Best Friend Pet Centre

This place has gone to the dogs...but they seem to enjoy it

I had no hesitation sending our dog to the Best Friend Pet Centre when we had to come away for our holiday. He enjoyed his last stay although it was many years ago and today I have emailed to ask how he was going and received a prompt friendly reply plus evidence on FaceBook of him happily having playtime. The staff and management go over and above to ensure the pets have a wonderful holiday while they are there. It is great to know our pet is in such good hands Thanks guys, really appreciated.

We've been taking our cat here for ages. Friendly helpful staff

I called up to organise an inspection and was told I could come in an afternoon time slot as they were cleaning out all the units in the morning. The complex had large play yards and each dog had their own kennel and run. The dogs looked happy so I booked my two dogs in. I was told that each day they get a play in the play yards but I could book extra walks if I wanted. I booked a few walks and a bath each. I was delighted when they came home smelling fresh and were happy and well fed. The staff also washed the blankets I brought. Would recommend!

My dogs love it here, they always come back happy and well looked after. Staff are also lovely and professional.

I left my Lab-poodle X with Best Friends on the 22nd Dec 2016 and collected her on 5th Jan 2107.

My dog had been bathed, conditioned and groomed and her her bedding was washed and disinfected. I had all the necessary paperwork and she had been to the vets the previous week for a check up my dg was in perfect health and she was happy.

On arrival the centre looked good and I saw several features that I liked there was good size exercise years and play area and the staff were welcoming and friendly.

However I was surprised when I was refused permission to see the kennel where my dog would be sleeping. In fact this worried me as I have never before been told that I could not see the kennels what wasn't I been shown and why?

Tow weeks later when I collected my dog and my fears were it seemed justified. For the first time in here life she stank of kennels her coat was mattered and had numerous tags and dags. Her eyes and ears were also dirty and mattered. Clearly even a modest standard grooming isn't a daily part of the care of the animals at this centre.

Professional grooming is an optional extra but what kennel maid doesn't give each and every dog a quick brush and a cuddle without being paid extra? Well none that I have experienced over the last thirty years. Pet walking and petting both are extras one has to pay for on arrival I paid extra so my girl could have some of the attention she gets at home. My dog is a dog and knows her place she is by no means a pampered pooch.

The previously washed and clean bedding had to be put in the car boot as it too stank to high heaven. To be frank I have had dogs from the city-dog centre in Hobart that looked and smelt better and each and every dog is walked and petted daily by the wonderful volunteers.

As soon as we arrived home I bathed and groomed my dog and removed a substantial amount of mattered hair much of which needed to be cut out. I did the same again today but it is clear that home grooming will not rid my dog of the more serious mattered clumps she needs to go to the grooming parlour.

Best Friends Pet Centre isn't cheap but I hadn't planned to spend another $100 on my return having my dog bathed, clipped and groomed when I brought her home.

Clearly my concern at being refused entry to the sleeping area was justified by the condition my dog was retuned in. I have no way of knowing if I struck out but based on my experience I give the Best Friends Pet Centre one star at least the dog had lost weight, sic, nor did she come home infested.

I thought long and hard before putting this negative review on line but I can only say that I won't be going back again what everyone else does well I guess that's up to them.