Sam & Willy’s

I take the Brown Line here from downtown because it’s the only place I can find the right flavor of raw food for my cat. They have a reward program for that particular brand (buy x, get 1 free), which is fantastic, since raw food can be a bit pricey. Despite its small size, they have a pretty good selection of cat toys, food, treats, and accouterments – a lot of larger stores cater primarily to dogs with only the slightest nod to cats. Their food and treats are healthy, and their prices are no worse (and even a little better) than the pet boutiques near my home. When the price increased on my brand of food, they were happy to explain why, and they’re always offering to special order things they don’t have in stock.

Sam and Willy’s is the best! We used to go here for all of our pet needs when we lived on the North Side and the owner and all the people that work there are fantastic. They have made fantastic recommendations for food and treats. I love this place so much that we continued to drive up north after we moved to the West Loop even though it took an hour.

My doggy doesn’t seem to like their free treats in the front. Nice touch to have a water bowl for dogs. Good selection of natural and organic dog food, treats, and small toys. I didn’t see anything that I needed aside from my dog’s regular Orijen brand. Staff was friendly as my dog was on a loose leash smelling everything in the small store.

Percy’s ALL TIME favorite suppliers of doggie deliciousness and delights!!! Nicest folks, WONDERFUL community business. Definitely part of our family!

It is hard to find a dog store that has unique toys and food but also has great staff that is not snobby. Well, this is one of the few in Chicago. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful — they go out of their way to research items and then they actually follow-​up with you. They have special ordered items for me and have even helped me to see other options I had for my dog on food products. This helped me a lot and I truly appreciated the patience and professionalism that they displayed.
The store is small (it’s main drawback and the reason it doesn’t get 5 stars) but it carries a lot of very cool items. Their dog toys are some of the most unique and interesting in the city. Their dog bowls are some of the nicest and sturdiest I have seen.
Parking is on the street and since the store is on a funky six way kind of corner, you have to make sure that you are paying attention when you park. Also, watch out for the one way streets so that you don’t make a wrong turn. If you take the L, it is literally right under the Brown Line Paulina Stop.
I keep going back here because of the staff as they are truly some of the best and most caring store owners. They really do enjoy what they do and that shows with the attention they give to each customer.

These guys are the best! They are very knowledgable and helpful. They always help me select proper products for our boxers (1of which had serious allergies before we came here nearly 6 years ago). The owner even delivered pain meds for our beloved Toby after we discovered that what we bought wasn’t the pain meds. Since we lived close to owner, he gladly came by and exchanged for me! I can’t say enough great things about them and all of their employees. They specialize in unique items and good, healthy treats and foods for pets!

this is a great pet store! i love that they actually sell things for animals besides dogs… it gets old walking from pet store to pet store to find that they’re really just dog stores. sam & willy’s has lots of fun things to keep my kitty entertained and engaged… which is key, since she’s starting to become quite the little chunk. :) what’s also great is the staff– very friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable.
it’s easy to get to via public transit, but if you’re driving, be prepared to park a couple blocks away and pay for a meter.

I heart Sam & Willy’s!!! I lived right around the corner from this place for 2 years and frequently took my pooch on walks here. (This was back when they still had the photo booth– and yes, we have many a photo booth session print hanging upon our refrigerator door to this day.) They have the best selection of collars I’ve ever encountered. My Eleanor Rigby is currently still fashioning her dancing elephant one as I type this. She gets oh so many compliments! They also have a great selection of food, treats, toys, clothes and gift items. We once purchased my mother in law a set of Westie bookends which she adores. Where else does one find Westie bookends?
I was in town this past weekend, and stopped in to pick up my Boston Terrier a couple of new toys (My dog has a habit of making it snow stuffing in our living room 2 minutes after receiving any toy– Sam & Willy’s makes the only indestructible ones I can find.) Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon a Chicago Bears jersey that would actually fit her fat body! Regardless of the fact that it is 104 degrees outside here in Memphis, my husband has had her prancing about the house wearing it proudly since I returned. Since I don’t get home too often, the gal behind the corner let me know they can ship! Too freaking excited about this little nugget of goodness!

Right from the get go, Super nice staff!
My dogs were ecstatic while in the store; which is unusual for my lazy 8 yr old Pekingese. Sam & Willy’s had great unique stuff I haven’t seen at other pet stores. I love stopping in from time to time to see what they have in & to surprise my little dog nuggets with treats lol. Chain pet stores are fine, but definitely can’t replace fantastic smaller businesses like Sam & Willy’s.
Thanks to the staff at Sam & Willy’s for being so patient; even when one of my dogs wandered behind the counter lol.

Sam & Willy’s is a cute little pet shop stocked to the brim with fun toys, supplies, and gadgets for your pet.
My little Peanut and I stopped in last night to browse and ended up buying a cute little water bottle with an attached water bowl, which will be perfect for our long summer doggie walks.
The staff was really nice and even though this store is small, they had a lot of great stuff! Cute outfits, super great (and super expensive or I would have bought it too) dog carriers, leashes, bowls, etc. You name it and Sam & Willy’s has it!

So I happen to have the world’s finickiest cat. He only eats one brand, and one flavor of that brand, only. So when I suddenly ran out and needed to get him more food, I discovered that the normal pet store happened to be closed — I had to call a bunch of different stores to see if they carried that brand and flavor.
Sam & Willy’s was third on the list I called, and the only place that carried it. I confirmed with the person on the phone that she indeed had a bag of the stuff, and asked what time they closed (in ten minutes). I assured her I was on the road, and only three blocks away, but I definitely heard attitude from her side.
I got there quickly and sure enough, the rudeness kept on coming. I tried to be nice and said thanks for having the food, I have a crazy cat, etc., but I was given the stare-​down, as if I just ruined her evening. There was a dude there too, don’t know if he works there too, but he copped attitude too.
When I left, I checked my time, and sure enough, there were still 5 minutes left before closing time. So why the rudeness? If you’re gonna work in a pet store, be prepared to deal with the loonies (me) with pets.
I think I’ll just make sure to stock up on enough pet food at Spoiled Rotten Pets to make sure I don’t have to go back to this place.

This is a great little pet store. The staff is very knowledgeable and pleasant.
I went there for the first time two years ago when i lived in the neighborhood to see if they could order a tall sisal scratching post and lo and behold they had it right there on the floor. I needed another recently so drove over from Lincoln Square. Happily I found the same post ready and waiting for me on the floor.
The store has good food and cute cat toys as well. I wish I hadn’t moved from the neighborhood as it was great living by Sam & Willy’s. I stop by occasionally when I hit Whole Foods. It is worth it every time.

This is the type of place that you walk in, and you want to get everything for your dog. Like everything. My dog now totally needs a toy that when you squeeze it, it says «Let’s go CUBBIES!» Well technically she needs one that says «Let’s go CARDINALS» but alas, we are too far from the STL.
Anyway. The people who work there are so nice, we talked with the guy behind the counter for a while and he was really knowledgeable about food and all the products that they had. We totally spoil our pooch with her food, but hey, she was a pound pup, she had a really rough first year of life, why not give her yummy, good quality food? The dog deserves it. (of course with her appetite, she would eat anything, but it makes us feel better) They have the 30 lbs bag of Innova and they also sell California Natural – two great brands.
We were told that they are having sales soon, with sales on beds and other merchandise. I really want to go back and get Miss B a cute new collar, or tags, or toys, or anything really.
I like to support small businesses like this too – it just has a more cozy and welcoming atmosphere than PetCo. The prices for the food were not that crazy either. I think that we got the 30 lb back for $ 54? Not too shabby. We will be back!

I stumbled upon Sam & Willy’s one afternoon when I was on my way to work. It’s a tiny little boutique filled, floor to ceiling, with dog food, toys, treats, clothing, etc. The sales associates were very helpful in suggesting a good dog food and with picking out the treats. I told them I wanted something to keep my pup occupied for a while and they recommended this weird meat bone that sure enough, gave my dog something to do for an hour or so besides sit at my feet and lick the air.
I usually buy my dog food from brands I’ve heard of, like Purina or IAMS, but decided to try something different. After answering a series of questions about my dog they suggested a kind called Cowboy Cookout and boy does my dog like it! Who wouldn’t like a cowboy cookout though, I mean really.
They usually give you a business card with a pin featuring their store logo on it. Apparently, if you wear the pin the next time you come into the store, you can get a special discount on certain items. I remember they mentioned something about a huge sidewalk sale (tons of items for $ 5) this Saturday (⁹⁄₂₆), so if you’re in the neighborhood, walk over with your pup and check it out!

This is an ok little pet store. It has a lot of the same things other stores in area carry. What it doesn’t have that the others do… friendly staff. I’m consistenly disappointed in the customer service here. I guess I just expect more from locally owned businesses.
Meh.

Not that this place doesn’t have neat stuff or anything but I have to say I had a really bad experience. I went in looking for something that would be somewhat «chew proof» for my dobi pup and this guy began to sell me on these particular line of toys that are really chew resistant and tend to stand up better then most others. I was skeptical since they were soft but he kept assuring me that they would hold up well. So, I go ahead and buy them since I am all about cute things and supporting local businesses.
I head home with my new purchases and low and behold, two hours later, they were totally destroyed. I was so upset since I was told they were better than most other toys. I went the next day to see if there was something I could do, an exchange, anything, even an apology but to my surprise, I got a very rude response. The guy said «I never said it was chew proof» uh hello, I wasn’t under the assumption it would be chew proof, just hold up better than a sock would have. Need less to say I was so pissed off. Its unfortunate since I would have been happy with at least a free rawhide for the trouble but nothing. This place will not be getting any business from me or anyone else I can help. At least Petsmart will take their things back. Come on, two freakin hours, what a total joke. No thank you Sam and Willy’s and no thank you rude guy either.

Sam & Willy’s has been delivering dog food to me in Lincoln Park for a year because I don’t have a car and my dog is high maintenance and requires special food :) They are a huge help!

This is a charming store with lots of upscale toys and accessories for all of your puppies and kitties. They also have a great selections of dog food and treats.
The owner is almost always on hand.
One of those small business you hope will make it… SO go, they are great and will be great to your pet!
O and they have a photo booth so comb your hair and do those Christmas cards you have planed for years!

Please, by all means, allow me to shop in peace. If I have a question, do NOT worry. I WILL ask. I am not shy. I am not timid. I am NEVER intimidated. I have no problem with store owners letting me browse, use my mind, and parse through the items on my own… AND let me tell you! While this space may be small… the owners of SAM & Willy’s cram in a TON of stock!
I have from this store, and — in my possession:
1– Christmas tree dog toy, with decorations, that plays «Oh Christmas Tree» or «O Tannebaum «(depending on your Nationality and language choice) when gripped in the correct place,
1– super tough set of dog rings with crinkle spots that can be used for tug-​o-​war,
2-​wrappers for all natural gingerbredmen cookies (consumed by the dogs and in the trash),
1– I HEART OBAMA dog collar
1-​Drama Queen dog tag,
and– I am sure a mish-​mash of otherstuff that I cannot recall!
I do like this store– enjoy shopping here, and have since it has opened!

Yes, it’s tiny. Yes, some things are expensive. Yes, it’s my favorite fancy place for fun pet stuff. I don’t think a small boutique should ever be compared to the prices at a massive chain like Petsmart or Petco. I was in tonight to pick up some frozen Primal bones ($ 9.95) and added catnip ($ 4.50), a large shark toy ($ 8.95) and two chewie treats ($?). Yes they had crazy wild toys that we’re more expensive but they had cheaper ones too. While I was browsing I saw that they had very cool collars priced between $ 10 and $ 35. $ 12 for an awesome rockin leash? Not bad I say!
And they have one of those old fashioned photo booth machines so you and your pet can get your pictures taken. Sweet!
And I think the staff is nice.