in dog stuff! Rabbit stuff is less varied but pretty good.

Bought my Blackhawk and got $30 of duck treats

There's more but my break ends soon. I can't speak for other best friends store but I absolutely treasure mine, they have been one of the largest corner stones of support with the dog.

Although the one in northcote (?i think) were also hugely accomodating in letting us sneak through the back to the vet in a busy day to do the breed DNA test for funsies.

Obviouslym I too am in the bandwagon of "not discounting a vet just because theyre attached to a groomer and pet warehouse". If anything, I prefer my pet stuff to be attached to a vet for any questions etc.

Edited December 8, 2015 by Thistle the dog