Natural Pet Essentials

Sara Senn

2024-02

I have been shopping here since 2016 and can't imagine where the health of my dogs would be without Natural Pet. There have been times when I would go just to talk through nutrition with Kim and times when I just wanted to snuggle whatever shop pet was in that day. There are always fun monthly events where you can help give back to our community, and the store always has great energy.

J C

2023-09

LOVE THIS PLACE! Was stopping through this town and saw this cute pet store. Washed our two French Bulldogs and they loved it so much. Staff was so kind and helpful. When stopping through town I’ll definitely come back!

Elizabeth Thompson

2023-11

Amazing locally owned pet store. The owner, Kim, stocks a great selection of dog and cat food, toys, treats, beds, supplements and more! Everyone at the store has always been friendly and knowledgable the products they sell, and they've helped me with everything from finding lowfat treats for Austin (doggo) when he needed them, to helping me figure out a good hypoallergenic shampoo/conditioner to help with his allergic reaction itchy skin. I would highly recommend this store to anyone who loves their dog or cat, it has a much better selection than you'll find in those big chain stores; as an added bonus you'll also be supporting a local business!Don't just take my word for it though, this store has the #CompPsyLab seal of approval!Updated 10/02/23:Several years later this store continues to be awesome. The variety & selection have increased significantly since they have additional space now. They also have a new bathing area with supplies for a very reasonable price.If all of that wasn't enough to convince you to give this place a visit, then let me add that they have the *best* customer service. I hadn't been in for nearly a year, since right after #CompPsyLab passed away. While on vacation we had to swap #CompPsyBrooke to a new food and it had been doing wonders for her allergies & coat, plus she absolutely loved it. The staff at NPE were able to special order it for her, and had it within a few days. Thanks for saving the day NPE, you all are the best!!

Krystal C

2022-05

Natural Pet Essentials is amazing! I am so glad that I found this place. I can get the best food & treats/chews for Maya here. We have been shopping here for about a year now! Kim is absolutely the best & very knowledgeable. There is something for everyone here! The furry friends & the humans! Check ‘em out, you won’t be disappointed!

Annie Rowe

2023-09

We are THRILLED with Natural Pet Essentials. The other pet store we have been dealing with is under new management and they let us down at the last moment by ordering the wrong food for our cat, Mimi, when we were down to our last 3 cans. However, NPS saved us! Emily and Lydia were both lovely to work with and they had just what we needed - Lotus Just Juicy Chicken Stew - and gave us a case discount, which we appreciated. They also have some great freeze-dried chicken cat treats I know Mimi will love and they hope to have the Bravo cat treats when they are available again in mid-September.We were so happy to learn that Kim still owns NPS because we worked with her for so long and trust her to be there for us when we need her.All in all, such a happy coincidence that landed us right where we belong! They say every cloud has a silver lining - and NPS is ours. Hooray!Annie, Mack and Mimi Rowe, Madison, VA =^o^=

Heather Michelle

2023-08

Best locally owned pet shop around! The people who work here are kind and knowledgeable! My mom, who lives in DC, waits for her trips to visit to get all her pet supplies here! We love this store!

EmilyAnne Detlefs

2023-09

There will never be enough words to describe how special this store is to me. For anyone who has shopped here, you know the feeling. For anyone still deciding if they want to shop here, do it. Go. If you want to know why, bear with me through this review- I promise it's worth it.I moved here in 2020 with 2 dogs. I now have a total of 4, and while I've always sought to treat my animals to the best of my ability, my knowledge of how to do so has only grown since moving here and discovering NPE.I previously worked for a large multi-million dollar pet corporation, where I began a lot of research on the proper care for pets. It was around this time that I discovered NPE and became a customer. Right away, the staff paid attention to my needs, to my dogs, to what I already knew, and to what I wanted to know. They never once made me feel inferior for my choices or lack of knowledge about a topic within the pet industry. Instead, they helped foster an educational environment within the store. It was never about up-selling a product, it was ALWAYS about helping pet parents understand the importance of animal wellness... that was enough of a success for them. Any time I walked in there, they knew me by name. They treated me like a friend rather than someone with a wallet. They showed genuine interest and care about my dogs, despite not knowing them personally. They had conversations with me and made me feel welcome.I've been to several natural pet stores around the area and VA in general, and never once did they remember who I was the next time I came in- never once did they want to just have a conversation about wellness, or look to educate me on things I was curious about. It was always a game of how much they could get away with charging me.For all the time I've been shopping at NPE, I've never felt this way.If you've managed to read this far along in my review, now is when I get to the part where I tell you that NPE has absolutely changed our lives.My second dog; a black lab named Sirius, has been with me since he was 6 weeks old. He's always been my "problem child" with allergies, ear infections, hip/joint issues, you name it, and he probably deals with it. But he is my soul dog in every sense of the word and its meaning.He turned 4 this past February, and exactly one month later, Sirius was diagnosed with Lymphoma and given 12-14 months to live with the most aggressive chemotherapy treatment. While I waited for the confirmation of Lymphoma, Sirius had stopped eating and was extremely sick. I walked into NPE after work one afternoon and was greeted by the owner (Kim), who practically greets everyone and their mother by name (I'm convinced she knows the entire population of Charlottesville). She was cheerful as usual and started to ask me how I was and the usual chatter we'd all do. I had immediately broken down in tears about Sirius potentially having cancer, and not being able to get him to eat.Kim was so compassionate and caring in that moment- a moment I'll never forget as she helped me find different things for him to try, suggested other holistic options, and has continued to help me fight this battle for Sirius all these months later- and one of the many reasons I will always show support and dedication to her and her business. Her and her team have been my foundation during this fight, never failing to check in on me/Sirius, offer advice, share things she's found in her own research/travels, etc. I honestly don't know if I'd be able to make it where I am today had it not been for them.Kim and her staff have continued to help me get through one of the hardest times in my life. Every single damn day I will be thankful for NPE and what they've provided me with against this fight. It's because of them that I've now actively sought out canine nutrition certifications, that I've learned about the benefits of fresh food and supplementation, that I've found a family within the pet community that will never cease their love and support for those they surround themselves with.NPE will always be it.

Philia Lienardy

2023-05

Just visited this shop recently and 100/10 highly recommend!! First dog owner and parent here, and I had my dog’s first bath at this place and it was fantastic! Even other customers are very supportive. The cashier lady gave us a goodie bag which has tons of treats and dog food and gave me some recommendations on safe product for my dog. I can keep going on about how good this place is!! I live nearby and I’ll always keep coming back here for my dog supplies. Go show them some loves!!

William Wallace

2023-05

I've been going to see Kim for years. 3 dogs and 4 cats later, It's still my go-to store for all the things. The new dog wash stations are a big hit with me although Guinness misses his showers with daddy :-) Highly recommend!

Anne Brown

2022-05

Same as my last review. I drive almost 2 hours to this store. And I stock up on all the healthy food and snacks my big boy loves. The selection is second to none, the staff is amazing. Friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. The store is always neat and clean. And they're getting ready to open their do it yourself dog wash. Best place for all your pet needs!

Mike Hatz

2024-02

Great staff; knowledgeable and extremely helpful. Huge selection of items. Always nice to visit.

Jonathan Lee

2023-05

Long time customer, first time reviewer.It's an era of healthy body/healthy mind but we can't forget about our pets. N.P.E is amazing! From their knowledgeable/fantastic employees to their healthy pet foods options, you can't go wrong.

Tracey Shaffer

2023-05

Stopped in while vacationing in Charlottesville and was greeted by a 100+ lb bull mastiff (puppy?) charging my 11 lb Cavalier and me at the door. The bull mastiff proceeded to attack my Cavalier. I was asked if he was okay, but he obviously just wanted out of there. Once I got back to our campsite, I found that the mastiff did break skin and bruised his leg front leg. This used to be one of our favorite stops while in town, but I will not risk going back. I would advise anyone with a small or timid dog to avoid taking your dog in here.

Trista Fann

2016-05

Words cannot explain how amazing this store is. The store owner, Kim, is experienced in the field and extremely knowledegeable about all things nutrition. She can make recommendations about what foods to feed and supplements to give any pet with almost any condition or special need. The store is clean, well organized, and has 2 adorable bulldog store greeters. You can't go wrong supporting this local business.

Tamsin Stewart

2021-05

Kim has been my best & most consistent resource in feeding my 5 cats (sigh, I know!) for many years now, and will go to the ends of the earth to help me with their individual dietary needs. The store is immaculate, bright & cheery, and stocked with a fabulous assortment of food, supplements, toys, gifts, little wearables etc. - all 1st class items. Although primarily focused on dogs, Kim is knowledgeable about & committed to providing the very best for felines as well. Like most of her customers, I consider a visit to NPE the bright spot in my day, and 'Essential' pretty much sums it up for me.

Megan Beuscher

2020-05

I was appalled at the customer service I experienced at Natural pet essentials. My partner and I stopped by on customer appreciation day this past Saturday. The owner and one other employee were working. We were not greeted upon entering the store and were ignored the entire time we were shopping. There was only one other customer in the store. No one asked if we needed help or came over to see our dog. Both my partner and I work In the canine industry and have never been treated so rudely. When checking out the owner refused to look at us or make small talk despite spending over $80. I am not writing this bad review based on solely this experience. I have been to Natural Pet Essentials a handful of times every one spending close to $100 and I am always ignored by the owner. I am very disappointed the store and the owner for continually disrespecting us.

Daniel K (Moose)

2023-10

Always love shopping here! They were able to special order the food we were looking for that we couldn't find anywhere else!

Jenn Muse

2022-05

So thankful for this store! Kim is a life saver! I buy all my dog’s food and treats here. I can’t say enough good things about this store and it’s amazing staff. Parker gives it 5 woofs and all the stars. 😁

Karie Reed

2019-05

I have been coming to this store for over a year now. I have dogs ranging in ages. Everything natural I need for all the different needs of my animals can be found here. Kim, the owner, also helps me brain storm about options best for my animals needs in acute situations or just daily diet. She also takes into consideration my finical limitations with no judgment, as she knows I want to get the best I can for my animals. I am alway greeted by a furry friend and helps pick me up on days I need smile. Thank you Tank and Kiwi. My nephews always ask to stop at Kiwi and Tanks Place....I highly recommend this shop.

Jennifer Jamison

2016-05

Definitely the best place to buy pet food and supplies in Charlottesville. There is a huge selection to choose from and the resident bulldogs are always ready to greet you! The owner (Kim) has widespread knowledge of all facets of pet care, and provides excellent personal customer service. Try getting that at a big box store! Do yourself and your community a favor and shop local at Natural Pet Essentials.

Carmen Renee

2023-08

Loved this little pet shop. Great options even for the pickiest of pets. Excellent customer service and the goodie bag was icing on the cake. #warmfuzzies 😂😂

Lisa Lee

2018-05

Kim saved my dog's life! Well, perhaps not literally, but certainly in sentiment. Most recently, I was complaining to her about my dog's lethargy, and she recalled that he'd had Lyme disease two years ago, and suggested I get him re-tested for Lyme. I just received a confirmation call from my vet - he has Lyme. In prior times with this same dog, Kim suggested a variety of nutrition and diet alternatives to help ease my dog's intolerance of food. Thanks to her guidance, we found a food that he tolerates, loves, and is thriving on that is also within our budget range. She also was able to recommend some accessories that have been healthy upgrades for my dog - a bowl to stop him from eating too quickly, a perfect-length lasso lead for comfortable and secure walks, and a treat ball he loves. Her expertise with all things dog - and cat! she helped me with my cats' diets as well, and they're so healthy and shiny - is valuable to me, and I shop nowhere else for my pets' needs. I recommend Natural Pet Essentials for your pets' needs, too.

Nancy Haisenleder

2022-05

Great shop, with very knowledgeable staff. Love the events and knowing they support shelters. Buy the food, treats, and toys for my dogs here because I know it is all high quality.

Jenna Ordel

2017-05

Natural Pet Essentials is a hidden treasure. My senior chihuahua, Bruno needed surgery for a punctured trachea and esophagus from a traumatic dog attack. After two weeks of eating only baby food the vet suggested we slowly try to transition to real food again to keep scar tissue from taking over. A friend referred me to NPE so I made the 45 min drive from where I live with my little guy riding shotgun. The store is beautiful, has everything you need for your fur babies and is totally dog friendly! Kim greeted us and after telling her what the past two had been like, she suggested samples to see what he would like best. Since I don't travel to that side of town very often I decided to go ahead and purchase a bag. She brought us over to her top choices of small bites he could hopefully swallow and, she reviewed ingredients and flavors with me till I made a decision. Kim also told me if it didn't go as planned I could get a refund and try something else.As soon as I got home I poured him a little bowl of what we chose, soaked it a few minutes in water and, HE LOVED IT and scarfed it down! Hopefully over the next few weeks he will be eating regular dry kibble again thanks to Kim's great knowledge of everything she sells and stands by. We will be regular customers now, the drive seems like nothing when you have somebody who cares as much for your babies as you do. Only the best for the best. THANKYOU KIM!

Ava C

2018-05

Wonderful little pet store with a nice variety of supplies and food. The owner is super friendly and knowledgeable! We came in looking for a flea spray and she was very helpful. Her aborable bulldog was also there and he made the visit even better! 😊

Barbara Hutchinson

2018-05

Owner Kim has helped in turning around health of my mini Doxie. Great products and services, everything I buy for my dogs comes from here. They deserve many more Stars!!!!

H S

2022-05

Great, lovely little shop. Supports local rescue efforts very frequently. Regularly stop in for Verus Pet Food. Definitely scoped out their sidewalk sale and got some harder to find breed magnets and a cute collar

Brooke P

2023-05

This was the only place that had exactly what I was looking for and that is1) weird dog treats. Like turkey legs and wings2) high quality kitten food. No where else in the area had the selection of food labeled for all life cycles of cats

Mark Mehlin

2022-05

Hands down the best pet food store in cville. Very friendly staff and owner! My pup loves her visits there!

FC McFarland

2017-05

Great place for pet food and treats. Kim is very knowledgeable and helpful. She knows her products very well. She organizes fun events for her customers and raises money and donates food to charities.