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April 2024 by Diana N.
This event exceeded our expectations! Riley was so great! She was patient and positive with every child and adult! She came out for my 10 year old twins birthday party and they, along with our guests, had so many opportunities to interact with the critters. Every animal got a bigger "wow" from the audience. Such a fun and memorable event! Everyone had a favorite critter. They were all amazing! We love that the animals looks so healthy and well cared for. Highly recommend!! Thanks so much!!
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April 2024 by Ann L.
I hired Critter Squad for a small petting zoo for my daughter's 2nd birthday party. We had about 16 kids at the party ages 0-5 years old, and it was just a hit! They arrived on-time and set up really quickly. The kids were enjoying the animals in no time! I didn't have any big issues with communication with them through email or phone calls. My only constructive criticism would be that on the email receipt, there is a confirmation of what package and add-ons are being paid for. Basically an itemized receipt would be really helpful. Thanks for helping my kiddo have a great birthday!
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March 2024 by Kelly H.
We had Riley come out for my daughter's birthday and she was amazing!! My daughter had the best time! She was so engaging and fun with the kids and brought so many cool creatures. We all had so much fun and learned a lot about the insects. I highly recommend her!
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March 2024 by Lauren W.
Thank you, thank you to the critter squad for making my twins' 5th birthday so very special. Mark was so learned and lovely with all of the kids. Special thanks to Daisy, Creamsicle and the rest of the animals who made an appearance at the party! What a wonderful educational and engaging experience for all of us!
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March 2024 by Thao S.
Unfortunately my experience has been like other 1 star reviews where the customer experience is unacceptable. We were expecting bunnies to show up to my child's bunny bday party, so you can imagine the disappointment. There was a misunderstanding on my part with all the back and forth of setting dates, but in my defense, there was no written confirmation when the event is booked over the phone. Leading up to the event, I also called so many times and left messages to try to confirm the date but no responses. After emailing that day when no one showed, I got a reply that I was scheduled for the next day. So, I cancelled at that point and was told I wouldn't be charged for the event. I had already paid a deposit, which I was fine that they kept. A few days later, I received a message that I was going to be charged for the event. They told me to not worry about the automatic message. Despite that, my credit card was charged. I was then told they would reverse it. I've been following up every few weeks for over 5 months now out of principle and have been given a lot of excuses from Geoffrey. So, I'm giving up now and have resorted to a yelp review.
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February 2024 by Ryan K.
Riley and the Critter Squad team did an amazing job at my daughter's 9th birthday party. We had an awesome selection of animals, and amazing time to have everyone be able to pet & interact with them. Would absolutely work with the team again for future events.
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January 2024 by Tara B.
This company is all over Next Door. Many people complaining they don't answer their phones, don't show up and make excuses, and are completely unreliable. Do t use them. They missed a 5 year olds birthday party this weekend and indicated when they no showed they were short staffed and out it in the wrong date even though the customer has the confirmation in the right date. Terrible service and company to ruin a 5 year olds birthday party.
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January 2024 by Megan K.
**UPDATE - Geoffrey, wow, just wow. You showed no remorse nor were you apologetic on the phone. Instead you blamed me, asked me what number I was dialing, questioned the fact that I left multiple messages, told me I should have driven down there (when another yelp response clearly states that your are NOT open to the public) and the list goes on and on. I was stunned and outraged. Your tone was condescending and your excuses were endless. It was UNBELIEVABLE after I did every single thing in my power to try to get in contact with you. In fact, the only reason you called me was because I left a one star Yelp review. I called SIX TIMES total since Dec 4 with no response. To be clear: I NEVER APPLIED FOR MULTIPLE DATES and will happily post our correspondence here. I am in disbelief that you are still in business after the way you handled my situation. The facts are: The first inquiry email I wrote, I asked about your AVAILABILITY for either Jan 5 or Jan 6 back in NOVEMBER. When you and/or your staff first replied and said that both dates were available, I filled out the application and put JAN 5 as the date. I never mentioned Jan 6 again. I paid the Zelle payment and put JAN 5 1pm in the comments. Then I called to put a credit card on file and no one called back. Then I called again and left another message with no reply. I received an invoice via Quickbooks and paid it, again replying with an email titled BIRTHDAY PARTY 1/5!! What more do you need?? Then I called AGAIN ON JAN 2nd, after the holiday because I was worried no one had ever confirmed the party with me on the phone, nor did I ever receive a response to my inquiry about adding an additional animal. I then called 3 times (twice to your main line and once to your sister store, Painted Reptile) when you no showed for the party. My friend and father also tried calling. No response until I left a one star Yelp review. Imagine that. Your attitude here is appalling. Take some ownership for your mistake.
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January 2024 by Eve T.
Update: the company reply below states they responded immediately about my request - this is false. Review: This company has donated to a school auction years ago, and was recommended by a camp I love so I thought I'd give them a try for a 8 year old party. I completed their online form several times. Never hearing back, I called several times, left messages, emails, and finally caught someone on a Saturday who said they hadn't received any online submissions. I suggested they check with their website company to find out why the online forms weren't being delivered. The person told me to submit again but did verify they got my email. This person said they didn't handle birthday party bookings but didn't think the date was available but assured me I'd hear back from someone to confirm. I still NEVER heard back from anyone to let me know if they could or couldn't do the request. Never got ANY email from them saying they couldn't do it. Over a month after my event date, I received an apology with an offer for, I think, a free event but the way it was worded was confusing. I appreciate the apology but it was way too late. Wishing this business success regardless of my unfortunate experience.
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January 2024 by Cristina P.
My daughter had the best experience at Critter Squad. She did the Meet and Greet. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable. My daughter had a blast holding several reptiles and mammals. She learned lots of interesting facts. The animals have really cute names. For example a turtle was named Bowser, a white rabbit was named Abra, and a frog was named Slimer. She attended the after school classes taught by Critter Squad. She was ecstatic to know that they have animal interactions in their own facility. She really loves animals and the staff made her appreciate them more. My daughter can't wait until the next classes taught by Critter Squad at her school. I really enjoyed watching her interact with the animals and staff.
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December 2023 by Scout M.
The Zoo Keeper experience with Riley was SO AMAZING. She really focused on teaching our kids about the animals and their care, while really listening to our kids. She encouraged time with animals they connected with, and they left so excited to come back. We found Critter Squad through their after school program at our school. Our kid enjoyed learning about and meeting the animals with the staff so much, both of our kids then did the Zoo Keeper for a day at their location. We've also had friends have parties with them over the years and always had fun. I had zero communication problems to book the Zoo Keeper experience, it was easy to email and confirm. The staff cares about the animals, the animals safety and the habitats are a real labor of love. Can not recommend enough!
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October 2023 by Alison Puffer
I have sent four emails and left four messages in the last two weeks and have not gotten any response, trying to book a party in November. You were great for my son's birthday last year, but this also took over three weeks of calling and emailing every day to get it booked. The customer service to book is TERRIBLE but the people that work the day of are great. I would say they need to hire new people to answer the phones and email.
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October 2023 by Christine Jung
I initially tried to book them for my eldest daughter’s birthday but I left messages and couldn’t reach them. They reached out to me two weeks later but I already had a different company set up.Critter squad reached out to me and wanted me to give them a chance. I had them come to my daughters school for an event and the show was wonderful. Our performer was a bit late but made up for it with all of her wonderful personality and information regarding the animals. I would definitely recommend them to anyone.
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July 2023 by Dana J.
DO NOT TRUST!I wanted to make sure to warn the public so you don't get scammed! I accidentally sent them more than a thousand dollars by mistake and they refuse to return it, they play games and out right ignore. Total thieves, I would not trust them.
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June 2023 by Allison C.
I took my son and daughter for a meet and greet at the critter squad headquarters in Tarzana and what an unforgettable experience. They got to touch and interact with so many of their favorite animals. They are asking me every day when can they go back. Well worth it. I see why they are so popular for parties and get booked up!
