Finding the right pet shop in Cape Town can make all the difference for your furry friend, whether you’re after premium food, lasting grooming products, or fun accessories.
This article highlights the best places to shop for your pet around the Mother City.
From routine checkups at the vet to unexpected medical bills, MediPet offers pet insurance plans that provide genuine, comprehensive cover for your pets. Get an obligation-free quote online in seconds today.
Key Takeaways:
- Cape Town offers a diverse array of pet shops, from large hypermarkets stocking thousands of general products to highly specialised local retailers focusing on niche nutrition.
- Absolute Pets & Petworld are larger convenience stores, stocking everything from food & toys to grooming services & habitat equipment across multiple branches.
- RoxBox & Happy Hounds have a smaller section of speciality raw or fresh-cooked pet food, while Ocean Square Vetshop offers veterinary-grade food & clinical health supplements.
Top 10 Pet Shops in Cape Town
Cape Town is home to a wide range of pet stores that cater to every kind of companion, from playful pups to curious cats.
We’ve selected each pet shop based on its array of products, rating, friendly service, & a genuine passion for animal care – whether it’s grooming, accessories, pet food, or treats packed with nutrients.
Continue reading to learn more about the pet shops in Cape Town, where you’ll find everything you need to keep your pets happy, healthy, & well-loved.
1. Absolute Pets
Address: Multiple Locations – including Vredehoek, Kloof Street, Sea Point & Canal Walk
Absolute Pets has become one of South Africa’s leading pet retail chains. The brand focuses on making quality pet care accessible through well-stocked stores & knowledgeable staff who understand the needs of both pets & their owners. Shop their products online or find a store near you.
Product Range
Their product range covers premium dog & cat food & treats, everyday essentials like harnesses, collars, & toys, as well as grooming tools & wellness products. Selected stores also feature in-house dog grooming salons & self-wash stations, offering a convenient all-in-one experience for pet care & maintenance.
Location & Reviews
Absolute Pets is known for its great service & amazing variety of trusted brands, with customers consistently praising the stores for being clean, organised, & well-staffed. They conveniently have multiple branches in areas such as Vredehoek, Kloof Street, Sea Point, & Canal Walk. You can read more reviews online or browse updates on their Facebook page.
Operating Hours
Absolute Pets’ opening hours are typically Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, but this may vary by store.
2. Brackenfell PETS
Address: Shop No. B19 – B20, Brackenfell Centre, Old Paarl Rd, Brackenfell, Cape Town, 7560
Brackenfell PETS is a well-established, independent pet store in the Northern Suburbs, known for its extensive range & focus on affordable, high-quality pet supplies. The shop prides itself on being a go-to local resource, offering friendly, personalised service & advice from a team that is genuinely passionate about animal well-being. While you can’t place orders online, you can browse the extensive lists of products & brands on their website.
Product Range
The store’s inventory is extensive, featuring a wide selection of premium & budget-friendly dry & wet food for dogs, cats, small animals, & birds. Beyond nutrition, they offer a variety of necessities like durable harnesses, leads, bedding, & a vast collection of enrichment toys. Notably, Brackenfell PETS supports local shelters & responsible breeders.
Location & Reviews
Conveniently situated in the Brackenfell Centre, shoppers consistently praise their great stock levels & the staff’s genuine willingness to go the extra mile. You can read many positive customer experiences on their Google My Business profile & stay updated with the latest news via their Instagram or Facebook pages.
Operating Hours
Brackenfell PETS is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday, & from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays.
3. Gatesville Pet Centre
Address: Block 7, Shop 2 Gatesville Shopping Centre, Klipfontein Rd, Athlone, Cape Town, 7764
Gatesville Pet Centre is a respected retailer in the Athlone area, known for its specialist knowledge, particularly in aquatic & avian care. It has cemented its reputation as a comprehensive local pet shop that combines an impressive stock of general pet supplies with expert advice. You can shop their extensive product range easily via their website.
Product Range
Their product range caters to all household pets, with a deep focus on premium dry & wet dog & cat food, hygiene products, & healthy supplements. However, they stand out for their vast selection of goods for fish, birds, & small animals, including accessories, specialised feeds, & habitats. They are also a dedicated source for pet owners requiring intricate aquarium & birdkeeping equipment.
Location & Reviews
Located in the Gatesville Shopping Centre, customers consistently praise the pet shop for being well-stocked, & its friendly, helpful staff who genuinely go out of their way to assist every shopper. You can read more customer experiences on their Google My Business profile or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
Operating Hours
Gatesville Pet Centre’s trading hours are Monday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, & Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (closed for prayer). On Saturdays, they are open from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm & closed on Sundays.
4. Ocean Square Vetshop
Address: Shop 3, Seattle Coffee Company Ocean Square, 4 Ocean Way, Milnerton, Cape Town, 7441
Ocean Square Vetshop is a specialised pet retail store in Milnerton that focuses on clinical nutrition & preventative care. This positions it as a highly trusted source for health-focused products. The shop has expert, helpful staff on hand who offer informed advice that complements professional veterinary treatment. Visit their website to find out more.
Product Range
Their core product range focuses heavily on prescription & scientifically formulated pet foods recommended by vets, including brands like Hill’s, Royal Canin, & Eukanuba. Beyond food, they supply essential health maintenance items such as flea & tick treatments, joint supplements, rehabilitation aids, & speciality shampoos. They also carry high-quality beds, toys, & feeding accessories designed with animal health in mind.
Location & Reviews
The Vetshop is highly regarded by clients who appreciate the professional & knowledgeable staff. As part of their passion for animals, they actively raise funds for sterilisation projects & host Adoption Days at their sister shop, helping find homes for pets in need. You can browse updates on their Facebook page or read reviews on their Google My Business profile.
Operating Hours
Ocean Square Vetshop is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm, on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, & on Sundays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. They are also open on public holidays from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
5. Panorama Pet Shop
Address: 88 Wynne St, Parow, Cape Town, 7500
Panorama Pet Shop is a long-standing & highly popular pet retailer located in Parow, celebrated for being one of Cape Town’s largest & most well-stocked independent stores. They are known for their comprehensive inventory that caters to every conceivable pet, including livestock, making them a true one-stop shop for owners & breeders in the Northern Suburbs. You can shop their products online via their website or visit their physical store.
Product Range
The store offers a large selection of premium & budget-friendly dog & cat foods, including speciality diets & bulk buys for other small animals, & reptiles. They stock essential accessories like harnesses, leads, bedding, & toys, but also have a more niche range of bird cages, aviaries, tanks, & reptile habitats. They also provide live animals, including fish, birds, & various small pets.
Location & Reviews
Situated on Wynne Street in Parow, Panorama Pet Shop is praised for its impressive size, variety of stock, & competitive pricing. Pet parents frequently comment on the helpfulness of the knowledgeable staff, particularly when dealing with non-traditional animals. You can check out their latest news on Facebook & read customer feedback on their Google My Business profile.
Operating Hours
Panorama Pet Shop is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, & on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. They are closed on Sundays.
6. Rox Box
Address: 220 Loop St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
RoxBox is a specialist online raw pet food retailer dedicated to Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) diets for dogs & cats. The company operates on the core belief that optimal pet wellness begins with unprocessed, species-appropriate nutrition, and it offers a curated range made with human-grade ingredients. You can shop their full range online for hassle-free delivery across the Cape Town area.
Product Range
Their core product line is the comprehensive PaleoPet Pure raw food range, featuring complete meals & complementary minces using locally sourced, free-range proteins. Beyond raw food, they stock an exclusive selection of high-quality pharmaceutical-grade supplements, natural treats, meaty bones, & unique enrichment toys hand-picked for their contribution to pet health.
Location & Reviews
RoxBox primarily operates as an online store, with its physical address serving as a convenient collection point for confirmed orders. Customers have praised the quality of products & improvements seen in their pets after switching to the recommended products. You can read these customer testimonials on Google My Business.
Operating Hours
RoxBox offers convenient collection from their Loop Street branch (typically Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm).
7. Pet Kin
Address: 23 Derry St, Vredehoek, Cape Town, 8001
Pet Kin is a speciality pet supply store situated in the heart of Vredehoek, known for its focus on ethical, premium food products packed with tailored nutrients. The store prides itself on being a local, community-driven resource, offering a curated selection of high-quality products & great service for owners in Vredehoek & surrounding areas. While they do not have a dedicated shopping option on their main website, you can easily shop online for fast delivery with Mr D or visit their physical store.
Product Range
Their inventory focuses heavily on nutrition, stocking both premium brands like Royal Canin, Acana, & Hill’s, as well as locally sourced raw & fresh-frozen meals. They also supply a wide array of health essentials, including veterinarian-grade parasite protection, grooming tools, & comfortable carriers. A large part of their offering is dedicated to enrichment toys & treats designed to keep pets mentally active.
Location & Reviews
Pet Kin has an excellent reputation with customers, who frequently praise the convenience of its location, the great service, & helpful staff. They actively support the community by hosting Adoption Days on weekends. You can read customer testimonials on their website or Google My Business, or & check out their latest updates on their Facebook or Instagram pages.
Operating Hours
Pet Kin is open seven days a week, from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays, & 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Sundays.
8. Petshop Science
Address: Multiple Locations, including Rondebosch, Constantia & N1 City
Petshop Science is an expanding national pet retail brand established by the Checkers/Shoprite Group, focusing on making high-quality, scientifically backed pet care mainstream. They leverage the group’s influence to offer a wide range of premium products at competitive prices, making top-tier health & wellness essentials accessible to a broad audience.
You can explore their entire product range & shop online. They also offer the added convenience of delivery through the Checkers Sixty60 platform in selected areas.
Product Range
Their extensive product range focuses primarily on dogs & cats, including food, treats, hygiene & grooming products, & health & wellness supplements from brands like Bravecto & NexGard. They also feature their own-brand Petshop Science food lines, along with a variety of accessories, carriers, beds, & high-end toys designed for pet health & mental enrichment.
Location & Reviews
They have numerous branches across the Western Cape, including stores in Rondebosch, Constantia, & N1 City. Customers are frequently impressed by the staff’s knowledge, their great service, the modern store layout & the convenience of shopping for specialist products in one location. Their reviews are found on Google My Business & you can read updates on their Instagram & Facebook pages.
Operating Hours
Petshop Science stores’ opening hours vary by location.
9. Petworld
Address: Multiple Branches – including Diep River, Rondebosch & Cape Gate
Petworld is a major national pet retailer known for providing a true “one-stop-shop” experience for any pet parent, stocking over 8,000 products for a wide variety of animals. They operate several large format “XXL” stores in Cape Town, combining an extensive inventory with dedicated expert staff & additional in-store services. You can purchase products via their online store, with delivery across South Africa.
Product Range
Their comprehensive product range covers dogs, cats, small animals, birds, reptiles, & fish, featuring top international brands like Hill’s, Royal Canin, & Acana. Petworld excels in catering to niche interests, supplying specialised equipment for aquariums, reptiles, & birds. Select XXL branches also feature the Groomworld luxury salon, offering a convenient solution for both pet shopping & pampering.
Location & Reviews
Petworld has several stores across the region, including XXL branches in Diep River & N1 City, & an Express store in Rondebosch. Customers praise the amazing store size & sheer volume of products available, & the professionalism of the grooming services. You can read more customer experiences online via Google My Business, or see their latest news on Facebook & Instagram.
Operating Hours
The larger Petworld XXL stores, such as Diep River, are typically open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, & Sunday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. However, opening hours will vary by branch.
10. Happy Hounds
Address: 131 Sir Lowry Rd, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8001
Happy Hounds is a unique pet retail brand located in Foreshore, specialising in fresh, ethically sourced cooked food & natural nutrients for dogs. The company operates from its HQ, which includes a commercial kitchen & retail space, built on a philosophy of using human-grade, unprocessed ingredients to create pet food that promotes optimal health & well-being. Their focus is on convenience, so they offer online purchases or subscriptions with next-day courier delivery from their kitchen to your door across Cape Town & surrounds.
Product Range
The core product is their fresh-cooked, high-quality dog food, which is prepared in-house using ethically sourced, pasture-raised proteins & organic vegetables. They also offer a select range of natural treats, bones, & supplements for your pup. Beyond nutrition, Happy Hounds offers thoughtfully designed accessories, including specialised gear for movement & adventure, like leads & coats.
Location & Reviews
Happy Hounds has an excellent reputation, built on its commitment to transparency & quality, with customers praising the product for helping with allergies & improving coat health. They also encourage customers to visit their kitchen/retail space in the Foreshore area to see how the food is prepared. See the latest updates on Facebook & Instagram or read more reviews on Google My Business.
Operating Hours
Happy Hounds HQ is open Monday to Thursday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, & on Fridays from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. They are closed on weekends.
Final Thoughts on the Best Pet Shops in Cape Town
This guide has highlighted a diverse range of the best pet shops across the Mother City, ensuring that no matter your pet’s needs, from premium fresh food to essential accessories & specialised toys, you have a trusted local source.
Whether you live in the City Bowl, the Southern Suburbs, or the Northern Suburbs, Cape Town offers an excellent selection of retailers dedicated to animal health & well-being.
Like buying the best quality toys, food & supplies for your pet, it is also worth getting them comprehensive cover for regular check-ups or unexpected illnesses.
As SA’s leading pet insurance broker, MediPet offers a range of pet insurance plans that provide comprehensive, genuine & transparent cover. Get a free, obligation-free quote online today.
Our blog also provides other resources for pet owners, from the best pet-friendly restaurants to the top doggy daycares in Cape Town & more.
