James MartinI have a friend with an adorable dog that I like to pretend is a bit mine too. My friend’s golden retriever, Benny, and I have explored more pet stores in Halifax than I can count—he’s got to see every single one!
Last week, I went on yet another pet store adventure, lured by his joyful tail wags. Someone’s got to make sure he gets only the best, right? These trips for squeaky toys and tasty snacks have turned me into a bit of an expert on pet stores.
So, even though I don’t have a pet, my many outings with my honorary fur nephew have helped me uncover the top spots in the city. Let’s check out the shops that have earned his bark of approval!
How We Chose the Best Pet Stores in Halifax
1. Hello Pets
Address: 3569 Dutch Village Rd
Phone: +1 902-425-4150
Business hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Hello Pets has a great selection of products for dogs, with all kinds of food options, including those with special dietary needs. They offer bones, bully sticks, chews, supplements, and grooming supplies to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Cats get plenty of love too. They stock quality dry and wet foods, alongside tasty treats and a variety of toys and accessories designed to keep your cats busy and content.
However, it’s worth nothing that the range of options for dogs is more extensive compared to cats.
One thing we love about this pet store is its commitment to quality, especially its local products in the “Made in the Maritimes” section. It’s nice to know you’re supporting local businesses while getting great stuff for your pets.
Exceptional service
I visited Hello Pets for the first time yesterday after finding it on Google Maps. I was very pleasantly surprised to find out how large of a selection they have. Prices seemed fair as well. I spoke to Mohammad (Owner) while there about some weight management food for my cat and he was very knowledgeable on the topic and helped me to find the best option. His customer service and attention to detail was exceptional and I’ll definitely shop there again. I recommend stopping in to see their selection.
-Mitchell, Google Review
Impeccable service
I’m so glad to have found Hello Pets! With three dogs and two cats, keeping up with their food supply is a constant challenge, but this local pet food store has made it so much easier. They carry the brands we need, and their service is impeccable—our order was ready promptly, we received a discount on our first purchase, and are also enrolled in their loyalty program. What really blew me away was the extra care they put into our visit. When we picked up our order, they had included bonus items—wet and dry food for both the dogs and cats. I was debating which chews to get for our Labs (who devour them in seconds), and they even threw in two for us to try! Needless to say, we’ll definitely be back. It’s so great to have this little hidden gem in our community. Highly recommend!
-Sean Margueratt, Google Review
2. PetSmart
Address: 201 Chain Lake Dr Unit 2
Phone: +1 902-450-1367
Business hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
PetSmart has something for every pet owner. For your cats, they offer treats, fun toys, and fancy litter boxes that keep your home smelling fresh. The Seresto flea and tick collars are also great for keeping your adventurous kitty safe.
This place isn’t just for cats though. Dogs, birds, fish, and reptiles can find what they need too. If you want to set up a home for a reptile or create a relaxing fish tank, they’ve got all the kits and supplies you’ll need.
There’s also plenty of food for birds, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
But convenience doesn’t stop at products. PetSmart also offers grooming, nail trimming, and even in-store vet care. One happy customer shared with us how handy it is to buy food and get a vet checkup in one visit, saving a lot of her time.
Keep in mind that since this place caters to many pets, specialized items for more unique animals might be limited.
Fantastic customer service
I’ve been to the store many times and have always received fantastic customer service. The staff seems to always be happy friendly and helpful. They really have a “can-do” attitude. I find that the store is clean, very well laid out with a good selection of products at a reasonable price. This is my go-to store for Walter and fluffy cat supplies.
-Melissa, Google Review
Great variety and quick service
I like the variety of cat food available here. Prices are average, but I accumulate a lot of points over the course of the year. I don’t normally seek staff assistance so I can’t comment on that. I do find that even when lines are long, they are quick.
-Christa du Plooy, Google Review
3. Pet Valu
Address: 5686 Spring Garden Rd
Phone: +1 902-490-9900
Business hours:
- Monday to Saturday -9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Pet Valu has a variety of products and services that cater to nearly every aspect of pet care. Besides offering premium foods for dogs, cats, birds, and other pets, this place is well-stocked with a range of other products.
They carry a good selection of toys to keep your pets entertained and active. Plus, they have accessories like beds, collars, and leashes to make sure your pets are comfortable and well-equipped.
If you’re an aquarium enthusiast, you’ll find an assortment of aquatic supplies to keep your fish tank thriving.
One thing we really like about Pet Valu is their grooming product selection. They offer more than just your basic shampoos and conditioners; they have specialized grooming tools that can make taking care of your pets a breeze.
However, it’s worth mentioning that if you’re looking for very specific or exotic items, the selection might be somewhat limited.
Lovely store with reasonable prices
Such a lovely pet store. The staff are super helpful and very knowledgeable about their products. And their prices are very reasonable. I’ve bought items like dog kennels, beds, and harnesses there and they weren’t any more expensive than equivalent items on Amazon. But unlike Amazon, it’s easy to get refunds and exchanges.
-Kim Scaravelli, Google Review
Convenient location and excellent staff
Convenient location, huge product selection, EXCELLENT and super helpful staff! They usually have what my diva cat is looking for, and if it is not in stock in that store they will move inventory from another store. They also provide online ordering with shipping or in-store pick-up; I have used this service and it is uncomplicated.
-Jonathan Hannam, Google Review
4. Ren’s Pets
Address: 212 Chain Lake Dr #2
Phone: +1 902-982-3947
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
When it comes to keeping your pets happy and healthy, nutrition is no joke, and Ren’s Pets gets that. They have several food choices for dogs, cats, birds, and even the little critters, all sorted for what each pet needs.
Got an active dog? They’ve got grain-free, high-protein foods ready. Cats with special dietary needs? No worries, they have options for them too. They haven’t forgotten about your fish and birds either, with feeds that pack the right nutrients.
But Ren’s Pets isn’t just about food. They’re really into keeping your pets feeling great all over. They’ve stocked up on supplements and vitamins to help with all sorts of pet health stuff, like joint support and digestion.
One customer mentioned to us that they love how there’s also a bunch of dental care products, so her pet’s teeth can stay nice and clean.
The catch? With all these quality goodies, the prices might be a bit steep for some.
Goes above and beyond for pet needs
We love Ren’s! It’s hard to find the big bags of Oxbow rat food in the city, and we’ve had a difficult time getting other pet stores to order it for us. Ren’s called us 20 minutes after we left the store asking about it to let us know that there was a bag in Dartmouth with our name on it! Ren’s goes above and beyond and we always trust them with all our pet needs. We also just got an awesome water fountain for our geriatric cat for only $30! Thanks Ren’s! (Pictured: geriatric cat and her new fountain)
-Kara Gordon-MacKay, Google Review
Top-notch selection
This store…. it’s unbelievable. The staff is absolutely fantastic and helpful. Location is great. The store is large so the isles are wider which makes shopping easier when it’s busy. It’s bright and clean. The company has picked some of the best quality items from food choices to grooming products. As someone who’s shopped big retail box stores and also the smaller ones, this by far has it all. If the staff at the store you go to doesn’t greet and help answer questions (or just flat out rude), come in to Rens Halifax and be treated the right way. My dogs can’t get enough of this gem. So happy Rens is apart of Halifax now!!
-Stephanie W, Google Review
5. Jollytails Intercolonial
Address: 3484 Intercolonial St
Phone: +1 902-469-4738
Business hours:
- Monday – Closed
- Tuesday to Friday – 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM
- Saturday – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Jollytails Intercolonial has a great range of services for busy pet owners, including doggy daycare, grooming, and training.
What we love about this place is its commitment to quality, especially with its food products. They’ve got all sorts—from dry kibble to raw diets.
Their selection of accessories is equally impressive, ranging from practical harnesses to fun toys that keep playtime exciting. Plus, they carry premium brands like Acana, Orijen, and Farmina, so you know your pet is getting natural, GMO-free goodness.
If you shop regularly, their loyalty program is a bonus. After buying a certain number of items, you get a free bag of food. It’s a nice perk that saves you money in the long run.
However, if you have exotic pets, you might need to look elsewhere as Jollytails mainly focuses on dogs and cats.
Heartfelt and caring customer relations
I used this jolytalis location for years with my chocolate lab Hollodet. I ended up moving and he got old and sadly we said goodbye to him before Christmas. Today jollitails posted a really heartfelt condolences with pictures and lots of kind words and stories. I’m not sure how they found out about him as I haven’t been there in a couple years This meant so much five stars all around.
-John Gaudet, Google Review
Trustworthy and attentive pet care
The most trustworthy place I have ever left my dogs to be cared for, bought food from and accessories. I have used all 4 locations and can say with confidence that I am equally pleased with all locations attention to my dogs (and my own) anxieties about not being under my care. The staff are all kind and know my dogs by name and even know about the one dogs allergies without reminder! Saw the earlier post about not allowing potties which is absolutely false as I have a pit who attends daycare weekly with open arms from the staff. Can’t recommend this place enough!
-Alla Fiddes, Google Review
