Very disappointing and honestly quite unreasonable experience at the Animates DIY Dog Wash (Tower Junction).
I arrived at 5:20pm with my 35kg double-coated dog who was a little muddy and asked to get two coins (exactly 20 minutes total washing time). I was refused and told I could only have one coin because staff needed time to clean up before closing.
This makes no sense. The store closes at 6:00pm — I arrived 40 minutes before closing. Your own website clearly states that final entry is 15 minutes prior to closing. I was well within that window, and the time I needed would not have exceeded closing hours.
It feels like the rules are being made up on the spot depending on staff convenience, rather than following the clearly stated policy. As someone who has already paid for an annual membership, this is extremely frustrating and a poor reflection of customer service.
If the actual policy is different from what is advertised, it should be clearly stated. Otherwise, customers are being misled.
Would not recommend relying on their posted hours or policies — apparently they don’t mean much in practice.
Tom Shand
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April 26, 2026
Thanks to Charlotte and her great knowledge today at Tower Junction. She gave us some great advice on dry dog food (a great kiwi brand) and got us in and out of Tower Junction well looked after and satisfied. We’ll be back soon. Tom and Rudy.
Riwai Grace
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July 27, 2025
Our fur babie loves the store and excellent products.
Helps him live his best life
Carol campbell
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January 28, 2026
OMG - The staff at this store are awesome. They are un-rushed friendly, and I have received more support and knowledge from them regarding looking after bunnies than questionable breeders and website searches. Keep up the great work.
Kelly Bernal
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August 09, 2026
Very friendly and very helpful staff. The fish tank staff are very knowledgeable.
Our Address
Tower Junction Mega Centre, Blenheim Road, Addington, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Very disappointing and honestly quite unreasonable experience at the Animates DIY Dog Wash (Tower Junction). I arrived at 5:20pm with my 35kg double-coated dog who was a little muddy and asked to get two coins (exactly 20 minutes total washing time). I was refused and told I could only have one coin because staff needed time to clean up before closing. This makes no sense. The store closes at 6:00pm — I arrived 40 minutes before closing. Your own website clearly states that final entry is 15 minutes prior to closing. I was well within that window, and the time I needed would not have exceeded closing hours. It feels like the rules are being made up on the spot depending on staff convenience, rather than following the clearly stated policy. As someone who has already paid for an annual membership, this is extremely frustrating and a poor reflection of customer service. If the actual policy is different from what is advertised, it should be clearly stated. Otherwise, customers are being misled. Would not recommend relying on their posted hours or policies — apparently they don’t mean much in practice.
Thanks to Charlotte and her great knowledge today at Tower Junction. She gave us some great advice on dry dog food (a great kiwi brand) and got us in and out of Tower Junction well looked after and satisfied. We’ll be back soon. Tom and Rudy.
Our fur babie loves the store and excellent products. Helps him live his best life
OMG - The staff at this store are awesome. They are un-rushed friendly, and I have received more support and knowledge from them regarding looking after bunnies than questionable breeders and website searches. Keep up the great work.
Very friendly and very helpful staff. The fish tank staff are very knowledgeable.