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The Animal Connection is looking for a new owner!

Dear Animal Connection Community,

 

          My name is Isabella. I’m the owner of The Animal Connection. As a born and raised San Franciscan, I can’t begin to tell you what it has meant to me to own this store. I came here to get my guinea pigs’ nails clipped when I was a middle schooler at Holy Name School down the street. And when I attended high school at St. Ignatius (also down the street), I got lucky enough to land “Animal Caretaker” as a summer job. Fast forward to 2019, and I got the opportunity to take over the business. 2019 was quite the year to take over a brick & mortar business. Through Covid, we have stayed strong, as we have the last 30+ years.

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          I’ve been wrestling with this decision a great deal over the last few months. As the sole owner of The Animal Connection, my job has been very hands on. And although it’s been wonderful and fulfilling, I’ve come to a point in my life where I can’t be as hands on as I need to be. My family has moved to the Philippines, and they are incredibly important to me. Frankly, I miss them, and my priorities have shifted to being able to move semi-permanently to the Philippines and spend more time with them.

 

          This business has been in my life for the last 20 years. I’m looking for a qualified and compassionate person or team of people to take over the shop. We are San Francisco’s largest independent pet store. We are one of the few standing old school pet shops, with supplies and animals for adoption. We also just opened a small second “boutique” location located on 8th and Irving inside the Sunset Mercantile Emporium. We provide a service that our community relies on, and I don’t want to take that away from them. 

 

          Some of you may remember John Chan, the former owner of Chinatown pet shop, Pet Central. Last year, he listed the business for $0. This might seem crazy, but the most important thing to me (and someone like John) is the quality care of our animals and having their customers taken care of. I actually called his store last year to inquire about purchasing it, but I was too late. He already sold it by then. I am inspired by his decision to give his store away in order to keep the spirit alive, and I would like to follow in his footsteps. Exactly like John, I am willing to give away The Animal Connection for free, and only ask for the price of my inventory/products, if it means The Animal Connection can live on. 

 

Interested parties, please email info@animalconnectionsf.net

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Thank you,

Isabella Alcaraz

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Come visit our new boutique location: Animal Connection Boutique at 653 Irving St (on the corner of 8th Ave)! We are located inside the Sunset Mercantile Emporium on 8th Ave. & Irving St. & offer a carefully curated selection of high-quality dog and cat supplies. From premium food and treats to stylish accessories and toys, we provide everything you need to keep your furry friends happy and healthy. We promise to carry only the best for your pet! PLEASE NOTE: WE DO NOT HAVE LIVE ANIMALS AT THIS LOCATION--ONLY DOG AND CAT SUPPLIES. IF YOU'D LIKE TO VISIT WITH THE ANIMALS, PLEASE COME TO OUR FLAGSHIP STORE AT 3401 IRVING ST.
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Visit our flagship at 35th & Irving!

Click here for our special/holiday hours

 
Image by Alexander Grey

Handfed

Baby Budgie

program

The Budgerigar, or "budgie", is a small parrot from Australia. They're more commonly referred to as "parakeets" here in US. They're a small, relatively quiet parrot with one of the largest speech capabilities! They make great pets for all kinds of people including children and adults. In fact, they're one of the only birds we recommend for kids! After we're done hand-feeding them, they end up being such sweet, playful and curious companions that really bond with their humans!

SERVICES

Boarding, Grooming & Surrender

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Services

Boarding

And we know that when you go away on vacation, you are looking for experienced compassionate caretakers to watch your little loved ones. We are happy to offer you these boarding options so when you take time away, you can relax and know that we will show the same care for your animal as we do our own.

Grooming

Pets, like people, need regular maintenance. That's why we offer grooming services for small mammals, birds, and occasionally reptiles! Whether you need their nails cut, talons trimmed, or flight feathers clipped, we're here to help!

Surrender

No longer able to care for your pet? We take in most pets (as long as they are legal to own/adopt in San Francisco) with no surrender fee. We know this is a big decision that requires a lot of thought, so when you're ready to make that decision we'll be here for you!

TESTIMONIALS

Animal Lovers Recommend

Rob S.

"Animal Connection is the best pet and pet supply store ever. The staff truly cares about my pets' health and happiness. Animal Connection's advice offered over the years for my pets - dog, cats, gecko and boa constrictor - ensured my family cared for our pets responsibly and with confidence."

Maria R.

"The Animal Connection is the best local pet shop a pet mom could ever ask for! There's always something new and fun to bring home to my dog, cat, rat, and parakeet! An all around excellent place with an old-timey feel to it. Grateful to be able to lean on their expert staff in times of need! This place is a true staple of the community!"

Michelle B.

"The staff at The Animal Connection really know their stuff! I am so happy to find a local pet shop that I can go to and feel welcome as well as my dog, Tripper! We have have bn shopping at the AC for over 5 years now. They have great prices on Trips favorite dog chow Taste of the Wild! Thanks AC! Don't ever change; you guys are the real deal!"

Dwarf Rabbit

Greens for Small Mammals

We accept donations of produce for our small mammals!

Acceptable Produce:

  • Romaine, Red & Green leaf lettuce

  • Dandelion Greens

  • Carrot Tops

  • Chard (e.g.  swiss or rainbow)

  • Wheatgrass

  • Mustard Greens

Unacceptable Produce:

  • Iceberg lettuce

  • Cucumber

  • Tomato

  • Celery

  • Broccoli

  • Avocado

  • Potato

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