Vinnie's Bow Wow Shoppe

Megan Levin

2023-10

DO NOT BUY A PUPPY HERE!!!!! I worked at this shop in 2019. All of the puppies are from puppy mills. I had access to the breeder information and after looking them all up, their kennel reports said they all had 50-100s of dogs at their “kennel” which were all owned by amish people. These kennels would constantly fail their inspections but never be shut down (this is public info you can find online). During my time working there, I had to unload puppies regularly from the owner’s car after she picked them up from the “breeders”. The puppies would be crammed in cages, covered in poop and pee, and smelling awful like a barn. They were also so scared and sick. I would have to immediately bathe the dogs so they could go up for sale. Every time I bathed the dogs, they were literally paralyzed with fear, covered in fleas and dirt, nails growing into their paw pads, sometimes had cuts and scabs, and had clearly never interacted with people. ALL of the dogs had fleas. Some had health problems like missing eyes, parvo, kennel cough, etc. I got a dog from there for free because he is missing a paw. The owner says she personally chooses each puppy for the shop, but didn’t notice that my puppy’s paw was missing? The vet that they used when I worked there made everyone very uncomfortable to the point that some employees refused to be in the room with him when he was there. Most of the dogs there would have at least 1 health issue such as hernias and heart murmurs. During my time working there a puppy died from parvo. In the back, they had an isolation room which was disgusting. There would constantly be poop on the floor, and it was really hot in the room. Also, every dog there was some type of unethical breed such as merle dogs that don’t even come in merle, or “designer breeds” like pomsky and things like that. There were also random mixes that were obviously accidentally bred. Although the dogs were sick mixed breeds, they were sold for thousands of dollars. I saw a receipt that said the owner purchased a dog from the breeder for $50 and sold it for $3,000. One of the breeders that they worked with in 2019, address 84 Williams Run Rd in Christiana, PA supplied most of the dogs to the shop and had many different breeds and mixed breeds of puppies. These people will swear up and down that the puppies are not from puppy mills but from first hand experience they 100% are. A girl I worked with here bought a puppy and it died at like 2 years old from genetic issues. If you buy a dog from here, know you’re supporting the continued neglect of dogs in puppy mills. I have reported this business and the breeders and nothing has happened. Just because it is still open doesn’t mean it’s okay. Although I worked here years ago, I STILL hear and see people getting sick puppies from here.

Casey Sirk

2024-01

I would give them 0 stars if I could!! Listen to all of the bad reviews!!! Do NOT buy a puppy from them!! They do not take care of the animals, and they rush you threw the paperwork so you can't really read it but once you actually read it all, it doesn't match up. "Vet records" saying the dogs a different color than he actually is the breed is wrong and so much more. And of course they'll do nothing about it. Save yourself the money and heartbreak. DO NOT GET A PUPPY FROM HERE!! MAJOR SCAM ARTISTS!!!

Kristi huber

2024-02

This business was clean and well taken care of. I purchased a boxer puppy here last month and had no problems. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Lots of puppies to choose from.

chasity rose

2023-10

My friend bought a dog from here and long story short the puppy ended up having many health issues and cost her a lot of money in vet bills (about a 1000 or so). When she tried to address the health concerns with owner she was very rude and was not sympathetic. NEVER get a dog from here. I have never heard of such a inhumane place and the lack of concern for the puppies well-being is absolutely disgusting. I have heard similar stories from others who bought puppies from here and it just breaks my heart.

Christopher Holtry

2023-09

Just look at the reviews from less than a year ago. And look at the photos. Clearly you have someone who is taking advantage of living creatures and the hearts of human beings to capitalize and make money. You should NEVER buy a dog, and the dog dies or is diagnosed with some sort of illness/disease/abnormality within the first 6 months of purchasing an animal from a reputable breeder. Clearly something is going if dogs are dying. What’s even more sad, is the people who run these types of places hope and pray on people with big hearts that become attached to an animal. They just hope the minute you get the dog home you fall in love and will do anything in your power to ween the dog back to full health and it’s no longer their problem and they have already cashed your check and are laughing all the way to the bank. It’s absolutely disgusting a place like this is still legally allowed to operate in the state of PA. This place is nothing more than a glorified puppy mill, who tries to dress it up as “upscale” pet store! Afraid not, take a look at the hamster size cages filled with feces they force their puppies to live in. BUYER BEWARE. And if you are stupid enough to even think about purchasing a dog from here, ask them if you can see the mother and father of the puppy? Where does the puppy live 24/7? What do they do with the puppies that they are unable to sell? The answer will shock and disgust you. 🤮🤮🤮

Tad Henderson

2023-10

Please never purchase a dog from Vinnie’s. I’d give them a negative rating if I could. They lie about their dogs’ medical histories and the owner of the establishment genuinely has zero regard for the well being of the puppies being sold. God’s creatures should not have to suffer at the hands of greed.

Jacki Nelson

2023-10

These people shouldn’t be in business they’ll sell you a dog that’s been medically neglected and then will ignore the 10th health guarantee but in the words of Jodi “that’s the risk you take when buying a dog” . Why should YOU care? just because a friend had a good experience DOESN’T mean everyone one else has too / this is a one off I read the original post about the gross negligence of this company and there where victims in the comments telling their stories about buying from these people. Go somewhere else that’s actually credible.

Kayla Lynn

2023-10

I just called to ask for a price of one of the puppies. I then asked if I could see the parents. The lady immediately got defensive and said no multiple times. These dogs are from puppy mills. They will have health problems either right when you take them home or later in life. Research before you buy. Don't support puppy mills.

DeeDee

2023-05

My personal experience: I have the funds the space had the desire for a while. Haven't had a dog in a long time. As I would usually want a large dog not fair to them in current house. I don't know any breeders. My circle of ppl is small I'm always working or with the kids. A small dog for the family is a perfect fit (we have a zoo lizards etc) as our new family member. It was very hard for me to find what I was looking for. I know it exists. My lady told me about your store. I recently had a staycation and was like if we get a dog like now is the optimum time. I was hesitant about going to this place. Kudos to the staff it was a crazy day kids everywhere. I saw clean cages and dogs that were taken out for and cared for in turns. I can't help that I would leave a negative review and received a dying puppy with no help but I also understand puppies are prone to illness. After I let the lady play with a few some corgis were more in my price range for actual animal purchase. I love her. She was sent home at 5 1/2 months healthy and up to date vet visits. Staff and manager included were very helpful for advice on first few days. She is responding to training well and is my service dog. While again I can't stress enough I can't speak for the people I've seen on here where their animals got sick but every puppy I saw recently looked good and very taken care of and i feel this place gets bad reviews as a whole. People are real quick to smite pet shops like this and praise breeders when a lot of breeders are trash ppl. I would deff go here for a dog again. Thank you guys we love Billie Jean.

Eli Perez

2023-05

I bought a chihuahua from this place, the same night the puppy was coughing all night. The following day I took him to Vinnie’s so their vet would check him. The vet said that the puppy had wet cough and congestion. They sent us home with a 10 day supply of medication. After 10 days the dog was still coughing but not as much. On 12/31/22 I took him to the Pet hospital ER cause the puppy got worst. The next day 1/1/23 my puppy died. They sold me a sick dog and according to the lemon law I should get my money back. Called Vinnie’s , requested to talk to the owner or manager, the lady there told me that neither of them were there and asked for my name and number so they could call me back, still waiting. Might have to take legal action.

Linda Walter

2023-05

Buyer beware. Bought a Corgi puppy in January. They stated on the contract she does not have any congenital problems. She did have some. One was noticed right away at our vet. From the beginning she has had urinary issues. She had to have major surgery. To date we spent almost $5,000 to get her healthy. Plus had to drive an hour away to a vet that has experience treating Ectopic Ureters. To date not a word out of Vinnie's. They have all the paperwork and bills from the vet. All I wanted was for them to share in the costs. They haven't even admitted any wrong. I would give them 0 stars if I could.

Hailey Shultz

2022-05

Previously purchased our $2500 boxer from this pet shoppe with no issues back in March. We noticed that his brother still had not been bought. The price for this boxer had been dropped to $1599 since he hadn’t been adopted yet. We called twice asking for a discount on this puppy considering we have his brother. Employees told us they would contact us after talking to the owners and never did. We showed up in person to the pet shoppe and the owner happened to be there and was easily willing to sell this dog for $1100. Which clearly the employees never reported to the owners that we were interested. HOWEVER. The conditions of this pet shoppe upon our return were MISERABLE. The temperature inside the VERY SMALL building was no less than 90°. There were 30-40 dogs packed in. The entire placed stank of feces. We ended up not getting the puppy due to a dominance issue. But my heart felt so miserably for these poor dogs. The owners at this shop only care about money and not the well-being of the dogs that they are trying to profit from. They shouldn’t be allowed to be open.

Nelly's World

2023-05

If I could give this store no stars I would they don't even deserve 1 star. I bought a puppy from them paid $2,400 and got home and the puppy was sick and had hundreds of ear Termites and I had to pay a $250 vet bill to get the puppy better and the staff is so rude. Then a year later I commented on their Facebook page if they can take a picture of a puppy and then they blocked my Facebook page for nothing. I don't recommend this puppy shoppe at all.

Soapy Tuna

2021-05

THIS PLACE IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable about all aspects of the process. We came into this skeptical,and left with two additions to the family! They had all the records of their checkup with their Dr and what we should feed them,and about their care for the first year or so because they're puppies. I would definitely recommend anyone looking for a fur-baby to stop in and talk to the staff because like I said they're amazing at what they do.

Allie Fordham McLean

2019-05

A friend and I stopped by this place on our way home from Lancaster PA thinking it was a dog supply shop. We were pleasantly surprised by all the barking that greeted us when we walked in! We liked getting to play with some of the puppies while we were there and the staff working there was very friendly. We left with just a few of the biscuits.I personally would not recommend purchasing a puppy or kitten from a store when adoption is a better choice, but the animals appeared healthy and cared for from what I could tell during our brief stop.

daddy daughter podcast

2020-05

Wonderful place. We payed alot of money for our Yorkie here. It was one of the most expensive place around. However it seemed as if they really had taken care of the puppies and that's always number 1 and important to find. We have had no trouble making our monthly payments. No trouble with our Yorkie. We are just happy to have such an amazing little puppy. We will and have recommended this shop to others.

J&L C

2021-05

First let me say these puppies were adorable. The prices were what I would expect to pay a breeder for accredited registered puppies. These were not. The ages stated were questionable to me. I am no expert so I could be wrong but they appeared to be much younger than stated. Like I said I could be wrong. The smallest puppies were on the bare floor. No towels or blankets or toys. Just each other unless one was being held then the other was alone. The young girls caring for them appeared to comfort them as able but a simple blanket and maybe a soft toy would have been nice to see. They looked to be in good health but were terrified and shaking in the corners if the playpens on the cold floor. We did consider a purchase but decided to get a pup elsewhere.

Jerry Mcclure

2023-09

Personal experience, I was told the breed I bought was going to grow to a medium size, I think there a little confused. He's 8 month old and is still small.

Brooklyn Lamparter

2021-05

Thank You Vinnies Bow Wow for the best Pomsky in the world💙 Everest and i love the shoppe and recommend them to anyone puppy shopping

Rachel Ritchey

2022-05

DO NOT support this business or buy animals fromthem! My mom and I stopped in today to look at the puppies, and our hearts immediately broke when we saw what conditions they were being kept in. There were cages lined up stacked beside each other in the back room with shredded newspaper and a water bottle in each small metal cage. The puppies were trying desperately to escape the small cages they were kept in when they saw us. They wanted to be loved and cared for. Some of the puppies were trying to physically chew out of their cages to get to us. Absolutely heartbreaking that this is the way they treat their animals. It is all about profiting from these puppy mill puppies. ADOPT from a shelter!!

Gregory Shaffer

2018-05

We've stopped in a few times on the way to the in law's. They usually have a great selection of puppies and this time a puppy chose me right after we walked in. This is our first actual purchase from them and I was able to get a veteran discount so not too bad of a price and filling everything out was quick and easy. Would recommend to anyone else based on my simple purchase. Will update my review if my opinion changes in the future.

Deborah Anderson

2022-05

If. You are looking for a dog this is the place to go. We are looking for a dog and took my granddaughters there last weekend. We found 2 dogs we liked but not the perfect one. But we will be back to pick her soon.Very nice employees and all the dogs looked great.

J. R.

2021-05

The staff I met on 3 occasions during the last 7 months were nice and friendly. The young woman with the tattoos (sorry I don't remember the name) is very knowledgeable and good with customers. That's the only reason for the 2 stars.Most of the dogs here are mutts. Nothing wrong with that, some of the best dogs are mutts or mixed breeds. The issue is the prices being charged. Some of the mixed names are just made up, and this store is charging prices like the pups are some kind of valuable designer dogs. They are not.My neighbor wanted a yellow lab, this store wants 2 thousand and up. Local breeders are now in 2021 charging half that for pure yellow labs with both parent dogs onsite. They purchased 2 beautiful labs for $1100 each.I wanted a Border Collie after losing my Collie last summer. Vinnies had some mixed borders last September 2020, they wanted $1100. I offered $800. They countered with $900. Before the pandemic a pure border sold for $550. Vinnies is taking advantage of the current health crisis. I went back 2 weeks later and they still had 3 of 4 of those border mixed pups, they were 14 weeks old and all available for $900. I figured I'd wait until the price gouging declined. Many sellers were/are gouging, not just Vinnies.I went back to Vinnies at the end of February 2021. No Border Collie pups available. They said to check back soon. Sure enough they got some in. . . $1699.00 each! I had no intention of going back there.Now quality breeders are offering Border Collies for much more reasonable prices. I found plenty for under $800. I purchased my new Border from a farmer, he had both parent dogs there for me to see, touch and play with. The farmer raises these and trains them to work and compete at herding. I paid $600.All the dogs at Vinnies, listed on their website tonight, are way overpriced. That's what prompted me to write my experience here. I don't do reviews on Google and I take no pleasure in writing a bad review about a local small business, but the prices here are crazy. You can do better... ask my new pup.

Beth Vandyke

2021-05

My best friend, a pug mix, came from Vinnies about three years ago. She has brought so much joy to our lives over the past several years, and I am so glad we added her to our family. She was (and still is) in great health! The owner of the shop spent a great deal of time explaining to my kids and I how to care for our new puppy. I am so thankful for Vinnies!

Dana Guthridge

2019-05

Although I don't do reviews, I have to on this one. I got my puppy there yesterday he's a Mal-Shi. The place is extremely clean and the animals are well taken care of. The gentleman who took care of our purchase was wonderful and knowledgeable. We'll be going back in time for another puppy.

Sophie Martin

2021-05

This place is very sad. There were at least 30 puppies in dirty cages in a very small area. The place smelled when you walked in and the pups had no toys or blankets, just dirty newspapers that are shredded by the staff so you can't see all the poop. The prices averaged about $1500 per pup but some were not even AKC registered. Staff were nice but we promptly left and contacted the AKC for breeder referrals.

Angel Feliciano

2020-05

It's a very nice place, my wife and I got our first puppy just about 2 years ago. Today we when to get our second puppy and we didn't. Not because of the puppy it self but the information we got online and the one we got at the store was completely different. All the puppies where stain with the news paper tint/ink. The place smell really bad, so bad they where spraying to neutralize the funk....yes I understand is a pet shop, but even the SPCA don't smell like that. The girls where not professional as they where in years past. And sitting and acting clueless when questions where ask didn't help. I have to do my research if I want my questions answered is more or less was the response I got.... Maybe I can convince my wife to go back in 2 weeks to see if there were any changes and maybe I can bring a second puppy home....

Angie Crall

2024-01

Big fat 0 don't buy here trust me. Toooo much to explain.

Laura Hemler

2022-05

I have bought two puppies from here, between the pair I spent over $6,600. Very overpriced. I had to call in an wait several months to receive the males paperwork, I had to keep calling in to check to see if they got then. I kept getting one excuse after another

Lacie Crawford

2023-11

I got 2 pomskies here and couldn't have fallen more inlove with them both. Thanks for completing our family!