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Next to Nature was established in 1995 by Liz and Paul Laballarte to supply healthy pet treats and foods and quality accessories to the pet lovers of West Seattle. Liz, as the daughter of the owners of Crown Hill Pet, had extensive knowledge in pet provides retailing and wanted to provide healthier alternatives to the products then provided at the local big-box chains.
Reviews (28)
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Theresa
May 28, 2022
Friendly very friendly answered all my questions and went through the utmost to try and help me With what I needed I will be going back!
Timmy S.
Dec 29, 2021
The staff is always extremely friendly and warm. They always greet us with a smile and offer my puppy a treat that she always loves. Great selection of treats and food. Not always the best toys- some get destroyed quicker than others. I can always find what I need here and have no need to go to Pet Smart or any other large chain. I even left my favorite water bottle behind while shopping one day and they kept it safe for me. Thanks for taking such good care of us in West Seattle!
Chris Nelson
Dec 17, 2021
They have a spread of products i can't speak to, but i visited for cooking spices and herbs. The choice was fairly good and the lady seemed to actually know what she was talking about. I think this is a solid option if you're looking to shop local. Pricier than Walmart but worth the cost i think
Victoria H.
Nov 30, 2021
Next to Nature is the absolute best! My fiancee and myself love shopping here! We have been able to find several jackets for our puppy here. They have an EXCELLENT selection. We also get our dog food from here as well as we are all about supporting local businesses. They are a little more on the expensive side, but their clothing and jackets are much better quality than big box chains.

The customer service is the absolute best! The staff is absolutely always cheerful and helpful and willing to answer any questions you may have. I have met one of the owners as well. She was very kind and held our puppy for the longest time and got to know us. I highly recommend Next-to-Nature. Support this small business with excellent service!
Yvonne C.
May 31, 2021
Stopped by yesterday to shop for some cat food for my new cat who decided she didn't like food (especially her vet prescribed high calorie ones). The person working there was super helpful and took the time to show me some high calorie/different texture options, as well as gave me a sample bag full of things to try, which was much appreciated since it's been so stressful getting her to eat. I've been there many times in the past getting my other cats treats/toys and the customer service has always been great, but the help she gave me yesterday was above and beyond! Definitely one of the best locally owned pet shops around!
Jennifer Allen
May 29, 2021
This is the best holistic store in Sioux City. They have so much to offer! I love their loose leaf herbal teas! I've tired several and not only do they taste great, they really do help! I love this shop. I bet they have exactly what you're looking for!
Rachel & Lance Bollmeyer
Jan 29, 2021
This is a great little store and a hidden gem in Sioux City. The staff are all so helpful and so knowledgeable, and the handcrafted teas are amazing!
Jill Davis
Jan 15, 2021
Jaime is so helpful and always gets back to me right away with any questions I have! The products are simply the best of the best, you can appreciate the time and thoughtfulness that goes into everything that she makes. She is helping to make everyone the best versions of themselves! Highly recommend everyone going into chat with her and checking out her products!
Alyssa Green
Nov 21, 2020
You just have to go and experience it for yourself. Jamie has completely changed my family's health and overall wellness with her knowledge, understanding, and recommendations. I am confident in the household products, self-care products, supplements, and foods I have in my home because of Next to Nature and there's no better feeling than that as a mom with plenty of other things to think about.

And to boot, I am at ease with baby #2 on the way knowing Jamie helped me prepare my body for a healthy pregnancy and birth I desire. She has touched every little corner of our life for the better and I can't thank her enough!
Deb C.
Oct 27, 2020
Got a sweater from here for my dog that came unraveled at the seam after 24 hours. They refused to return or exchange it, and when I asked why, I was told "they're a small business" and the best they could do was give me the contact information for the manufacturer so that I could contact them myself and ask for a return or an exchange. I'm sorry, I paid money for an item THEY sell, they should have AT LEAST offered to contact the manufacturer on my behalf. No. Garbage customer service. I will not be returning. Ever.
Chiropractic First
Dec 12, 2019
Excellent to work with and a great resource for our patients! Many options for better health! Friendly owner and staff to make your experience very enjoyable.
Susan Erickson
Dec 04, 2019
Enjoying a hot cup of turmeric chai tea on this cold blustery day. Turmeric has some scientifically proven health benefits such as improving symptoms of depression. And it's an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Find it at Next to Nature with Jamie Vess. Use code Susan23 for a 13% discount.
Heather F.
Nov 07, 2019
My dog loves to come here for a treat. However, I think you need to watch prices. Today I was looking at collars and leashes and noticed that the planet Dog cozy hemp collars were marked for sale between $48-58 and the leash was marked at $61. These prices are insane! You can buy this collar for $15-18 at other local pet stores and online and the leashes for around $22. I asked the sales person about this and she just shrugged.
Sudipti G.
May 07, 2019
Not only do they sell very good dog food, but they genuinely care about your dogs. We received an odd batch of raw coated kibble that turned out to be moldy, and this was the first time we'd ever shopped here (we usually go to Mud Bay since it's closer to our apt). Our dogs had been refusing to eat it and my puppy was puking (I thought maybe we needed to increase the frequency of her meals since my larger dog wasn't showing any signs of an upset tummy, but both of them were being so dang picky!), until we finally noticed the white discoloration was moldy fuzz!

To be clear, I definitely attribute this to issues with manufacturing, no fault of the store, as the gentleman who seemed to be the owner said these things occur when moisture is packed into the product in the factory--it has nothing to do with an improperly sealed bag (air would not cause this) or expired product. Their pet food is also replenished weekly so there's no chance this bag was expired.

Despite not having a receipt and only having a bank statement to show, they replaced our food with a new bag of fresh food of the same brand (so far, this brand is the only dog food our dogs have willingly consumed without toppers). They even seemed willing to offer something different, as they asked us if we would be comfortable getting the same bag of food again.

We checked the new bag before leaving and it was much different than the bag we had originally received--no discoloration and a much brighter brown color. They also seemed genuinely concerned for our dogs' health, as they asked us to keep the receipt of the new bag of food and watch for any concerns, even though it looked much better upon opening than the previous bad food bag did.

We were originally so upset when we found the mold and were ready to fight for a refund, but they surprised us by being so helpful and reassuring that we'll definitely only get our dog food here from here on out. It is very clear that these people are in the business of providing good products for your dog, and that that's their priority.

I couldn't help but write this review because I was really stressed upon finding that our food was bad, considering it's like an $80 bag of food, but they made the process so stress-free and I'm very appreciative of their genuine concern for our dogs.
Jody A.
Sep 18, 2017
Best pet store in the area. Many options. High quality pet treats. Friendly, pet owning and loving staff. Company treats staff well. Sample options for most food. The only pet store we go to for fresh products that are kept at a safe temperature. Once you come here, you will not go anywhere else for your pet needs. Also, well-behaved pets are welcome in the shop!
Van N.
Jun 29, 2017
I'm all about supporting local businesses over any national chain. I get the Wellness brand dog food which is surprisingly cheaper here than at the Petco around the corner (and online even). They have water and a bowl of kibbles at the entrance and even more treats inside which my dog loves! It's a pretty spacious store with good selection and doesn't have that overwhelming pet store smell - so you know they're keeping the place clean.

We didn't know this until probably our 5th visit, but there's parking in the back! So you won't need to test your luck with the street parking on California Ave.
Jim W.
Sep 01, 2016
Cheers to Caitlin @ NtN for professionalism, kindness and quick thinking. My girlfriend and I picked up a walking buddy one night: a stray cat, soon dubbed "Cream Puff", who followed us on a two-mile tour of West Seattle. Cream Puff proved himself to be a lover of people and dogs. Yet, his courage failed him near the busy streets of the Junction. While my girlfriend kept him company, I went to Next to Nature for a can of cat food.

We planned to capture his fuzzy butt and get him scanned for a chip. Caitlin @ NtN heard my story and leapt into action. She quickly sorted out a loaner cat carrier and a variety of food samples to aid our quest. Despite offers of wet food ("simmered in chicken stock!" it claimed to no avail) and dry food, we couldn't coax him near the carrier.

It soon became clear that our relationship was fated to be fleeting. The three of us, though so different, for a time sipped from a common spring; we tread this path of life as companions and with silent perfect understanding. And thus Cream Puff took his leave - his tail held high and his mating call echoing into the night.
Aly M.
Aug 08, 2016
Next to Nature has answered several questions for me regarding homeopathic remedies for hotspots, dental care and others for my 4lb Chihuahua. Recently. They have helped me figure out how to feed and take care of an alley cat that recently adopted me. I know I can always count on them for any question I have. They are so knowledgeable about their products and clearly care very much about animals of all kinds. Thank you so much for doing what you!
Cynthia R.
Mar 10, 2016
Really love this place! That staff is always so friendly and knowledgeable, they can answer every question about the pet food they carry. My poor kitties were in need of some special food and they took the time to walk me through my options. Bonus: they have treats for all the amazing pups that come in!
Margaret D.
Nov 04, 2015
I spent about 5 minutes in this store. At first I was impressed by their kitty room and their product selection. As I was browsing, I wandered by the counter and saw a kitty on top of a basket. The basket had a sign taped to it "I am sleeping, please don't bother me" or something to that effect. However, since the basket had a lid and the cat was not inside the basket and its eyes were open and looking at me, I figured that the kitty was not, in fact, asleep and gave it a little love. Then, the self-righteous cashier walked over, tapped on the sign, and give me a look that clearly said "you poor idiot, don't pet the cat".

First of all, why would they have a ton of cats roaming around the place if you can't touch them?! Second of all, I'm sorry that I misinterpreted the sign, but she didn't have to be so stuck up and rude about it. Never, ever, ever will I give them my business, for any single thing, ever.
Sarah R.
Sep 04, 2015
Just moved to the Junction and this is such a cute store that has all the essentials. It doesnt carry the brand Orijen, I was told it was because of the distribution or something - but it has all the other basics. The staff is friendly and we will be frequent customers now that we are in the West Seattle area!
Gretchen H.
May 27, 2015
My dog and I love this place! The staff is nice and the prices are awesome for a small store in Seattle! : We bought a harness and a helpful and friendly staff member helped me pick it and even fitted my dog for it! I will be back for sure.
Stefannye S.
Feb 10, 2015
I was visiting my boyfriend in West Seattle and we were walking through the junction when we came across this place. We decided to poke around and I figured I'd get something for my kitties back home (this was the first time, I swear I'm not that kind of pet parent). The store is huge and I found a tower of cat toys towards the back. I grabbed four rattle mouse toys because my cats are always losing things.

The staff was very polite, made sure we were doing ok and were available if we had questions. I was prompted to write this review because at 3 am this morning, I had to confiscate one of the mice because the cats decided to bring it into my room, right next to my bed, and play with it. So kudos, Next to Nature, you sell excellent cat toys. My cats have not played that much with a single toys since they were kittens, I'm glad I bought duplicates.
Rachel L.
Dec 17, 2014
They have my business moving forward, I will never shop anywhere else again for my pets. Today I went in to find new dog food for our pup who has been getting repeated ear infections. The owner happened to be there and spent a great deal of time with me asking questions and educating me on the different food options. He truly cared about figuring out what was going on and ensuring we picked the right food.

When I selected a large bag of food and said I'd drive around to get it, he offered to carry it to my car.two blocks away! Seriously incredible service, always a great selection, and local. Buy here now, you won't regret it!
Lauren D.
Aug 29, 2014
This pet store is ok. They have a decent selection of higher quality brands, but they miss the mark on a lot of alternative foods. The other merchandise is fairly diverse, but the customer service is horrible. I have never been greeted when I come in the store or asked if I need help/have questions/etc. I would expect higher standards for customer service at such a specialty shop but maybe the owner simply doesn't care. What a shame since there is so much to learn about pet nutrition and holistic pet care.
Lanny K.
Jan 13, 2009
I got my kitten here. The work they do with the kitten rescue is great. I love them. I love Moses. He is huuuuge. Basically, they have a great selection on healthy stuff for your pets. They know the differences between the foods and which animal needs what. I was impressed.
Alyson L.
Jun 01, 2007
Ok, I had to ask even though I know it's never polite to inquire about a lady's weight, but for real - Claudia's pretty mighty. The cashier said she was 25 pounds. I thought my 20 pounder was big, but she woulda beat my cat's ass. Their stuff may be a little more expensive than Petco, but you can feel good about supporting more local businesses when you shop here.

If you have a cat you should check out the organic super catnip; one of my favorite ways to entertain my cats and myself at the same time is to put piles of catnip on top of Victoria's Secret catalogs and watch them roll around and nuzzle the models for a half an hour. You should try it. Seriously. *****Update***** 7/17/07 - The ginormous cat mentioned in the previous review was actually Moses (who escaped during our last visit there just to roll around in the dirt in front of the door with what appeared to be a ridiculously silly grin on his face).
Katie A.
Apr 20, 2007
Next to Nature sells everything Seattle's crunchy pet owners need! Shop here for organic pet food, supplies, treats, pet care. even pets! I love going in if for nothing more than to see Claudia- a large, middle aged calico with a snaggle tooth and a bad attitude. She can be found sleeping or lounging, with her tongue out, on any of the expensive pet beds for sale.

When you find her, you'll know. She'll let you pet her for a minute, and then shell meow and take a swipe. which is to say, " Back the f' off. I'm done with you now." The people here are great. They're informative and they're truely in love with your pets and the other resident felines (also Sunny and a few other randoms).

They occasionally allow the pets up for adoption to run freely about the store, which is cool. PS- their front door is a screen door and makes you feel like you're at vacation house on the lake. minus (*sigh*) the lake. Two paws up