Wiscoy Pet Food

I was so excited to find a local pet store in State College, until my experience. First, I will start off with the positives. I like how they have a few healthier options for dog food. Example: Fromms, Logic, and Stella and Chewy’s. The store layout is nice and they have a huge treat selection. They also sell non pet related items as well. I experienced 1 genuinely friendly employee there. Not the conditional type of friendliness that is the majority.
Now, the not so positives. I walk in like a normal customer and start shopping. As I’m looking at doggy apparel I over hear an employee refer to a man sitting at a table, with his dog on a leash next to him, as dr. so and so. The man’s sweet dog sniffs my dog, which was fine by me. My dog then turns his head to check out the dog. Both were and are very peaceful. The employee rudely and frantically puts her hands on my dogs leash and YANKS my dog back while saying NO NOSE TO NOSE WITH THE DOGS! I was shocked! And honestly felt violated. My dog is an elderly dog and I thought to myself all this women had to do was tell me. Her yanking reaction could have caused a serious problem when there was none to begin with. There was no need for this. She didn’t yank dr. so and so’s dog leash, she yanked mine– without taking anything outside of their «rule» into account. Not good. I really wasn’t going to ever step foot in there again due to this women’s lack of respect and judgment.
I went home feeling very upset. I really wanted to call the owner, but took a deep breathe and gave myself some time to cool down. When I went back I opened the door and the employees yelled wait! We have to put our dogs away! I guess they have the owners dogs there during business hours without a leash (which is fine by me! I love dogs!) but do not allow their dogs out when customers come in, with their dogs. They then told me that they have a sign on the door that says you have to ask before coming in with a dog, which is annoying, but ok I guess. I respect that, but when I see they are stressing out scrambling to put their dogs away, I feel stressed.
Ok, now once I got the nose to nose rule down and the asking before you come in with your dog rule down, I tried to just think positively turning a new leaf. Until today– I simply asked why they get so frantic about putting their dogs away when people come in. They said, «well, it’s because the one is a puppy and the other may feel the need to protect it plus it’s like their home and we don’t allow nose to nose.»
In my mind why create this frantic scenario with the dogs, making customers ask before coming in, waiting outside in the cold while they put their dogs away. Either they are ok out or they are not. Why all of this at the customer’s expense. Just doesn’t make sense. Do you or don’t you want customers at your store spending their time and money? Personally, I think no nose to nose is absolutely fine and I respect that, but can’t say asking before coming in creates a welcoming feeling or environment.
Finally, after they explained why they always act so frantic about putting their dogs away, I said I understood and that I also have a rule, which is no hand to nose with my dog. One employee said, why? Will your dog bite? And I said no, but it is a boundary I set to protect my dog that most people respect and understand (common sense). And she thought it was ok to talk to me the way she did saying «Well I wouldn’t bring my dog out in public if he didn’t like being touched by people (challenging me instead of saying ok, no problem!)(I shouldn’t have to explain to you in the first place).» I said it isn’t about that. It has nothing to do with my dog being aggressive, it’s MY boundary. As I walked away I heard her making a snotty comment.
You see MY dog isn’t public property (though he is the sweetest and smartest) just because he’s in public (and no, that doesn’t mean he should trust everyone). So whether it’s my hair, or my purse or my dog, I expect you to get consent first. Simply ask. This is the 21^st Century. You working with dogs should know this.
It makes me cringe to think this place would negatively label any person or dog due to a common sense boundary set. I’m there to shop with my dog and to hopefully have a pleasant experience not to have my «ask first» rule to be downed or questioned the way it was or be violated in anyway (aka don’t ever physically yank my dogs leash again).
Listen you have your rules and I have mine and I ask you respect them. I may or may not give this place another try, but if I do I ask you please respect my personal space and boundaries. You will have to earn my continued business. And if you feel you are too good for my business that is very sad-​I will share my experience accordingly. Your establishment owes me an apology! Thank you

Wiscoy is a great place for all things pet! Wanda (owner) helped identify and solve a chronic ear problem that we had been battling for months, she gave us suggestions and throughly explained the best food and natural remedies for the problem. The entire staff at Wiscoy is knowledgable and I would highly recommend them for any pet needs!

Very knowledgeable and helpful staff. It’s a great local business.

they are probably more expensive than petco, but they are local and pretty to very helpful. the sales folks will often suggest free or no-​cost solutions to problems. it almost seems like some of the things they sell are for suckers in that if you ask if you should buy them they will talk you out of them! we will continue to go back.

I love Wiscoy!!! I have a dog with food allergies and they are the only store around that carries the brand Fromm (which is a fantastic grain free food btw).
The staff is always more than willing to help you with any pet related question you have. They are very knowledgable and I can tell they love animals and their jobs (unlike the other larger pet store in the area)
Last time I was in, I was shopping around and listened as the one woman helped with a training issue that a couple had. They had their dog at the store and the employee was helping them hands on with their issue! It made me very happy to see them help a customer and not try to push any merchandise on them while doing it.
Plus, if you get a chance to take your dogs to their Ice Cream Socials or Halloween Event, I would do so! It’s free and so much fun!!!
I recommend this store to everyone I know! I love love love this store!!!

I like Wiscoy. The prices and selection is good. However, they don’t post prices for dog food because, «it changes so much.»
How hard is it to keep a white board with current prices?

Wiscoy’s is wonderful! I moved to State College about a year ago and have been shopping here ever since. The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgable and always take the time to help you find products that suit your needs and if they do not have it they will order it for you. However if you’re not looking for top quality pet food, treats and supplies, this may not be the best place for you. Wiscoy’s does not sell junk. However you’ll find the best pet supplies there is at fair prices. Keeps my dog happy and healthy in state college. :)

Great local pet supply store. They have lots of items and they do allow dogs in the store, but I would ask first just in case another unfriendly animal is in the store. They have a variety of functions throughout the year including a free dog ice cream social on Fridays in August.

Wiscoy is the BEST! Great local business. Wanda and her staff are all friendly and knowledgeable. They always have great advice and if they do not know they will find out. I have four dogs and foster dogs, they are a great resource for supplies, toys and especially food and treats. Plus, they usually have the best prices in town and the best holistic selection for your pets, they do not sell junk foods. They are great!!!

We’ve shopped at Wiscoy for years. Spent 10 minutes the morning with one of the staff discussing a new food for our dog, which is not unusual — they are always willing to take time to help and answer questions. The lady I believe to be the owner (or one of the owners) is extremely friendly and helpful.

Clean, service-​oriented pet store that goes out of the way for its customers. I have had three positive experiences there.
I went in there looking forward a new dog food in December. Two of the people there asked questions about my dog and his habits, then debated between them about the merits of two specific dog foods. They even explained to me what they were talking about so I could make an informed decision.
My other other two experiences were just as good. Items that I needed that were either not in stock or they didn’t carry them — so they ordered for me. This is great if you don’t need the items right away.
Overall, the store has a selection of quality products and are willing to put in that extra effort for the customer.

a dog trainer recommended this place. we were looking for a specific collar, our size was not in stock so they ordered it for us and phoned us when it became available the next week. the folks who work here were friendly and helpful.
recently, we saw the same collar at the pet superstore in town selling for a much higher price! Wiscoy is a wonderful little pet supplies store, value and service!