Canis Minor Newport

I wish I had the option to give 0 stars. Bad experience today from the minute I walked in at 11:00 to bring my dog for a grooming appointment. I was initially told my name hadn’t been placed in the notebook for an appointment today. After my further probing and telling the receptionist my appointment was with Jen (who has a separate notebook), I was then told Jen called in sick YESTERDAY. No one bothered to call me to tell me this so 1) today I appear as if I’m showing up without an appointment and 2) I brought the dog all the way over. I was then told my dog could be groomed today but that the groomer isn’t in until 12:00. I stated that’s fine as long as the dog would be ready by 4:00 pm. I was reassured more than once that he would be. Well, 4:00 rolled around and I called to check if my dog was indeed ready to be picked up and was told that he would be. Then I received a call 5 minutes later stating he would need more time, and that no, he would not be anywhere near ready by 4. I have a commitment till 6:30 in the city which would prevent me from getting there by the closing time of 7:00. Instead of being reassured that I could arrive a little bit after that and that someone would be here to stay with my dog and let me in, the person on the phone just kept insisting «just know that we close at 7pm». That leaves me wondering, if I don’t get there by 7, is my dog all alone there over night? I then end up cancelling the commitment I had to attend so I can be sure to pick up my dog before they close. When I arrived shortly before 6:00 PM, my dog hadn’t even started to get cut yet! At that point I decided to just take my dog home as is and just pay for the bath which is all he had received by that time. The receptionist then called the groomer in the back stating I would just take the dog now. In that short amount of time a huge chunk of fur had already been removed and my dog was no longer in any acceptable shape to leave the way he was looking. So here I am sitting in the shop at 6:30 still waiting for my dog to be ready when he should’ve been ready at 4:00. I’m sorry but a 25% discount «for the inconvenience» won’t be enough for me to ever even think about coming back here.

If you live in Newport, Canis Minor is very convenient for pet supplies. Other than that, this place really doesn’t have much going for it. This place gets its second star from me just because it’s convenient.
The only reason I started coming here regularly was to pick up prescription cat food. I had been buying a few cans at a time for at least 2 months. When I finally decided to buy 10 cans, the cashier mentioned that if I bought 11 cans, I would get the 12^th can free. Why didn’t they mention this to me sooner? I mean, they have to look up the prescription in the system every single time, so they should have a record that I’ve been buying the same thing regularly.
I once saw a small mouse run through the store. I mentioned it to the staff, and the cashier freaked out, but who knows if mice are an ongoing issue here. The canned pet food is safe from mice, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they are able to chew through the dry food packaging. This could easily lead to the dry food going stale or getting contaminated.
What prompted me to write this review was my cat getting very sick, and I’m pretty sure that the prescription food from Canis Minor was the culprit. I took my cat to the vet, and he endured $ 250 of very painful shots to manage the symptoms. I stopped feeding him the prescription food from Canis Minor while he was sick, then when I was about resume feeding him that food, I noticed that the can I had just opened had expired! Oh god, did they sell me expired cat food and had I been feeding this to my cat for a while?! It’s my fault for not checking the expiration date of every can, but the dates are usually so far out in the future (late 2016, 2017) for all the other food I buy, so I didn’t think it would be a concern.
I brought the expired can back to the store and explained everything to the cashier. She gave me a refund, but there was zero apology. If someone tells you that an animal got sick from the pet food you’re selling, saying «oh…» with a blank expression on your face is not an acceptable response. While they were processing my refund, I looked at random cans of pet food from the discount section, and every single can I looked at had already expired.

I would like to start with how I’ve been a loyal customer for many years. They’ve been accommodating with pet food delivery at no cost to me. They’ve been kind about answering questions & once gave me free treats for my cats. I’ve always enjoyed my encounters with front desk staff. A year ago I groomed my rag doll cats at this location and I was very happy with the results.
And to note: The store paid for the vet bills and did not charge me for the grooming, however, after reading about another incident at another groomers (not affiliated) I was encouraged by my friends to let consumers be aware so either changes can be made to the industry and/​or you can decide for yourselves with full information.
I dropped off my two rag doll cats at 9 am. Groomer was late.
Called me at 9:40 to ask for details about their grooming. I generally prefer my cats in and out, no washing, no powders. Only trim. This reduces on obvious anxieties of being in a foreign place for long periods of time and keeps their own scent on themselves which eases their stress when they come home.
I anticipated the groomer may take longer than normal due to the tardiness.
When it became past 2:45 pm I realized it seemed oddly long not to hear from them.
I phoned and the person who answered said they were just about to call me as something happened to small cat and they’d like permission to send her to the vet’s next door. When I pressed him he said the cat was cut by the grooming shears.
The wheels turned when I realized this was 5+ hours of them having my cats. When did she get cut? Why didn’t they contact me until I called? I learned because the vet wasn’t open when it happened.??
I met them at the vet’s and the same fellow was there representing the store.
I met with the vet and the gash was too wide to pull together for stitches so they glued it as best they could and recommended monitoring to ensure the glue stays. They directed me to another minor cut on the exact same spot on the other leg.
Antibiotics. Topical ointments. A cone. Morphine injections. Every day for at least 10 days.
The store paid for the vet visit.
I wasn’t charged for the grooming.
The contact at the store was remorseful and grateful I was being civil. I was in a state of shock but also had bigger fish to fry at home with a spouse about to take medical leave.
I met the groomer when picking up my other cat. She was beyond upset about it. I hugged her. But I couldn’t help but notice the chaos in that grooming room. Very likely a bad start to her day led to a chaotic day for her.
The groomer left a voice mail the next day apologizing.
To top this off my spouse started a 3 week medical leave that weekend. We had leased a property for his recovery after IV treatments. We had to delay our trip 10+ days. Monitoring this cat was a 24 hour job for 8 days. She wouldn’t use the bathroom. She wouldn’t eat or drink. I had to feed her broth and water through a syringe.
The wound opened.
I was in contact with the vet, sent photos, considered a second visit. When I informed Canis Minor (same guy) they may be paying for second visit, he was civil, but didn’t ask about the cat’s status.
We continued to monitor while the wound healed opened. Cancelled our trip again.
For the record some of my older cat’s whiskers were cut off in the groom.
Then to top it all off as we were just about to leave them in the hands of a catsitter (cone off, wound looking okay) my older cat contracted a respiratory infection.
Visited my vet and I was told a cold was likely from being with other animals at the groomers for that period of time and it’s not unusual. (It can incubate for up to 10 days.) Antibiotics and tests later that visit cost me $ 400+ but how can I blame anyone but myself for taking my pet to a groomers in the first place?
We cancelled our trip again to monitor that cat for 48 hours.
Finally we were able to have both cats in a place where we could hire a catsitter and go to our leased property.
We returned home and the little cat has the cold now.
The time, money and inconvenience was not worth EVER getting my cats groomed again.
This is posted as a precautionary tale. The groomer was remorseful and the Canis Minor Rep equally sad about the situation. These things can happen. Dogs can bite groomers, cats can wriggle around too much. But there is something fundamentally wrong if my cat had a less harmful cut on one leg and then the groomer went on to create a gash on the other. Were they rushed? And then to have my cats get a cold — not uncommon but yet another example of what happens when you take your pets in to a more communal environment.
And if I hadn’t worked from home to monitor the cat as needed? This would have been a further nightmare.
The only suggestion I have is perhaps reconsider grooming long haired cats at all? If I had known the expense, time and care required after the fact, maybe I wouldn’t have been as accommodating?

Was not pleased at all with the turn out of my pups grooming. I told the groomer I would like to keep my dogs hair longer on the top so that she can wear ponytails. The groomer did the exact opposite of what I asked for! He cut all of her hair so short she looks like a boy! This will be the first and the last time she is groomed here. I am beyond upset. What was the point in asking what I wanted done if they would just do the opposite?

The service is good & they always what u need & want to buy for ur pets. & it’s cheap

I have been going to this place since I moved to Jersey City. They do carry most of the things I need for my dogs. I am pleased with this place, their staff and service. Speaking of staff — Magdelina who is usually there is one of the nicest and friendliest people you’ll find working there. Always very helpful and friendly and ready to help with anything you need. She not only helps you find what you need but also suggest what is the best deal in any alternatives etc.
Magdelina is definitely an asset to the establishment and who makes it a good shopping experience…

I’ve been going to Canis Minor for the past few years for both food, supplies, and more for my two shepherds. The staff is super friendly, especially Magdelina, who always seems to know where my large size of dog food is even when I can’t locate it on the shopping floor. They all seem very knowledgeable, and are more than willing to give a helping hand when I have a question or have needed to special order say a crate, or dog dish. Yes they can be a little pricey on a few items, but I think the quality and personalized service more than balances things out.

I have been shopping @ Cannis Minor for years now & have always been impressed w/​the specialized variety & the wonderful service! You tell them about your pet, any specific needs & they are quick to advise on the perfect food/​diet. Their local, free delivery has been amazing as well, as bags of litter can be a nightmare when you don’t have a car!
One Sales Assistant, in particular, stands out. Magdelina has become a trusted go-​to person when you’re looking for something in particular. In fact, not only do I rely on her expertise as a professional… I also have come to consider her a friend.
Kudos to management for having the foresight to hire such a gem! She’s a keeper!

I have been purchasing my dog’s food from this establishment for over 5 years. He has intestinal issues and must have special food for his diet. I used to live right across the street so it was a convenience factor initially. I had him groomed there and the people there were always friendly. I moved further out and had asked about possibly having his food delivered since it was so heavy and I didn’t have a vehicle. They set it up for me. I was concerned because I wouldn’t be close enough to grab it myself if something were to happen but I haven’t had any issues. The reason for this post though, as well, was to acknowledge my deliverer, Magdelina. Since she has been delivering for me, she has been really accommodating and exceptionally friendly. I work very early and get home late. She delivers for me sometimes close to 10pm and I even have her number so I can just contact her directly when my dog needs more food. She takes care of the billing at the store and makes sure I get the food. I am notorious for waiting until the last minute to order, probably because she spoils me by always being so available. I usually wait until I am OUT of food to reorder. Well, this last time, Magdelina texted me, when I had about 2 cans left, to see if I needed a delivery made! I am in the service industry so customer service is everything to me and she has been amazing above and beyond what is required of her .
I’ve never had such great service, and I am so pleased with this place and their staff.
Thanks so much!

As far as boutique pet shops go, Canid Minor is a good local option. I have been here 4 or 5 times and have found the staff to be friendly and helpful each time. Obviously you are going to pay a bit more than a big box store, but the variety, unique products, convenience, and service make up for it. They have a great variety of dog friendly baked goods for special occasions and a huge selection of harnesses and dog accessories.

I’ve been a customer here for about a year and am happy with the store and their products. The people are friendly and treat me and my dog very well. If I need to run to Duane Reade or the sumpermarket and don’t want to tie her up outside, they are kind enough to keep an eye on her. I usually leave her for daycare and sometimes grooming. It’s super convenient to have them right across the street from where I live.

Thats it I’m done with this place. We’ve been using Canis Minor since we moved here 10 months ago it was more the convenience at first. They messed up a few appointments thru out the 10 months. A few times the clipped the «old dog» warts but this last time I experienced customer service at its worst.
I called same day to see if I can get in and Roger that normally grooms our dog was told he is sort-​of MIA. The manager was worried more about the fact he had be called into work on Saturday his day off. So explained that Roger was suppose to be working Tuesday but didn’t know where he was, and he proceeded to tell me that Jen was working and she is good with dogs and I made the app’t for 1:30. I got there at 1:25 and the clerk told me that she stepped out for a break. I said fine I can wait a bit but she proceeded to call her on her cell phone and Jen wanted to talk to me. «HEY WHATS UP» her response to my Hello. I said I’m here for a grooming she said what are you looking for, humm grooming, are you coming back soon I need to talk to you about a few issues (meaning warts etc) She hung on me I said to the clerk she doesn’t sound happy.
I was wandering in the shop with my dog and she stormed in and said to the clerk «WHERE IS HE» in a pissed off voice, and the clerk said to her, calm down! I came around the corner and said to her «With that attitude you are not touching my dog» I was walking out and she ««OKAY BYE».
Its my turn to say «OKAY BYE»

We often get our French Bulldog’s Orijen Six Fish dog food here. I think they’ve always had the large bag in stock when we’ve needed it and I find the service very friendly. They offer to deliver but I’ve never taken them up on the offer. Overall, I like the store and find the prices reasonable (well as reasonable as you can get for Orijen food!)

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice — shame on me! Never will I do business with this establishment again. A few weeks ago I placed an order for delivery. They brought the WRONG food and I’m convinced it was purposefully, because the girl that delivered it disappeared into the elevator so fast It was shady as hell. They didn’t even pick it up, I had to drive there and return it. No apology, discount, nothing. I thought it was a fluke until I called today and enquiries about a same day food delivery. They totally blew me off because they didn’t want to deliver outside of teeny tiny Newport. I’ll stick with downtown JC stores in the future. Canine Canteen is great.

I am satiscfied and so is both my dog and cat! i told them to feel free to hairdress my loves as they want; my dog went in as the hairy monster he usually is and came out as a lion hahaha! for my cat the change wansnt that dramatic but what they both had in common is shiny furs and relaxed mussels. thanks for a great job! See u in a month or so! =)

On our first time visit to Canis Minor We were able to find just one step in Puppia harness vest that fit our dogs size and snatched it up and bought it immediately. We hope Canis Minor will please start to carry more of these specific style Puppia harnesses in this comfortable style because it’s the only style we use for our 5 lb 3oz Maltese boy. On our 3^rd visit to the store during the Halloween parade of 2013 we found a great fitting, warm winter coat for our loving little boy, it happened to be on sale at the time which was great. We had a fun time walking along in the parade too!
P.S.
Here is some feedback towards a comment that was left by another reviewer listed below, she said: «this store is clearly tailored to the silver spooned pooch who
is more of a toy than a living thing. » First of all for all these reviewers who are hating on small breed dogs & stores which cater to them, what do you think ‘Canis Minor’ means??? It means small dog! Duh. Why would you expect to find or shop for stuff for large breeds in a store for small breeds? And as for that hateful comment from that reviewer below that said «pooch is more of a toy than a living thing» I assure you my 5 lb dog has a much bigger heart and mind than those that hate on small breed dogs.

If you live in the Newport area then this place is convenient to walk by and pick up what you need for your pet. However, expect HIGH prices relative to the target around the corner (or anywhere else really).
In terms of the grooming services, much like the products, the prices are VERY HIGH and its hard to get a decent appointment time. The end result is nothing spectacular but it is passable and does the trick.
All in all, it does the trick if you need something close/​dont have a car, but if you have other options i would give somewhere else a look first.

If you need a close local place to grab pet food, snacks, supplies, or grooming for your pets, you can come here, as this is a convenience (and overpriced as such) for the local pet owners. The aisles over at Target two blocks away have bigger, cheaper bags of pet food and more supplies (though not specialty varieties, necessarily) if you aren’t too lazy to walk over.
Definitely designed for small breed pets — nothing in larger sizes here, and most likely caters to those people with the «arm-​pet» dogs and similarly-​size apartment pets. Came looking for a cover for a larger dog as a gift, and couldn’t find anything here (seasonal issue, perhaps?).
No experience with the groomers here, so can’t rate that.
I’ll continue to make my way to the Petsmart instead in Secaucus or Staten Island.

I had a hard time finding a good groomer in jersey city area. I tried Groomingdale’s, glamour pet and now Canis Minor. I specifically told Roger the groomer to make sure my Pom is de-​shed after the haircut. My Pom came back with hair flying every where. I had to comb and de-​shed my pom’s hair after a $ 70 groom?! what upset me the most is the tip of my pom’s ears were shaved (see pic). He looks like an elf. The staff were not attentive. And my Pom was return to me without his collar and leash on. Really? Horrible groom and unattentive staff. Expensive too. DO NOT go there!

Product Selection — over priced, but to be expected from boutique shops, comparative to pet boutiques in Hoboken. They do have a wide variety of selections to choose from though, so if you are desperate for something and don’t mind to spend the extra few bucks, this place will do.
Grooming Service — I’ve been coming here for 4 – 5 times getting my dog groomed, and have told them how to cut the hair the same exact way every time, even bringing in a picture a few times. For whatever reason, something is always off, usually there is too much hair left on the face. Still, I seem to have exhausted my options in this area for a proper groomer, so I decided to give this place one more chance. So I guess when i told the groomer not to shave my dog but to cut it shorter than last time, and don’t shave the feet, I got back a shaved dog (feet included). ?!?
The manager apologized and offered my a 50% discount next time around but the groomer only said that he heard i say to shave the feet and walked out of the store without taking responsibility for his actions.