About
St Tammany Pet Center in Slidell, Louisiana is a long-standing, independently owned pet shop that has carved out a loyal following over its many years of operation — though it also draws sharp criticism. The store is best known for its walk-in grooming services at prices well below PetCo or PetSmart, with groomers like Ms. Betty and Sue handling everything from poodle cuts to chihuahua trims, often without requiring appointments or extensive vet paperwork.
Owner Mr. Raymond is a fixture at the register, and regulars describe him and the staff as family after decades of patronage. The shop stocks a broad range of pet supplies — not just dog and cat goods, but also reptile accessories, feeder crickets (which Mr.
Ray personally orders mid-week to ensure quality during shipping), and items for bearded dragons that can be hard to source locally. They carry live animals including birds, reptiles, and fish, with both freshwater and saltwater tank systems on display. However, the store's condition is a recurring point of contention.
Multiple reviewers describe a strong odor upon entering, dusty shelves, neglected fish tanks with visible algae and dead fish, and cramped animal enclosures. One reviewer specifically suggested the saltwater system be taken down entirely, noting the tanks are too scratched to see through and cost more in electricity and salt than they could ever recoup in sales. Reptile keepers have flagged missing heat lamps and concerns about metabolic bone disease risks.
The bird section drew criticism for housing a cockatiel in a fish tank with insects. The grooming operation is similarly polarizing — many customers rave about affordable, quick cuts and dogs that come home looking great with cute bandanas, while others report nicks, anxiety in their pets, and dismissive responses when concerns are raised. St Tammany Pet Center is an old-school neighborhood shop with genuine community roots and unbeatable grooming prices.
But prospective visitors should walk in with eyes open, particularly regarding livestock conditions and the overall state of the facility.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Dry GoodsFish Food
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Walk-in grooming with no appointment needed at prices well below chain stores
- Long-tenured local ownership with Mr. Raymond personally managing supply orders
- Stocks bearded dragon supplies and gut-loaded feeder crickets
- Freshwater and saltwater fish systems on site
- Decades of loyal customers who consider staff like family
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Love coming here”
— Onika Lynn5.07 months ago“Good local pet store. Not just dogs & cats stuff. Affordable, no nonsense grooming. Overall, I liked it and would go back. A little of everything for purchase”
— Chris Bourgeois5.0a year ago“Two of my three dogs have come out with lasting anxiety about grooming, and both times they've been handled by Sue. I've called twice and stood in-store once to express my concerns about the responses they have to their visits, and the man always answers in a dismissive and almost condescending tone. If they care at all about you, your pets, or the relationship you build with them, it's very little.”
— Christopher H.2.0a year ago“Very dirty, animals look in good condition but don't have any enrichment.”
— Caitlin Slife1.0a year ago“Hurt that dog”
— EJ Louis1.0a year ago“Do not take your animals here. Horrible service and animal abuse!! The place is horrendous and wish I could give it ZERO stars. Please don’t even think about bringing your animals here for any type of service”
— Lauren Bell1.0a year ago“DO NOT BRING YOUR ANIMAL HERE!!! I am posting this as a warning to pet owners! Look at what they did to this poor pup!! If you life your animal take them somewhere else!!”
— Farrah Daws1.0a year ago“Would not recommend. First time, our doodle was groomed too short. The next time, we brought in photos and they did a good job. Then the next is our last time. I called to make sure that I could bring in our dog to get groomed and was told that will be fine. I guess it really wasn't though. (They should have asked how big our dog is.) I got a call that they were closing at 5:00 and that I had to be there by 4:30 to get our dog. I showed up at 4:30. After 5:00, she was still working on our dog and the person at the register was very frustrated that they could not leave. Once we got our dog and brought her home, she had SEVERAL nicks that had developed into bloody knotted fur. They are affordable but I will not put our dog through this again. (And as others mentioned, there is a strong odor in this store.)”
— Byron Holdiman1.0a year ago“Do not bring you do here to get groomed, you will regret it! Affordable does not mean quality or proper care!”
— Lily Ruffin1.0a year ago“I bring my pet son, Colbi here. They are very affordable but I've just heard that they were closed down a few years back for abuse. I was told that it is still under the same management as well. I do not like the upkeep of the back after seeing how they are kept in those black cages. I do not cage him at home so that was new to me. The space was so small. After hearing about the abuse thing I don't think we'll be bringing him back. I did post him after his last cut. He was very knotted so they had to cut him down really low”
— Raven Coleman-Carey2.02 years ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (985) 649-6436 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting St Tammany Pet Center.