About Sondra's City Zoo
Elmira, NY
About Us
Welcome to Sondra’s City Zoo Pet Store, Elmira, NY’s trusted destination for all things pet-related! We are a locally owned, family-operated pet store that has been serving the community for over 12 years. Whether you're looking for a furry companion, nutritious pet food, or high-quality pet supplies, we’ve got you covered. Our store is dedicated to providing an exceptional shopping experience for pet lovers of all kinds.
Our Story
Sondra's City Zoo was founded by Sondra Whalen, a lifelong animal lover with a passion for helping pets and their owners thrive. There have been a lot of changes over the years, going back to the 1990’s when New Eden Pet Center was alongside Dr. Kelly’s vet office. The store was moved to the current building where Sondra managed that location. That was when she realized that she couldn’t imagine herself doing anything else! Sondra continued to manage the shop when New Eden closed and reopened as City Zoo. After years of working in animal care and pet retail, Sondra decided she would run her own pet store when City Zoo was about to close up shop for good and renamed it Sondra’s City Zoo, to continue bringing her love for animals and her deep knowledge of pet care to the local community. “I wanted to have a fun place for people to go to see first hand an awesome collection of pets and get their questions answered and their pet’s needs met."
At Sondra’s City Zoo, we understand the bond between humans and their pets is unbreakable, and we strive to create a welcoming environment where pet owners can find everything they need to keep their animals happy and healthy. “I hope that we will be able to offer the old school pet shop experience for years to come! It’s a place where families can see, hear, and feel the world around them. We believe that having exposure to living animals and learning to care for them is vital to fostering a love for nature and our world. Caring for pets helps develop empathy and compassion for other living things. That is something that you just can’t get with online shopping."
What We Offer
We offer a wide variety of products and services to meet the needs of every pet, including:
- Dogs, Cats & Rabbits: Occasionally available from local rescues.
- Small Animals & Birds: Guinea pigs, hamsters, and a selection of colorful birds, all housed in a safe, comfortable space.
- Reptiles & Fish: We carry a diverse selection of reptiles, amphibians, and tropical fish, and coral with expert advice on how to care for them.
- Pet Supplies: Food, toys, bedding, grooming products, and much more to keep your pets healthy and happy.
Why Choose Us?
- Personalized Service: As a locally owned business, we pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our customers. Our knowledgeable staff is always available to offer personalized advice and help you find exactly what you need.
- Quality Products: We carefully select the best products for pets, focusing on quality, sustainability, and safety.
- Community-Focused: We’re more than just a pet store—we’re part of the Elmira community. From hosting adoption events to supporting local animal rescue organizations, we love giving back to the people and pets that make our city great.
Meet Sondra
Sondra’s passion for animals began at a young age. Growing up in Cayuta, NY, she spent her childhood catching frogs, snakes, and caterpillars. She received her first aquarium in 6th grade and started out with African cichlids before venturing into the saltwater world at 17. She joined the Chemung County 4-H rabbit club in 7th grade where she was active for many years. Selling bunnies to the pet stores turned into her first job at New Eden Pet Center when she was 16. She has owned and cared for many pets over the years and her extensive experience in the pet industry enables her to offer expert guidance to customers.
In her spare time, Sondra spending time with her four dogs and three cats, volunteering with animal rescues, and working with local youth groups and schools to foster a love for animals.
Visit Us Today!
At Sondra’s City Zoo, we believe that pets are family, and we’re here to help you care for yours. Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or a seasoned animal enthusiast, we welcome you to stop by and see what we have to offer. Our friendly team looks forward to meeting you and your pets!
Location:
2022 Lake Rd
Elmira, NY
Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Phone:
Let us help you make your pet’s life even better—come experience the difference at Sondra’s City Zoo Pet Store!