About
8-star reputation through a carefully curated selection of cat and dog products, genuinely knowledgeable staff, and two resident store cats who have achieved local celebrity status. Located near Trader Joe's on the west side, this boutique-style shop draws University of Michigan students, longtime Ann Arbor residents, and even visitors from as far as Grand Rapids who make it a point to stop in. What sets The Pet Emporium apart is its uncommonly balanced inventory.
Cat owners in particular rave about the toy selection — reviewers consistently call it the best in Ann Arbor, with unique wands and playthings that actually engage their feline companions. The dog side is equally thoughtful, stocked with natural chews, freeze-dried meats, collagen sticks, organ meat treats, and fresh-baked puppy cookies. The store carries high-quality food brands like Weruva alongside single-ingredient treats and toppers, and staff members are happy to guide customers through novel protein diets or help find the right food for sensitive stomachs.
The atmosphere feels more like a neighborhood gathering spot than a retail store. Leo and his feline companion roam freely, napping on stacked dog beds and greeting visitors — one reviewer joked that Leo personally showed them around the store and to his favorite sleeping area. Staff members are patient and genuinely invested, whether they're helping a new Whippet puppy owner stock up after a car-sick ride or accepting returns on cat food that didn't land with a picky eater.
Pricing is competitive with big box stores and Chewy, with the added benefit of monthly coupons, manufacturer purchase programs, loyalty cards that earn $10 back, and regular sales. They'll also special-order products they don't carry. The store stocks supplies for small animals and birds as well, plus crickets for reptile owners.
It's a place where the merchandise feels hand-picked rather than algorithm-driven, and every visit seems to turn up something new.
Highlights
What makes them special
- Two beloved resident store cats that greet and entertain shoppers
- Exceptional cat toy selection frequently praised as the best in Ann Arbor
- High-quality natural dog chews including freeze-dried meats and collagen
- Competitive pricing with loyalty cards, monthly coupons, and manufacturer programs
- Staff will special-order products not currently in stock
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Friendly staff and good variety for most pets. They don't have much for reptiles, but at least they sell crickets!”
— Justin Sisko5.02 weeks ago“Best pet store and staff in Ann Arbor. Great product selection especially for natural dog chews (freeze dried meats, collagen chews, organ meats). There is also a sweet kitty sunning and napping in the widow.”
— Danielle Gray5.03 weeks ago“The Pet Emporium has by far the best cat toys! My cats go absolutely crazy for some of the toys I've gotten here. Also the staff is super nice and helpful, and they have two adorable shop cats to keep you company while you shop. I love it here and won't go anywhere else.”
— Aly Schumaker5.0a month ago“Great pet store that I go to whenever I stop at Trader Joe's. They have a huge variety of cat toys, beds, treats and Weruva cat food. I've purchased some unique toys and wands for my cat and he loves them! Friendly and helpful associates. I love the cute kitty that roams around the store too.”
— Alavi5.02 months ago“Helpful, friendly staff, good selection, sweet cats :)”
— Wes Fournier5.02 months ago“Every time I go here, the staff are super helpful and willing to go the extra step. They have a generous return policy, and are able to order just about anything you didn't see in the store. Ask them questions and they will answer every time!”
— Luca Rowe (Suzo Star)5.03 months ago“Honestly the best store in town, Leo and his sister are very knowledgeable about the cat treats and have very good insights about what your feline friends may need! My first time there, Leo showed me all over the store and to his favorite sleeping area, he was very helpful. 10/10”
— N5.08 months ago“Fun boutique with all things pet! Great place to find your hat one of kind gift. Highly recommend!”
— Jennifer Watters5.08 months ago“Great place to buy pet supplies. When we had a dog with allergies on a novel protein diet, we bought her food here. Now we have big, energetic older kittens and I find the food and litter costs comparable to Chewy. They send out monthly coupons, have regular sales, have manufacturer purchase programs, and I appreciate being able to support a local business over a big box store. Bonus: they sell toys that my cats actually play with and sometimes send me home with treat samples that are always a hit.”
— Carol Ullmann5.0Edited 9 months ago“Great selection of everything you could need. Prices are generally less expensive than big box stores with a much wider variety of products. Our cat son loves all of the toys we can only find here. Staff is friendly, hours are awesome.”
— Smart Shirts5.09 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (734) 929-6533 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Pet Emporium.