ABOUT
The Animal Connection
ABOUT US
San Francisco's Largest Independent Pet Store and Rescue
The Animal Connection was established in 1987, and is San Francisco's largest independent pet store. We are not your typical pet shop. To us, each pet is unique and is family, so we strive to find the perfect fit between people and their pets. Our staff is experienced, knowledgeable, and extremely passionate about animals.
Not only do we provide expert advice and carry amazing premium products, but we also board and groom small mammals, birds, and reptiles!
OUR SPECIALTY
Premium Supplies
We carry premium and progressive dog and cat diets. We also offer a huge selection of dog & cat toys and supplies. Our high quality live and frozen foods for reptiles, amphibians and fish are readily available and fairly priced! Grab some top of the line cages, accessories and toys to spoil your feathered friend! We offer name brand pelleted foods as well as bulk and packaged seeds. We have rescue guinea pigs, rats, and hamsters as well as cages supplies and behavioral enrichment items for when you take home your new furry friend! We have rescue reptiles including, but not limited to, leopard geckos, crested geckos, bearded dragons, veiled chameleons, and corn and king snakes.
OUR PASSION
Animal Welfare
Animal welfare is a passion of ours. If you're thinking about taking home a pet, our expert staff will pair you up with the right animal for you! We do NOT sell dogs, cats, or rabbits and always suggest adoption. These are the top three animals that occupy shelters. We do not support breeding mills! We work closely with rescue organizations and local breeders to save as many animals as we can. Support rescue and responsible breeding by going to The Animal Connection!
Meet The Team
Isabella Alcaraz
Owner
Born and raised in the Sunset, Beya grew up going to The Animal Connection and is determined to continue its dedication towards ethical pet care through rescue! Since her first summer job, after graduating at St.Ignatius, at The Animal Connection, she knew she wanted to pursue a career with animals. She's a lover of all animals, and is passionate about animal welfare!
Jennifer Grafelman
"General Manager"
As the former owner and new General Manager of The Animal Connection, Jennifer is an expert in pet care! With experience at places like the San Francisco Zoo, Jen's worked with animals for over 25 years. In 2019, she decided to take some time off and knew the perfect person to take the reigns would be Beya! Now she's able to work part-time while enjoying a few days off a week, all while still working with animals everyday!
Joe Taylor
"The Bird Guy"
With a Bachelors degree of science in Ornithology from UC Berkeley, Joe is our expert on all things Avian! He's worked with all kinds of birds, from canaries, to macaws, to ostriches! As a Certified Avian Specialist, he can help you with all your avian needs. He's our resident bird groomer and can trim nails and wings with ease!
Jeremy Calica-Rodgers
Jeremy is our insect aficionado. He loves all insects, but has a special affinity for arachnids, mantids, and beetles. He's rescued countless insects, snakes, reptiles, and rats. He's an expert when it comes to bioactive enclosures and he breeds his own cleanup crew of springtails and various isopod species. An experienced builder, he also does custom cage commissions for small mammals and reptiles/amphibians/insects!