Westchester Puppies & Kittens

- 26 S Central Ave, Hartsdale, NY 10530

For New Yorkers seeking to add a puppy or kitten to their family, the journey to finding the right companion is a significant one. The options for acquiring a pet have evolved dramatically over time, especially with the introduction of new animal welfare laws designed to protect both animals and consumers. Businesses that sell puppies and kittens, such as Westchester Puppies & Kittens in Hartsdale, have been a part of this evolving landscape, with their history reflecting the public’s changing attitudes toward pet acquisition and the legal environment surrounding it. Located in the heart of Westchester County, the store has long been a place where prospective pet owners could meet a wide variety of breeds in person, a model that has drawn both strong praise and significant public concern.

The experience of shopping at such a business has varied greatly among customers, with different individuals reporting vastly different outcomes. The legal and ethical considerations surrounding the sourcing of animals for pet stores have become a central topic of discussion in recent years. This is particularly relevant in New York, where new legislation has fundamentally changed how these businesses can operate. Understanding a store like Westchester Puppies & Kittens requires looking at its history, its stated services, and the range of customer experiences that have been shared over the years, all within the context of the current state laws governing pet sales.

Westchester Puppies & Kittens is situated at 26 S Central Ave, Hartsdale, NY 10530, in a central location within Westchester County. The address places it on a major thoroughfare, making it easily accessible for customers traveling from various parts of the county, as well as from New York City and surrounding areas. For individuals who prefer an in-person shopping experience, the store’s physical location allows for onsite services where customers can interact with the animals directly before making a decision. The business also provides a wheelchair accessible parking lot, an important feature that accommodates a wide range of visitors. Payment options are convenient, with the store accepting major credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Based on the provided information and public data, Westchester Puppies & Kittens has traditionally offered a number of services focused on the sale and care of puppies and kittens. The business was known for its in-store shopping model, which allowed prospective owners to meet the animals in person before making a commitment. This physical presence and array of services are what set it apart from online-only operations or adoption agencies.

• Available Puppies and Kittens for Sale: The store was known for carrying a wide variety of breeds, a key feature for customers seeking a specific type of dog or cat. The provided list of available puppies includes popular breeds such as Basset Hounds, Beagles, Boxers, Corgis, French Bulldogs, Huskies, Labrador Retrievers, and Pugs. They also offered Miniature Schnauzers, as well as several categories of dogs, including non-shedding, small, Spaniel, Terrier, and toy puppies. In addition to puppies, the store also offered kittens for sale, with specific mention of Ragdolls in customer reviews.

• Obedience Training: A specific service noted in the provided information is obedience training. This is a crucial service for new puppy owners, as it can help them establish a positive relationship and set their new pet up for a lifetime of good behavior. The availability of this service suggests a commitment to the well-being and integration of the puppies into their new homes.

• Pet Supply Sales: In addition to animals, the business also operated as a pet supply store. This makes it a convenient one-stop-shop for new pet owners, who could purchase everything from food and toys to crates and bedding immediately after selecting their new companion.

• Pet Placement Services: The business’s services also centered on finding “Pet Home” and “Puppy Home” for its animals. This highlights a core function of the business: acting as an intermediary to connect a wide variety of puppies and kittens with a broad customer base throughout the region.

The experience at Westchester Puppies & Kittens has been described very differently by various customers. On one hand, some reviews highlight a positive experience, praising the store for its unique selection and helpful staff. Other customers, however, have raised significant concerns about pricing, animal health, and business practices. These contrasting viewpoints provide a full picture of the business.

• Wide Variety of Breeds: A key feature of the store, as noted by a customer, was its wide selection of breeds. The review claims that the store had "so much rare breeds" and that the reviewer had "seen more in this store than I have in any other nyc pet stores." This variety was a major draw for customers who were seeking a specific type of dog that might not be available from local shelters or individual breeders.

• Contrasting Views on Staff and Service: Customer experiences with the staff vary widely. A positive review describes the staff as "very friendly and very helpful with my buying process." Conversely, another review describes the process as "super confusing" and alleges that the store was "not up front and honest about pricing upon arrival," with a significant price increase from an initial phone quote.

• Conflicting Reports on Animal Health: The most contentious aspect of the business, as reflected in the reviews and public data, relates to the health of the animals. While one customer praises the "cutest animals evaa," another detailed a difficult experience with a new cat that had a "terrible upper respiratory infection/kennel cough" and a personality that was "totally effected by the way he was raised." This customer's experience also raised concerns about unsanitary conditions, noting that the "facility it reeks of bleach which can not be good for the tiny puppies and kitten to be breathing in all the time." Public information confirms that the business has a history of consumer complaints regarding sick animals, including illnesses commonly associated with animals from large-scale commercial breeding operations. A 2019 legal settlement with the New York State Attorney General's office prohibited the store from making false claims about the origin of its animals after an investigation found they were sourcing from commercial kennels, not from the "home-raised" or "certified breeders" they had previously claimed.

• Discrepancies in Pricing: A customer review explicitly states that the price paid for a Ragdoll kitten was $4,500, a price they later felt was "completely ripped off" after realizing the typical price was closer to $2,000. Public data from reputable breeders supports a wide range of pricing for Ragdolls, with show-quality cats and those from highly reputable breeders often selling for higher prices. However, the review’s accusation of a significant and dishonest price jump between a phone quote and the final purchase is a critical point for potential customers.

For inquiries, the business can be contacted using the following information:

• Address: 26 S Central Ave, Hartsdale, NY 10530, USA

• Phone: (646) 226-1998

For a New York resident considering where to find a new pet, the case of Westchester Puppies & Kittens serves as a valuable example of the pet store industry's recent changes. It highlights the importance of thorough research before acquiring a pet from any source. As of December 15, 2024, New York State's "Puppy Mill Pipeline Act" has banned the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores, a significant development for animal welfare. This law was a response to widespread concerns about the sourcing of animals from commercial breeding facilities and the subsequent health issues and deceptive practices that have been reported across the state's pet stores, including this one.

With this legal change, what is worth choosing is a more informed and responsible approach to pet ownership. Instead of relying on a physical store, New Yorkers are now encouraged to adopt from a local animal shelter or rescue organization, or to purchase directly from a reputable, in-home breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of the animals. The experiences shared by both positive and negative reviewers, along with the public record of legal action and new state laws, all point to a single conclusion: the journey to finding a new pet is best taken with diligence, awareness, and a commitment to ensuring a happy and healthy start for a new family member. For prospective pet owners, the key is to prioritize transparency, ethical sourcing, and to be prepared to ask difficult questions about an animal’s health, price, and background.

Westchester Puppies & Kittens

26 S Central Ave, Hartsdale, NY 10530, USA