A stable, local anchor of Noe Valley, The Animal Company has been around for a while. The store recently relocated to 1307 Castro Street but lost none of its open and friendly atmosphere. If you have never been into The Animal Company, it is time to remedy that situation. 

Here are ten reasons why The Animal Company is a terrific Noe Valley business:

The bird is the word. 
This pet shop specialize in hand-fed exotic birds and accessories. This is a pretty cool specialty. Especially if you are into birds and you need a local source to help you be the best bird owner possible. Customers can purchase an actual exotic bird in the store or buy food and accessories for pet birds. Learn all about how to be the best bird owner ever from their expert staff. 

Personal bird-shopping assistance. 
Much like many high-end fashion boutiques offer customized personal shopping experiences, The Animal Company will work one-on-one with customers to choose a pet bird that is the perfect fit in terms of appearance, personality, and companionship.

Bird spa time. 
Who else can say that? (Well, maybe a talking parakeet can say that.) But probably no other stores in Noe Valley can say that they offer bird spa time. Bird grooming is a kind and helpful service offered at an affordable price for local bird owners. The Animal Company will clip birds’ wings and nails to keep them safe and healthy. They take appointments on Sundays and Mondays from 12pm until 4pm, but are also very open to working with clients who have scheduling conflicts with those times.

Fun fact: The Animal Company will DNA test birds.
If you are an ornithologist or even just a bird-lover, you probably know that most birds are not sexually dimorphic, meaning that it is very hard to tell if a bird is male or female. Those of us who are non-ornithologists find that fact to be quite fascinating. It is every more interesting to know that the team at The Animal Company will take a small sample of your bird’s toenail and a small drop of blood. They send the sample to a lab in Florida to determine of your feathered buddy is a he or a she. 

Old school and family-owned.
Rick and Ellen French, the owners of The Animal Company, have been in the pet industry for over 40 years, and the store has been in Noe Valley since 1976! In these days of come-and-go small businesses, this fact truly deserves recognition. Many old-timers remember the old store across the street from the Noe Courts playground and tennis courts. The store has since moved just down the street to Castro, where you can find them near the Walgreens, but they are still owned and run by the same family. 

But wait! Not just for birds. 
Even though they specialize in hand-fed birds, The Animal Company has a lot going on for your canine pals as well. Think of it like a coffee shop for your dog when you are out for your daily constitutional. Grab your latte at Martha’s or Starbucks and pick up a toy or a treat for your furry friend on the way to the dog park.

Not just for birds and dogs.
No fish? No dog? The Animal Company sells food, treats, grooming supplies, and toys for cats, reptiles, fish, and other small animals. Get what you need for your sweet little animal without having to brave the dreaded big box pet supply stores. 

Healthy (and high?) pets. 
In keeping with San Francisco tradition, The Animal Company likes to keep it healthy and hippy in the items they offer for the for nourishment and well-being of pets. Natural and homeopathic products abound, including (said in the most San Francisco voice you can possibly imagine) cannabis for pets. Yep. Weed for pets. If that doesn’t convince you to shop The Animal Company, we can’t imagine what will. 

Ethical pet adoption resources.
Even though The Animal Company doesn’t directly sell or provide animal adoptions for cats and dogs, they maintain a database of resources to help pet-owners-to-be find the perfect match. And if you are in the market to adopt the perfect bird, their knowledgeable staff will make sure that your new flying friend is cared for in a healthy, humane, and clean environment before they go home with you. Bird owners leave the store with the information needed to be ethical and loving parents to a happy and healthy bird.

Kids love birds. 
This may surprise you but there are a few children in Noe Valley. If you are the lucky owner of one (or more) of these cute local tykes, break out of the playground rut and take your kid to look at the awesome birds at The Animal Company. It truly is fascinating to learn more about exotic birds with a young child by your side. And if your kid decides to ask for a certain kind of beaked pet for the family for her next birthday gift, you already know where to go to get amazing service and a darn good bird. 

See you at The Animal Company! 

Robin Dutton-Cookston is a writer and editor based in San Francisco. She has a day job as Director of Communications at Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco. Her night job is managing her three children, sipping bourbon, and eating chocolate, although not always at the same time.