Pet stores provide many offerings for all kinds of animals – from dogs and cats and to reptiles and amphibians, which is good because more than 66% of American households have a pet, according to Forbes Advisors.
Pet owners were expected to spend $150.6 billion in 2024, the American Pet Products Association told USA TODAY in December. So SouthCoastToday.com looked these local stores rated on Yelp and here is a list of favorites in the New Bedford area from Westport to Mattapoisett.
While major chain stores including Pet Supplies Plus and Petco were included in the list, we wanted to focus on more local pet supply stores and the services they offer. These six businesses provide pet services including grooming and boarding along with toys, food and other supplies.
Mellisa’s Pet Depot in Fairhaven
First on the list is Mellisa’s Pet Depot located at 8 Sarah’s Way in Fairhaven where the store features premium all natural and holistic brands of pet food as well as fresh, frozen and raw pet diets.
“Very nice locally owned store!” one reviewer said. “They sell a lot of different high quality brands and is the only place I can find my dog’s food around here. The frequent buyer program on their food there is also an added bonus, When you get 12 bags you get one free! When I go in the staff is always friendly and the animals the have always look well taken care of!”
A previous reviewer wrote, “Nice place .. been there a few times.. most recently I received some very good assistance from 1 of the employees. I got a few things I needed and few other items I didn’t need as well but it was recommended and glad I got it because my cats loved it. I’ll be back again soon I’m sure.”
Business hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Melissa’s Pet Depot in Fairhaven can be reached at 774-328-8193.
Mellisa’s Pet Depot in North Dartmouth
Make no mistake, but pet owners place Mellisa’s Pet Depot at 83 Faunce Corner Road in North Dartmouth next on the list.
Like its other store, the North Dartmouth store features premium all natural and holistic brands of pet food as well as fresh, frozen and raw pet diets along with full pet grooming services.
“Would much rather support a place like this than the larger names like Petco/PetSmart,” one reviewer wrote. “The staff are always very helpful and friendly, and they have a pretty solid selection of items here too. Plus you can tell they take a lot better of their animals than the big box stores do.”
She wasn’t alone.
Another reviewer wrote, “This small business has what you’d expect for animals and supplies. I find the prices to be a bit high compared to the big box stores like PetSmart- but for good reason. Their animals all seem well cared for, which is not something you can say for their competition. Brownie points for the fact I bought my cats FAVORITE cardboard scratcher here- she won’t use any other one lol.”
Business hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Melissa’s Pet Depot in North Dartmouth can be reached at 508-996-0088.
Cold Blooded Pets & Supplies in Acushnet
Located at 176B South Main St. in Acushnet, Cold Blooded Pets & Supplies features a large selection of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates and a thorough knowledge of the supplied needed for their proper care. New selections arrive at the shop weekly.
“I went in there looking to buy roaches for my geckos, they asked me a lot of follow up questions and I found out it was actually better to give them hornworms,” one reviewer wrote.
Another reviewer wrote, “Amazing customer service and variety of reptiles and invertebrates! I highly recommend this store!”
Business hours: Monday through Wednesday from 1 to 8 p.m.; Thursday from noon to 5 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Sundays.
Cold Blooded Pets & Supplies can be reached at 508-985-1982.
Denise’s Pet Center in Mattapoisett
At Denise’s Pet Center at 123 Fairhaven Road in Mattapoisett, customers are welcome to stock up on supplies in her retail store but nowadays she specializes in offering grooming, daycare and training services.
The business hours are from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays.
Denise’s Pet Center can be reached at 508-742-5584.
Country Dog in Westport
Country Dog at 1101 State Road in Westport specializes in grooming, pet food and supplies for dogs, cats and smaller pets including ferrets and gerbils and all-natural baked treats for dogs.
One reviewer wrote, “Country dog in Westport, Ma is a small little business packed with lots of goodies for your pets. Everything from pet food, wet, dry, and refrigerated to fun toys and treats. After driving by so many times, finally decided to stop and so glad we did. It may not look like much on the outside but once you step inside it’s such a vibrant environment.
“The worker there was friendly and answered any questions I had. He allowed me to take my time and browse through the store. This is definitely a spot I will continue shopping at! Great little gem.”
Business hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.
Country Dog can be reached at 508-676-7387.
Let’s Talk About Pets
At 410 Alden Road in Fairhaven, Let’s Talk About Pets focuses on holistic nutrition for pets with pet food, treats and toys along with dog grooming.
One reviewer wrote, “Chloe, my 13 y/o lab, had a fabulous time spending time at her grooming appointment with Lori today,” one reviewer wrote. “If you want the best for your pets, (for grooming, nutrition expertise and more) I would highly recommend utilizing her services. Not only is she knowledgeable and willing to teach, but also genuine and kind; someone I trust to care for my baby! I left today feeling empowered as a pet owner and happy that my pup made a new friend. Will 100% be back. Thank you so much Lori!!!”
Business hours: Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays from noon to 8 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Let’s Talk About Pets can be reached at (508) 965-1954.
Standard-Times staff writer Kathryn Gallerani can be reached at [email protected]. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.
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