Business Details
36 Years
experience
Your Trusted Pet Store in Bernal Heights
Bernal Beast, a beloved local pet shop in San Francisco's Bernal Heights neighborhood, has been serving the community for over 30 years. Under the leadership of co-owners Stephanie Miller and Alan Belgard since 2020, we continue this legacy while expanding our offerings to become a comprehensive pet care hub. Our expertise stems from over 25 combined years of experience in pet behavior, training, and nutrition, with Stephanie co-founding SF Puppy Prep in 2005 and Alan managing dog walking groups for two decades. We specialize in high-quality natural, raw, and organic pet foods, complemented by our certified Beast Mode Dog Training program led by Academy for Dog Trainers graduates. Our commitment extends beyond retail through weekly community events including puppy socials, adoption events, and educational workshops.We maintain strong ties to local animal welfare organizations and emphasize evidence-based training methods that prioritize positive reinforcement. Our store's reputation as the 2020 Best of the Bay Pet Store winner reflects our dedication to quality products and exceptional service. We provide convenient pet food subscription plans while maintaining our physical location at 509 Cortland Avenue. Our team's specialized credentials include certifications from SF SPCA Academy, Family Paws, and Canine Behavior Academy. We focus on creating a welcoming environment where pets and owners can access expert guidance, premium products, and community connection in a bright, clean space that reflects our neighborhood spirit.
Services
Dog Training
Pet Food Subscription
Community Events
Pet Supplies
Behavior Consultations
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer certified dog training from Academy for Dog Trainers graduates
- Our 30+ year legacy combines tradition with modern pet care approaches
- We provide convenient pet food subscription plans with fresh ingredients
- Our team includes specialists in puppy socialization and behavior consulting
- We host weekly community events for pet education and connection
Associations and certifications
- SF SPCA Academy
- Family Paws
- Canine Behavior Academy
What people say
High quality products
Reasonable prices
Free treats
Bright cheery space
Community hub
Services
Beast Mode Dog Training
Our certified training program offers evidence-based behavior modification using positive reinforcement techniques. Led by Academy for Dog Trainers graduates, we provide puppy socialization, obedience training, and specialized behavior consultations. The curriculum includes puppy kindergarten, manners classes, and trick training with both group sessions and private lessons available.
Pet Food Subscription
Customizable subscription plans deliver fresh, natural pet foods directly to customers. Available for both in-store pickup and home delivery, our program offers rotating seasonal menus with organic and raw options. Subscribers earn rewards points and can easily adjust orders through our online platform while maintaining access to expert nutritional guidance.
People
Stephanie Miller
Co-Owner & Certified Trainer
With 25 years in pet behavior and training, Stephanie co-founded SF Puppy Prep in 2005. Certified by SF SPCA Academy and Family Paws, she specializes in puppy socialization and family dog integration. Her expertise includes advanced behavior work and shelter consultation.
Erika Slovikoski
Certified Dog Trainer
CPDT-KA certified trainer with additional credentials from Canine Behavior Academy and SF SPCA. Specializes in agility training, trick instruction, and reactivity prevention. AKC CGC evaluator with extensive shelter behavior assessment experience. Emphasizes play-based positive reinforcement methods.
Questions
What types of pet food do you offer?
We specialize in natural, raw, and organic pet foods with subscription options. Our inventory includes premium dry kibble, frozen raw diets, and grain-free formulas for dogs, cats, and chickens.
Do you provide dog training services?
Yes, our Beast Mode Dog Training program offers puppy socialization, obedience classes, and behavior consultations. All trainers hold certifications from recognized institutions like SF SPCA Academy.
What are your store hours?
We're open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at 509 Cortland Avenue. Regular hours apply seven days a week with no holiday closures.
Do you offer online ordering?
Yes, our pet food subscription service allows online ordering with pickup or delivery options. The physical store remains open for in-person shopping seven days a week.
Are there community events available?
We host weekly events including puppy socials, adoption days, and educational workshops. Check our website for the current schedule of local pet-focused gatherings.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Monique S.
Apr 09, 2022
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WONDERFUL STORE! The staff are incredibly helpful. Went in with our brand new puppy and the store manager helped us choose some essentials to welcome her to our family. We are new pet owners and the store employees were quick to mention their puppy social-hours twice a week, their dog washing station, provided us with vet recommendations at our request in addition to putting us in touch with someone who could potentially pet sit for us should the need arise. Above and beyond service! I appreciate being able to shop local and will definitely come back for our pet needs. Great selection of leashes, chew toys and food.
Yiven C.
Aug 02, 2021
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Pet owners rejoice for your neighborhood pet store! Wag your tail +'s: + Under new management for last 2 years and huge improvements such as better stocking of selections (Stella & Chewy's, Primal, Whimzees, Fromm, etc) + Puppy training available. Inquire at the desk or call them. I always see puppies socializing. It's a small space but good to have an option. + Friendly staff. Every time I enter I am warmly greeted. Andy my pups drag me into the store because they love it so much. + Variety of treats.
My dogs love the bully sticks, yak chews, and well, everything + Other miscellaneous products such as eye and dental care for dogs as well as a section for cats are available. + Dog beds, balls, stuffed toys, leashes, harnesses, and clothing also abound. Some labels include Puppia, fabdog and Kong. + Free treats. Check out the gumball machine in front of the store. Turn the knob and get free treats! Tuck your tail -'s: - Hmm my dogs are constantly wagging their tails when near the store and dog don't lie about how they feel. Solid pet store for our dogs who live in the neighborhood!
My dogs love the bully sticks, yak chews, and well, everything + Other miscellaneous products such as eye and dental care for dogs as well as a section for cats are available. + Dog beds, balls, stuffed toys, leashes, harnesses, and clothing also abound. Some labels include Puppia, fabdog and Kong. + Free treats. Check out the gumball machine in front of the store. Turn the knob and get free treats! Tuck your tail -'s: - Hmm my dogs are constantly wagging their tails when near the store and dog don't lie about how they feel. Solid pet store for our dogs who live in the neighborhood!
Kat D.
Jun 06, 2021
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Stephanie Miller and staff are amazing very kind, extremely caring, patient. We have attended a few puppy socials, completed puppy kindergarten and puppy first grade classes and feel so blessed that we found Steph and have been able to attended their courses - positive reinforcement! We have a sweet, sassy and loud barker Aussie doodle Blu and with their help we have been able to learn so much that we have and we will continue to apply with Blu. If you are looking for positive reinforcement and a great staff/team as well as shop for quality pet products and apparel then Bernal Beast is your place.
Leah Marie
Mar 06, 2021
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My Mochi adores Bernal Beast and I do too! Top quality products and Mochi has loved the puppy socials. I love to support local and BB is the best!
