Animates product reviews

Store: Hamilton

We have two Animates stores in Hamilton. One on Te Rapa Road, and another on Bridge Street. Both stores follow the same Animates formula which seems to be so successful, though the newest store on Bridge Street is much smaller in size.

A trip to Animates is always a fun and generally free experience for our family. We can go along, view all sorts of animals - cold water and tropical fish, birds of all kids, rodents - guinea pigs, rabbits, rats and mice as well as cats and dogs.

The animals are generally priced more expensive than other pet stores, especially the cats and dogs (though the axolotls are pricey as well compared to other stores). I do think that if you are prepared to pay, you are probably going to be more committed to your pet. I also love that Animates is now working closely with the SPCA, so that a lot of their cats and dogs are sourced from the SPCA. That means those animals get a better chance at their forever home and you will be donating some money towards the SPCA with your purchase.

The selection of animal food, and treats and toys is amazing at Animates compared to other stores. And the animals always seem clean, and well looked after. The staff are pretty knowledgeable, and the brochures on all the different pets are really handy. I even got good advice on how to clean an old fish tank from a staff member.

Another thing that Animates does fairly regularly is have special animal days, usually fundraising for SPCA. We go along, have pony rides and meet all the exotic animals you dont normally see in a pet store, like Alpacas, Bearded Dragons, pedigree cats and dogs, etc. Its a lot of fun.

All in all, really like Animates and will keep visiting again and again!

Store: Henderson, Auckland

My nearest Animates is in Lincoln Road, Henderson, Auckland. Whenever I have been to the store the animals always look healthy and their cages are clean. The main thing I like about Animates is their adoption policy with cats and dogs it stops impulse buying pets because all owners must go through certain steps to get an animal from there, this is great because only people who truly want a pet will go through the process. A very good store if you're looking for a furry friend.

Store: Palmerston North

I love animates, the staff are so helpful there, I have a couple of very fussy dogs and the staff really went out of their way to help me get a food that was not only good for my dogs but something that they actually like :)

I do find their prices are a bit expensive but you are getting quality from them and expertise which not all pet shops have.

I am always looking at the new puppies, and have noticed more than once a little one have an accident and within minutes the paper has been changed and the cage is clean again, I am very impressed with this, hygiene is very important with these little ones.

One thing that really impressed me is that they offer a full money back guarantee on their pet foods, so if you get one that doesn't suit your pet, they will refund and help you find another one until you find the right food, I really think that is great, very helpful :)

Store: Auckland (un-named)

I am an Auckland Animates user (they used to be Jansens up here) and they are by far the best pet shop around - but be careful, their staff are really pushy and you get pestered by every employee in the building! Unless you really want help tell them to B off and leave you alone or they wont give up. They all seem to be the same - be careful what they offer you too, when buying stuff for my fish tanks they assumed I was a beginner and suggested all these products I knew I didnt need. Dont let that put you off - like I said I reckon they are the best around and the staff know their stuff - just be aware that they are all car salesmen! Hahaha. Their prices are pretty high and rate badly against the other shops I visit sometimes but their sales are usually spectacular - stock up when there is a sale on - never buy full price unless you have to.

Store: Palmerston North

I've been to Animates a few times now and have mixed reviews. They have a great range of tropical fish, which is the only pet I've bought or are likely to. Their tanks are incredibly clean and well labeled. Prices are fine and the staff seem knowledgeable. They have a fantastic range of aquariums, plants and everything else you're likely to need to look after your fish.
Their kittens and puppies always seem incredibly expensive but I think you could be sure of getting a well looked after pet. Their living conditions are top class - very clean and comfy. A friend and I visited the other day in our lunchbreak and were given the opportunity to cuddle a puppy that was the cross between a poodle and something else. I don't like the idea of mating two different breeds to create designer breeds but the puppy was cute. The staff like to have the dogs handled by other people so that they grow up used to being handled. Helps socialise them.
I joined the Animates club a few years ago when they first opened but have never, ever heard from them. They have events from time to time but I only ever find out if I happen to drive past the shop and see the advertising outside - I've never received a newsletter or invitation or anything. So I'm not sure what the membership is all about. When I was in Animates last week it was quiet and the 3 staff were very attentive but I've been in at other times where it was busy and you just couldn't get anyone to serve you. That's always frustrating and at times I've walked out in frustration. We only have 1 other pet shop in Palmerston North so it's good to have some competition. They certainly have some great products, particularly accessories and toys. It's a great way to spend some time.

Store: Palmerston North

Well, it was my son's birthday and his Mum had bought him a fishtank. He wasn't too impressed, so we decided "Maybe we should put in some fish too." Radical, huh.

So, it was off to Animates for a fishing session with a 4 year old. After much debate with the wee lad, and much lively conversation with the very friendly and helpful staff member Nez, we decided on two fish, Spot and Sushi.

While Nez chased the fish around the tank with the net, and eventually cornered, captured and bagged them, the young man and I went for a wander around to check the place out.

We saw it all... the kittens and puppies were adorable, kept in glass-front cubbyholes that would be better called pet apartments. They were spacious, clean smelling and clean looking, furnished with good sturdy beds and playtoys, fresh clean water and well-stock food bowls. They were obviously not stressed in any way and quite happy and carefree. Impressive.

We saw the fish (naturally) and the turtles, and the waterweed tanks were well sorted, giving a clear view of the varieties. The only complaint there was that since the store had only opened a week prior, the stocks were still a little low... a problem the Manager, Daniel, was quick to point out would be resolved shortly. The stock was already in transit and was expected shortly.

The rabbits and other rodents, well, they smell bad anyways, but the cages were arranged in such a way as to minimise the smell without reducing the visibility of the animals. So that earned some seriously good kudos from this reviewer.

The birds were, as all bird cages are, an impressive chaos of noise and colour... exactly right for capturing the attention of the kids and officianados alike.

Accessories... erm, to say there was a comprehensive line is an understatement. And as if that wasn't enough, they have a clearly displayed promise, along the lines of "If we haven't got it, we'll do our best to get it" which I had to admit is a great policy.

Overall, I just had to admit that if I had a place that allowed pets, I would be buying them from Animates. There are plenty of pet shops in town, but none quite compare with Animates for sheer coverage, staff energy and knowledge. Even though they closed at 6pm, I was still able to ring Nez up at 6:15pm and get the full instructions for getting the fishtank ready and the fish into their new home with a minimum of fuss and stress for the fish. She was cheerful, informative and keen to be of help. Great to see.