Centinela Feed & Pet Supplies - Lakewood, California

Keara A.

I am not one to leave reviews, but this has been weighing on me all day. I was in the area running some errands and decided to stop by because I was low on my cat’s dry food and wanted to see if I could get some here instead of driving elsewhere. Based on my Vet’s recommendation I feed a primarily wet diet with a small amount of dry food a day just to keep her chewing and as my vet claimed, to help her dental hygiene.

The store itself has a great selection of food, especially treats, I wish other stores had the selection of single ingredient freeze dried treats this store does.

Aside from that fact I was looking for Hills Science Diet, it’s just what was recommended by my vet and after some research I felt it was a pretty good option for my cat, she has been eating Hills for about a year now and my vet hasn’t noticed any negative effects. It seemed the store didn’t have Hills so I was going to leave when an employee asked me if I was finding everything.

I just asked if they carried Hills and the employee said “No, we don’t carry Hills it doesn’t meet our quality standards.” That is fine, and all that needed to be said, it sounded a little rude but that is just their job. I understand we all want to do what’s best for our pets and many of us have strong opinions about what is right and want to make sure others treat their pets right. That being said, I didn’t ask for a recommendation, I didn’t ask for advice, and advice was not kindly suggested either, rather the employee started to question me.

The employee asked why I was feeding Hills and I said it was recommended by my vet, the employee talked about how Vets are ignorant and usually recommend Hills simply because they don’t know any better. They asked me why I was feeding dry, I explained that I primarily feed wet and supplement with a small amount of dry. I claimed my vet told me it was good for her teeth and the employee immediately shot me down and told me “Dry food doesn’t clean teeth” in a tone that just made me feel like they thought I was the stupidest person in the world for following what my vet suggested? (I still get my cat’s teeth cleaned by the way, I am not an idiot I don’t think dry food will magically allow me to ignore all other dental work)

I did some more research and yes some claim dry helps and some claim dry doesn’t, I am glad I was made aware to do more research but, why did it have to be done in such a rude manner? Had they kindly asked me if I wanted any recommendations on alternatives, that would have been great, instead I was interrogated, belittled, and then by the time the employee wished me to have a good day at the door, they hadn’t even given me a dry food brand recommendation over Hills?

Look, it isn’t an employees responsibility to magically know if a customer is having a bad day, but today was simply one of the worst days I have had in a while prior to this, I walked out of the store and thanked them, trying to hold a smile but I cried my entire way home, I left feeling like a horrible pet parent, like an ignorant fool and I wasn’t even educated and supported to find another brand if Hills was such a bad choice.

I don’t think I have ever left a store feeling more down and distressed and for what? I did not ask for advice, I did not ask to be questioned on why I do what my vet told me to, I want to give this person the benefit of the doubt, but it just felt like they fed off of belittling my knowledge of my own pet and assuming I have never spent the time to research my pet’s diet.

I don’t know, just a really sad experience.

laura C.

I wish I could give negative stars I am absolutely disgusted and disappointed on who they have running this store, I feel harassed after coming in here today! this is absolutely the WORST customer service ever! Both female and male manager name Chris are both ABSOLUTELY RUDE and will verbally argue with you about ANY little thing, as soon as you walk in they will not greet you but they will follow you around the store making sure you do not touch or misplace anything and if you do they will start an argument about it, I have been visiting this location in Lakewood for over 2 years but today will be my last time, Save your money, time and energy and visit Anaheims feed and pet supply instead I promise you will not regret it!

kara M.

Wonderful place to go if you believe in only giving the best quality food to your fur babies. And if you have finicky animals, this place is GREAT!! They let you RETURN DRY FOOD that you or your pet don't like, as long as there is more than 1/2 of the bag left!! And when buying those big expensive bags of food not knowing if they'll even eat it, this has been such a blessing!! I don't know how they can afford it, but I am truly grateful.

Yvette M.

It was an ok store. When you walk in, it smells like a farm would. Reminds me of my old little desert community. The guy who helped me, was kind of standoffish. It was my first time there at the store. We just happened to be in the neighborhood looking for a small dog collar for my lil Chihuahua terrier mix. I guess he was disappointed that I didn't spend very much in the store. No need to.

Ian M.

Great place for toys and fancy food, however they don't carry our brand anymore so I don't go as often. The manager is very nice and accommodating. Got into a conversation about trying raw food for my cats and he graciously gave me a bunch of samples to try. All the staff has been very helpful anytime I've had a question, and they have quality products here. Also every month or so they have a mobile vet and groomer I believe.

Rita

Spoke with Valerie who helped us find a great dog food. She was VERY knowledgeable on what guess into the dogs foods. Unfortunately they did not have much other animal foods, I went in for African Grey parrot food...but if you want dog or cat food... this is your place.

Megan P.

Small store, but the selection is pretty good. All of the dog foods they carry are high quality. The store is always organized well and very clean. The staff is friendly and attentive. There are lots of toys to choose from as well for all sizes of dogs. There are all sorts of treats to choose from, too, with a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors.

Cat C.

Came in yesterday to get some cat food and let me tell you, this place is so amazing!!
The employees were so helpful; they signed us up for the rewards program, gave us some free treats to try, and offered us some free goats milk to try as well! The lady who checked us out was efficient and kind, and the other employee who was next to her was so unbelievably sweet! She gave me such an amazing complement, and that made my day! I was already going to write a great review for the place just because of their wide selection of goods, and helpfulness, but that really was the cherry on top!
I would love to come back; they had a great selection of products and their prices are great! They even had the cat food we came in for on sale! I highly recommend supporting this store over places like Petco or Petsmart and I will definitely come back soon! I love this place and I’m so glad that we stumbled upon it!