Pet Haven Introduce
In the age of large commercial chains and online retail, finding a local business with a genuine heart for its customers and their pets is a rare and special discovery. For decades, Pet Haven in Sterling Heights, Michigan, has been that exact place for generations of local pet owners. It's more than just a store; it's a community hub where a deep love for animals and decades of knowledge create a truly unique and personal experience. This small, local establishment is a refreshing alternative to the impersonal world of big-box stores, offering a level of care and expertise that can only be found in a trusted neighborhood shop.
The history and legacy of Pet Haven are what make it so special to the Sterling Heights community. One customer’s review beautifully captures this, reminiscing about getting their first "teddy bear hamsters" there in the 1970s and 80s. Now, as an adult, they bring their own daughter to visit the same owner, Cal, and his iconic talking bird. This continuity and family-oriented atmosphere are core to the store's identity. The review notes that they've purchased a variety of animals over the years, including "fish, 2 hamsters, 2 guinea pigs, and a rabbit," all of which have been a testament to the quality and care provided. Cal's reputation as being "personable and knowledgeable" and an owner who "loves and takes good care of his animals" is a recurring theme. The fact that he is still a staple in the community after all these years speaks volumes about his dedication and the value he provides. In an era where small businesses often struggle, the loyalty of Pet Haven's customers is a powerful endorsement of its wonderful service and ethical approach.
The core of Pet Haven's services lies in its wide selection of healthy and well-cared-for animals and their accompanying supplies. While the provided information is concise, customer reviews paint a more detailed picture. The store is known for its selection of small animals like hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits, which are a popular choice for families. Furthermore, Pet Haven has a reputation as a great place for fish enthusiasts. Their selection includes tropical fish, with some sources mentioning unique and rare species that are often hard to find at larger chains. The focus on a curated selection of healthy animals, rather than a vast and overwhelming inventory, is a key part of their business model. This allows the staff to provide individual attention to each animal and to each customer's questions. While the reviews mention a general range of animals and supplies, the store's primary service is providing a personal, guided experience for new and existing pet owners, helping them make informed choices and ensuring their pets thrive.
Located at 37396 Van Dyke Ave, Sterling Heights, MI 48312, Pet Haven is conveniently positioned for local residents. Its location on a major thoroughfare makes it easy to find and access for those in Sterling Heights and the surrounding areas of Macomb County. The business is also designed for accessibility, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot, ensuring that all community members can visit without issue. This thoughtful feature reflects the store's commitment to being an inclusive and welcoming place for everyone. The nature of the store is perfect for a "quick visit," as noted in its planning features. This makes it an ideal stop for a pet food top-up or a spontaneous trip with a child to see the animals. The store accepts credit and debit cards, adding to the convenience and ease of a quick transaction. These practical features, combined with the outstanding customer service, make every visit to Pet Haven a smooth and enjoyable experience, reinforcing its status as a valued community resource.
The features and highlights of Pet Haven are centered around its authentic, community-oriented approach. The knowledgeable and personable owner, Cal, is a major draw, with one customer even offering to tip him for his exceptional knowledge and care—a gesture he humbly refused. This speaks to a business philosophy that is driven by a genuine love for animals and people, not just profit. The customer who wrote a review on behalf of her boyfriend emphasized this point, noting that the great service was so impactful that he "really wished you had the business cards ready because he would have been more than happy to take some and pass them around to others." This powerful desire to spread the word about a positive experience is the best form of advertising and a clear sign of a business that is doing things right. The presence of the long-standing "talking bird" is a charming and memorable feature that adds to the store's unique character and makes every visit a little more special, especially for children.
What is worth choosing? Pet Haven is an unparalleled choice for Michigan pet owners, particularly those in the Sterling Heights area, because it offers an authentic, personal experience that is increasingly rare today. The deep knowledge and genuine care of the owner, Cal, create a level of trust and support that you simply cannot find at a big-box chain. The store has a long-standing reputation for selling healthy, well-cared-for animals, as proven by decades of customer loyalty and repeat business. The fact that a customer who grew up visiting the store now brings their own child is a powerful testament to the positive impact and lasting impression of Pet Haven. This is a business built on relationships and a shared love of animals, not just transactions. By supporting Pet Haven, you are not only getting great products and healthy animals but also becoming part of a community that values compassion, knowledge, and personal connection. It's a place that feels like home for both you and your pets, and that is what makes it truly worth choosing for all your pet needs.
Services Offered
- Animal Sales: Provides a variety of small animals like hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits.
- Fish Sales: Offers a selection of tropical fish and associated supplies.
- Pet Supplies: Sells food, toys, and other necessary items for pet care.
- Expert Guidance: The owner, Cal, provides knowledgeable advice and personal care to customers.
Features / Highlights
- Long-standing Community Staple: A beloved local business serving generations of pet owners since the 1970s.
- Knowledgeable and Personable Owner: Cal is praised for his expertise and genuine care for animals.
- Wheelchair Accessible: Ensures the store is accessible to all members of the community.
- Small, Local Establishment: Provides a personal and friendly atmosphere that differs from large chains.
- Accepts Credit and Debit Cards: Offers convenient payment options.
Contact Information
- Address: 37396 Van Dyke Ave, Sterling Heights, MI 48312, USA
- Phone: (586) 979-1160
What is worth choosing?
For any Michigan resident, and particularly for those in the Sterling Heights area, Pet Haven is the clear choice for pet needs because of its unparalleled personal touch and dedication. In a market dominated by large corporations, this local, family-oriented business offers something truly invaluable: a genuine connection. The reviews highlight an owner who is not just a seller but a trusted friend and mentor in the world of pet ownership. His deep knowledge and compassionate approach ensure that every animal is well-cared for, and every customer leaves feeling confident and supported. The multi-generational loyalty of its customer base is a powerful indicator of the quality of the animals and the enduring positive experience the store provides. By choosing Pet Haven, you're not just buying a pet or supplies; you are supporting a cornerstone of the community and building a relationship with a business that is truly invested in your pet’s well-being. It’s a rewarding experience that benefits both the customer and the local community, making it the best option for those who value personal service and genuine care.
Pet Haven Details
Service options
- Delivery
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Planning
- Quick visit
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Pet Haven Photos










Pet Haven Location
Pet Haven
37396 Van Dyke Ave, Sterling Heights, MI 48312, USA
Pet Haven Reviews
fishhealthypriceguinea pigsselectionchain storeseducatequestionsantiquescommunity aquarium
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1As a child growing up in the 1970-80's, I went to Pet Haven for all my teddy bear hamsters. I had six over a span 10 years. Cal, the pet store owner, is so personable and knowledgeable. Now I am an adult with a daughter of my own and I bring her in regularly to visit Cal and his talking bird (who happens to be older than I am). We have purchased fish, 2 hamsters, 2 guinea pigs, and a rabbit over the years. It is such a blessing to have a small, local pet store with such a great owner who loves and takes good care of his animals and befriends all who come in. It is rare these days of big commercial stores. Cal and Pet Haven are wonderful to have in our community!
June 18 · HeatherMy boyfriend had an awesome experience here... so great he wanted to give the owner a tip for all the knowledge and care provided. However, the owner wouldn't take the tip. So, my boyfriend wanted to find another way to express his appreciation (here is where I come in:). Since my boyfriend doesn't do reviews I wrote one for him. Thank you for the great service!!! And since it was my suggestion that he go there, bonus points for me😊 So thank you from me as well!! My boyfriend also expressed that he really wished you had the business cards ready because he would have been more than happy to take some and pass them around to others but, there is always next time. Again, thank you Pet Haven; and, to anyone reading this please don't hestitate to support this great establishment for your pet needs!!
March 31 · V. NicoleWonderful customer service, they love their animals and everything is kept up so nicely. Thank you, I will be back!
May 05 · Rebecca KeilAmazing fish store. If you want healthy, hardy, RARE fish come here. Owner Cal is very helpful and has 50+ years of experience. One of the only stores I have never gotten ich from. If you want fish you will never see at petco or petsmart this is the place to be. I have seen hillstream loaches, botia loaches, nertie snails, bumblebee catfish, peppered Cory cats, tinfoil barbs, paradise fish, geophagus, knight gobies, even some deep blue shrimp, and many more fish I have never seen in a pet store before. Definitely come support and check this place out.
March 26 · Lucas OrowOne of the only pet stores I recommend to others. We purchased a bunny from Pet Haven 10 years ago. He's still running around and healthy, outliving his bunny friends who came from lesser stores. He truly cares about his animals and where they come from. His store and cages/tanks are always clean and he's very knowledgeable. Definitely someone who sparked my own love for animals and fish as a kid and I'm glad to see his store still around today.
February 05 · Rachel Adams
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