Animal Connection LLC in Charlottesville, Virginia is a beloved independent pet store focused almost entirely on dogs and cats rather than aquatic life. Owned by Pattie and operating for over 25 years, this shop has earned a devoted local following for its curated selection of premium pet foods, homemade treats, birthday goodies, and hard-to-find accessories like dog sweaters and coats. Brands like Tiki Dog, Weruva, and Green Juju freeze-dried food line the shelves, and the staff is known for offering personalized nutrition guidance — particularly for pets with allergies or sensitive stomachs.
Grooming is a major draw here. Sherry and Carol are frequently singled out by name for their patience and skill with anxious, reactive, or special-needs dogs. Multiple reviewers describe bringing in dogs that vets couldn't handle — bucking doodles, dramatic Shiba Inus, hysterical hounds — only to leave with beautifully trimmed nails and styled coats.
Carol even consulted with a Pennsylvania dermatologist to develop a coat-restoration plan for a rescue chow chow. The shop also offers self-serve pet baths for travelers and locals alike. The store atmosphere is warm and accommodating.
Dogs with aggression concerns can enter through a side entrance, and staff members are generous with free samples and treats. Reviewers consistently praise the personal attention — questions answered thoughtfully, product recommendations tailored to individual pets, and a genuine investment in each animal's wellbeing. It's worth noting that Animal Connection is not an aquarium or fish store.
Reviews make no mention of fish, tanks, corals, or aquatic supplies. This is a dog-and-cat-focused independent pet shop with exceptional grooming services and a carefully chosen inventory of premium pet products. For Charlottesville pet owners seeking knowledgeable staff and specialty grooming, it's a trusted neighborhood institution.
Nadine
14 reviews
Everyone at Animal Connection is always so welcoming. We actually found animal connection through reddit posts recommending Sherry as a groomer. She has groomed (for years now) our golden doodle with cysts and sensitive skin, after a nightmare story with our old groomer 😭 She's also now taken on our firecracker morkie puppy who is afraid of his own shadow 😊 Anyone who needs a specialty groomer- ask for Sherry!! You won't be disappointed. Plus try their little birthday treats, so cute!
Jarrod Miller
35 reviews
Such nice people here. I also love their pet bath setup.
Michael Brink
56 reviews
Pattie is an animal healer and wealth of information. My dog has a lot of allergies, even to allergy chews due to beef & all fish allergies. Otto & I appreciate all the help with seasonal dog allergies. See you all soon.
Brittany Swift
13 reviews
We are now loyal customers! As we moved to Charlottesville, it was hard for us to find a place that could get our dog in for grooming. Animal connection did their best to accommodate us, while I was there, I was browsing their selection of food the owner, answered all of my questions and made me feel comfortable, making the switch from the current food that I was using for my dog. Needless to say her belly is as happy as ever, she's excited to eat and it has been super easy on her digestive system. We are so happy with the switch. Thank you thank you thank you!!
Lizzie Michael
4 reviews
Everyone was friendly, but I took my dog here to get his nails trimmed. He is very anxious and I wasn’t allowed to be with him during the process. The nail job was very choppy, not clean, and some of his nails weren’t even clipped. Disappointed :(
Becky
189 reviews
The owner and employees that work here are beyond exceptional. They were very informed about the high quality product that they carried and have owned the business for 25 years. It had everything we needed, like Tiki Dog and Weruva, wet food for our pups and lots of treats for Birthdays and toys that you can't find just anywhere. We really enjoyed our visit and will return again!
Nicole Lytton
33 reviews
Super friendly, helpful, knowledgeable employees! Would highly recommend their grooming services.
Robin S
31 reviews
I’d been having a hard time finding nice looking dog sweaters and coats in Richmond and came here when I was in Cville. What a beautiful selection and it was a hard choice! The biz owner is very helpful and my Frenchie is pleased with his new winter coat!
Chelsea Frye
13 reviews
Very impressed with their grooming services. This is the best our golden has ever looked after grooming, thank you!
David May
20 reviews
Today was my first time in the store and I loved it. Stopped in to get 2 harnesses for my dogs and the lady who helped me was awesome! I bought the wrong size and returned them later today and she was very helpful and let me try them on my pups! Very friendly staff, store was clean and easy to locate items, I will definitely be back!
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (434) 825-5472 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Animal Connection LLC.
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933 2nd St SE, Charlottesville, VA 22902
February 7, 2026
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