About
8-star reputation across more than 300 reviews thanks to a hand-picked selection of cat and dog goods, genuinely knowledgeable staff, and resident shop cats who have earned local celebrity status. Tucked near Trader Joe's on the west side of Ann Arbor, MI, it draws University of Michigan students, longtime locals, and even out-of-towners from as far as Grand Rapids who plan their visits around a stop here. What customers come back for is the uncommonly balanced inventory.
Cat owners rave that the toy selection is the best in town — unique wands and playthings that cats actually engage with, plus beds, litter, and brands like Weruva. The dog side is just as thoughtful, stocked with natural chews, freeze-dried meats, collagen sticks, organ-meat treats, fresh-baked cookies, and high-value training treats one reviewer's dogs go crazy for. A recent visitor praised the "decent selection of frozen raw foods," and another laughed that her dog Dobby loves his new t-shirt — the kind of finds you won't see at a big box store.
Nearly everything for cats and dogs is available for sale in Ann Arbor, MI right off the shelf, and staff will special-order what they don't carry. The atmosphere feels more like a neighborhood gathering spot than a retail floor. Leo and his feline companion roam freely, napping on stacked dog beds and greeting shoppers.
Staff are patient and invested — Kristin recently took time to hand treats to a nervous reactive puppy, the sort of small kindness regulars mention again and again. Pricing stays competitive with the big chains, sweetened by monthly coupons, manufacturer programs, loyalty cards that earn money back, and a generous return policy. They also stock supplies for small animals and birds, plus crickets for reptile keepers.
It's a shop where the merchandise feels chosen with care, and every visit seems to turn up something new.
Highlights
What makes them special
- Two resident shop cats, Leo and his companion, who greet and entertain shoppers
- Cat toy selection regularly praised as the best in Ann Arbor
- Natural dog chews — freeze-dried meats, collagen, organ meats — plus frozen raw foods and high-value training treats
- Competitive pricing with monthly coupons, loyalty rewards, special orders, and a generous return policy
- Patient, knowledgeable staff, including Kristin helping a nervous reactive puppy with treats
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Clean, good prices, decent selection of frozen raw foods.”
— Sarah Craft5.02 days ago“Dobby loves his new tshirt 😂”
— Jessica Hodges5.0a week ago“Excellent dog treat and toy selection. We get high value treats for training here and our dogs love them!”
— Erin Kropp5.03 weeks ago“Lots of dog toys treats leashes anything you can imagine for a dog or cat they have.”
— James Edwards5.0a month ago“Great products, great staff and always well stocked. This is why I buy local (and even willingly deal with the Saturday parking battle!)”
— Sumi Wada5.02 months ago“Very clean and nice staff. Kristin taking time to give my nervous reactive puppy treats was very appreciated! Every positive interaction my puppy has with strangers definitely helps.”
— Mimi5.03 months ago“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
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.