Saturday, September 28, 2013

Walter's Pet Styles-Daycare

Small, friendly looking place in Murray Hill/Kips Bay with treat dispenser machine out front.

Excellent reviews from Yelp, with a couple of sour apples


Walter's Pet Styles

4.5 star rating
20 reviews Rating Details
201-C E 33rd St
New York, NY 10016
Neighborhoods: Midtown East, Murray Hill, Kips Bay
(212) 725-0000
Nearest Transit Station:
33 St. (4, 6, 6X)
28 St. (4, 6, 6X)
Grand Central - 42 St. (7, 7X)
Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 7 pm
Sat 9 am - 6 pm
Sun 10 am - 5 pm
About This Business:
We specialize in dog socialization and play groups, hike outings, puppy visits, dog boarding(kennel free), pet sitting, cat visits, and pet… read more »
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20 reviews in English

  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    4/21/2013
    I've taken my kitty to Walter's a couple of times for grooming, both times with great results.

    This last time, I discovered that Jane now works there as a groomer.  I used to go to her when Furry Paws was my grooming choice.  When they closed, I thought I'd lost a great, patient groomer.

    I would highly recommend Walter's.
  • Review from

    • 17 friends
    • 87 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    4/17/2013
    We use Walter's for monthly dog grooming of our Westie.  Walter himself grooms our Westie, and he does a wonderful job.  We have tried many groomers in the Murray Hill neighborhood (Happy Feet, Pet Co, Biscuits & Bath), but Walter consistently does the best job.  Our dog, being a typical NYC dog, picks up tons of dirt and dust at the dog parks - it is almost an embarassment when we drop him off for grooming.  But Walter uses his magic and makes our Westie so gleaming white, you have to look away for fear of becoming blind (haha, just kidding).  Walter does a nice job shaving the nails, cleaning the paws, trimming around the face, and our Westie is so soft and snuggable when he's done.

    The only reason I'm giving Walter's Pet Styles 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the price.  It costs $93 (including tax, but not including tip).   Although you could get your dog groomed for half the price at PetCo, we keep going to Walter's because he gets our dog the cleanest.
  • Review from

    • 7 friends
    • 35 reviews
    New York, NY
    8/7/2013 1 photo
    My dogs (a 16-year-old blind Maltese and a crazy 7-year-old brown toy poodle) got the best haircuts of their canine lives here at Walter's. The 16-year-old came back looking ten years younger and with a spring in his step!  They really seem to treat the dogs well and don't yell at you or threaten you with high surcharges if the dogs are slightly matted.  If I could afford to do so,  I would take my dogs here every month for grooming.  I am eagerly awaiting the return of one of their twice-yearly promotions of "buy one grooming service and get the second one at 50% off."  I think this is the best grooming place in Manhattan these days.
    • Winston and Moonshadow still looking mighty spiffy 4 weeks …
  • Review from

    • 5 friends
    • 4 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    7/18/2013
    I'd like to tell my personal story of how they go above and beyond. I've never had a dog before and rescued one over a year ago. Walter's had this great deal of just a wash, toe clipping etc for 35.00 plus tip. I was very specific, did not want my little Asta cage dried nor put in a cage til she was picked up which they complied with. My second visit the lovely Lindsay pointed out that the groomer noticed a lump on her side that had not been there before and I should have it checked out. I did and it turned out it was nothing. BUT when doing a thorough check up on her body, it was discovered she had breast cancer. If they had not given me the heads up on the lump, I would have waited til a year for her yearly appointment and the cancer probably would have spread. They literally saved her life.
  • Review from

    • 17 friends
    • 24 reviews
    New York, NY
    7/7/2013
    I live next door to Walters and witnessed multiple times dogs dragging their owners to go in or refusing to leave! Also my kitty stays with them when I'm out of town and they do a great job with detailed instructions and giving updates!
  • Review from

    • 12 friends
    • 44 reviews
    New York, NY
    12/17/2012
    I've been taking my pup to Walter's for the last two plus years. He attends daycare and gets grooming and baths. In the city, it's the best I've found for these services. The daycare is great, and limited to smaller dogs (under 35 lbs or so). The staff always are very friendly with the pups. For grooming, Walter, does a great job, and always gives the cut I request. People on the street often comment about the smart doo my pup is sporting and ask where I take him.

    It's a boutique shop, so quirky, but it isn't a turn-and-burn facility. They know the dogs and treat them well, which is more than some other places. I also appreciate that it's one of the few daycare in the city that will walk your dog (not make them go inside) a few times a day for free. Other places tend to charge.

    Overall, I'm a fan! Of note: those comments about the owner / groomer sending harsh email etc, just to clarify, Walter is the groomer and the namesake. He he isn't the owner. He is an employee. Those emails and many of the funny rules come from Sam, who is the real owner. His staff is great but he can use a lesson in client services. ; )
  • Review from

    • 2 friends
    • 1 review
    Kips Bay, Manhattan, NY
    3/4/2013
    We ended up at Walters because our beloved Ritzy Canine closed. We always heard great things but never needed to use Walters. Turns out this place is great! They gave us a tour and everything looked very cute. We use them for Day Care and Grooming.

    Daycare:
    My dog has serious separation anxiety so he cant be left alone much. He always cries when we leave him at daycare but when we come back you doesn't want to leave. He doesn't even pay attention to me on his way out.

    Grooming:
    Walter is very attentive to your needs and will always take the time to talk with you about what you want. So far, its very hit or miss, but if you take the time to explain in person you gets it right. My dog just got groomed and I was very very pleased.

    If you have a small dog and need daycare or grooming... This is the place.
  • Review from

    • 2 friends
    • 2 reviews
    New York, NY
    10/24/2012
    I brought my maltese, Igby, here for the first time yesterday and it was not only the best experience I've had with grooming/daycare, it was also just enjoyable. Igby looked perfect (you'd be surprised to see how much difficulty groomers have with grooming a maltese - they often turn out squirley lookin').

    He also had so much fun at daycare and the handlers were awesome. You could tell they really cared and had fun with the dogs - everyone was sad to see Igby go home, and he didn't want to leave (usually he's out of there pronto).

    Everyone was so friendly, accommodating and thorough. Really, really great spot!
  • Review from

    • 39 friends
    • 68 reviews
    Elmhurst, NY
    4/5/2009
    As written previously, my usual groomer in Queens no longer accepts kitty clients and so I have been desperately looking for a replacement. I decided I must do something about her matted mess recently, but she scowled and hissed as soon as she saw me approach with a Furminator in my hand. At one point, she even scratched my face mercilessly because that is how much she detests being brushed. THAT'S IT, KITTY, TIME TO CALL THE PROFESSIONAL!!!

    I found Walter's Pet Styles via Internet search and I can't be more pleased with their services. Five Stars! Outstanding! The phone was answered by a polite, friendly and helpful rep. I brought kitty in at 10:30am, spoke briefly to the groomer (a sweet gentleman named Leatre), showed him a couple of photos on my mobile phone of what kitty needed to look like and offered brief instructions (no lion cut!!! careful not to shave off her whiskers!!!). I was told that it'd normally take 4-5 hours because they do not like to stress the animals, especially cats. But as good timing would have it, kitty was done by 1pm. Yeay! Friendly. Fast. Efficient. No mistakes.

    My kitty emerged after her grooming session looking like a million bucks! She was shampooed, conditioned, smelled wonderfully, had her nails clipped, her ears cleaned, and after her haircut she looked just like the reference images I had shown Leatre. No lion cut, amen!

    Total bill: $105. A lot more than what I previously paid for in Queens, but eh... this was money I needed to spend on.

    THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!
    Now kitty's happy. So is her mommy.

    PS: There's an in-house vet at the store, so there's no worry about your pet being hurt (it's inevitable, you know? Come on, even humans accidentally nick themselves when they shave).
  • Review from

    • 2 friends
    • 7 reviews
    New York, NY
    1/11/2010
    I love this place!
    EVERYONE in this store is fantastic!
    I take my dog there for the fitness program they have! He LOVES going there. They are very loving and caring to your dog!
    The store has a Fabulous unique and sophisticated variety of merchandise!
    Marshall the photographer is phenomenal!!!!!!!! I took Jobo for a photo shoot and let me tell you it was the best money ever invested!
    He did such a great job! He is so talented!
    After noticing that I did not have many pictures with my dog, I saw this opportunity and it was so worth it!
    If you bring your dog there you can walk away knowing that your dog is in the best hands!
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    6/13/2013
    My dog waffle always looks amazing after going to Walters.  I gave them a picture once of what I want him to look like and they copied the picture perfectly.  Waffle likes going there too!  Def would recommend Walters for any dog owner that wants a reliable pet groomer.
  • Review from

    • 60 friends
    • 150 reviews
    New York, NY
    10/7/2010
    My Scottish Fold kitty, Moses, just went to Walter's for a bath and lion cut.  I had been frantically calling groomers in my neighborhood since our usual groomer (who specializes in cats) at Biscuits and Bath had left and Moses was in need of some serious grooming last minute.  Walter's was able to take Moses in within 2 days, and from reading the good reviews online, I made an appointment.

    The storefront was so cute, and it didn't smell of dirty doggies/kitties!  Walter does the grooming himself and he did a fantastic job with Moses.  Being as anal as I am, we left pretty specific instructions regarding Moses' haircut, and the girl who greeted us in the store wrote everything down.  I dropped him off before I went to work, and picked him up on my way home in the evening.

    Moses came home a handsome boy and it was exactly what I was looking for.  We'll be coming back soon for our other cat, and will be visiting Walter's on a regular basis going forward.
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    6/2/2012
    I love Walter's!

    I discovered Walter 's by asking other dog owners at dog parks where they got their dog groomed, i had seen some really nicely groomed dogs!

    I have a Portuguese Water Dog with lots of hair and who is not very cooperative. I was very nervous about "dropping her off" to be groomed since I had stayed with her in Amagansett for her first 2 cuts.  Basic cuts.

    We did print out some pictures of the type of cut we would like, and discussed this with Walter.

    He did a FANTASTIC job, she looks beautiful and she was not freaking out to leave.

    We will be a long time customer of Walters,  It's spotless. Its quite.  I've been to the competitors for day care and puppy class. No comparison.

    Thank you for taking the time and care to keep my puppy looking adorable!
  • Review from

    • 5 friends
    • 3 reviews
    Brooklyn, NY
    9/10/2009
    If you're not going to read the entirety of my review, then just know this: Amazing, totally worth it.

    After a recent move uptown, my blind, geriatric, Maine-Coons'
    grooming skills went to the gutter. Whether it was stress induced, or simply a result of his conditions, he managed to acquire an entire back of dreads, and dandruff. While I never even thought of giving him a shave, I knew that my brush and scissors were absolutely no match for his tangled web of discuting-ness. A proper shave would help him to feel more comfortable, make personal grooming easier AND...seriously detract from the amount of kitty tumbleweeds we had blowing around our apartment. (yes...I am the proud, and perpetually lint-rolling owner of TWO long haired cats)

    Upon calling Walter's, they had fantastic phone-side manners, were courteous, informative and genuinely interested in helping out with my predicament. We made an appointment for that very next morning.
    I arrived with my nervous kitty in tow just as Walter; the owner; was walking in. The entire staff introduced themselves, and Walter did not hesitate to welcome me, and begin the process of getting to know all about Oscar (my bebeh).

    The fact that they wanted to know as much about his history and demeanor as possible quelled my fears, as they took extra attention to note that he would behave differently because of his blindness. Another plus...they DO NOT sedate. (Many places will sedate without asking, just to get the job done, thus charging you another buck-fifty.) Walter and his groomers know and love their customers, and are obviously skilled enough to work with any kitty personality.
    Walter said he would "ease" Oscar into the process of getting a lion-cut, so he wouldn't be scared of his first time.

    When I came to pick him up later that day, they had all become friends with Oscar, and even shared some very useful kitty-factoids about blindness, which not even my money-grubbing vet cared to tell. He was calm, beautiful, and the cut was absolutely purrrrfect. I also purchased a strawberry shaped kitty bed to keep him warm, which they knocked $10 off the price of at the register.

    My cat has come out of his little shell, and I see he feels so much more comfortable in his own skin. I plan on keeping the lion-cut on him forever, as it is both aesthetically awesome, and easier for him to groom.

    For $105, it was definitely worth it. Definitely. Five stars for service, great attitude, fantastic lion-cut...and most importantly one happy happy kitty.
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews
    New York, NY
    8/22/2010
    These people are only interested in taking your money and do not care at all about your dog. PLEASE TAKE YOUR POOCH SOMEWHERE ELSE!

    My dog, Charlie had been going to Walter's daycare for about 3 weeks when I received a phone call from a panicked young girl who informed me that my 4 month old puppy had been "playing with all the other dogs about an hour ago when one of the staff members heard a yelp and discovered Charlie had been casually nipped by another dog".

    She reassured me that this sort of thing happens ALL the time at Walter's and there was nothing to be alarmed about. When I asked if I should leave work and come in to check on him or if I should take him to the vet, she reassured me that their groomer, "who has 20 years of experience with this sort of thing" looked at the bite, cleaned it off, and said that "without a doubt, he did not need to be taken for medical attention", however, it was ultimately up to me to come in and check on Charlie, but rest assured, she reminded me that "this sort of thing happens all the time" and Charlie's bite was not really a bite at all, just a tinsy little scratch and to be honest, she told me, they weren't even sure if it was a bite or a nick.

    Flash forward 4 days, Charlie's scab fell off to reveal an oozing 2" deep hole. I immediately rushed him to the emergency clinic at my vet where I was informed that with ANY biting injury, dogs must be taken immediately to seek medical attention because they are at risk for serious infection if the wound is not cleaned properly. Had Walter's Pet Styles taken Charlie to a vet within an hour after he was bitten, Charlie would not have had to have an emergency 4 hour long surgery to remove the dangerously infected skin around his bite wound that was improperly (if even) cleaned.

    When I took up this issue with Manager Marshall, he denied that something like this has ever happened before QUICKLY reminding me about the multi-page contract I had signed when I registered Charlie for daycare that would prevent me from suing Walter's for negligence.

    CONCLUSION: Walter's claimed it did everything in its power to treat Charlie's wound, short of taking him to the vet. When I questioned why no one took Charlie to the vet, Marshall told me that it would have been an expensive (about $200) vet bill, and Walter's wanted to avoid upsetting me with an expensive and unnecessary vet bill in addition to my injured puppy. Instead I faced an almost $800 bill from my vet for Charlie's emergency surgery. Not only did Walter's refused to reimburse me for my 15 remaining doggy daycare sessions ($440), they also refused to pay for any portion of Charlie's $800 vet bill.

    Do not take your dog here if you want to end up with an emotionally distraught and physically injured dog AND out $1240!!!
  • Review from

    • 2 friends
    • 5 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    5/5/2011
    I love Walter's for day care because my dog LOVES being there.It is very clean and I feel that she is in safe and caring hands .
  • Review from

    Denver, CO
    3/8/2008 First to Review
    Walter does a great job grooming, and he makes your pet feel at ease.  We had a horrible experience with another groomer and have been scared to bring our dogs to someone else in the city since then.  But after their trip to see Walter, our dogs came back happy and looking good.  He did a great job gooming them, but best of all he kept them happy, and that's what most important to us!  We know our dogs are in good hands here... We definately recommend this place.  Walter and his staff are very friendly and good at what they do.
  • Review from

    • 6 friends
    • 2 reviews
    New York, NY
    6/25/2011
    I brought my dog here for grooming (just a puppy cut, nothing fancy) and after I brought him home, I noticed a quarter-sized bald patch on his leg. I didn't think it was a big deal since he does squirm a lot and I just thought it was just a very close shave there. Now, 2 months later, the spot is scabbed over and none of the fur has grown back! I think this is permanent damage! What really peeves me the most is that they didn't even point it out to me when I picked him up. Never coming here again.

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