Faux Paws Pet Store in Columbia: What to Expect When You Visit

Faux Paws is a locally owned pet supply shop in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood

Faux Paws sits on Harden Street in the heart of Five Points, one of Columbia's oldest and most walkable districts. The store carries live small animals—guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, and similar pets—alongside the usual inventory of food, bedding, toys, and cages you'd find at a chain retailer. The space has the feel of a neighborhood shop rather than a warehouse: staff tend to know regular customers by name, and the store's size means you can usually find what you need without wandering for twenty minutes.

If you're new to pet ownership or replacing a pet that has died, Faux Paws can be a useful first stop. The staff will answer questions about what a particular animal needs—housing size, diet, temperature, lifespan—before you buy. That conversation matters, because small-animal care varies sharply by species, and a cage that works for a hamster will not work for a guinea pig.

Key Takeaways

• Faux Paws stocks live small animals including guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, and chinchillas, plus food and housing for each species.
• The store is located on Harden Street in Five Points, a neighborhood with street parking and nearby restaurants and shops.
• Staff can answer basic questions about animal care and housing requirements before you purchase.
• Hours and current animal availability change seasonally, so calling ahead prevents a wasted trip.
• The store is independently owned, which means pricing and inventory differ from national chains.

What animals and supplies Faux Paws typically carries

The live-animal side of the business focuses on small mammals: guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters (dwarf and Syrian), gerbils, and chinchillas. Availability shifts with the season and with breeding cycles, so the store may have multiple animals of one species one week and none the next. Calling ahead tells you what's in stock before you make the trip.

For supplies, the store carries multiple brands of pellets, hay, bedding, water bottles, feeders, and cage accessories. You'll find toys, treats, and grooming tools. The selection is smaller than a Petco or PetSmart, but that also means the staff can usually point you to what works best for your specific animal rather than leaving you to choose among forty options.

Location, parking, and neighborhood context

Five Points is a mixed-use neighborhood where retail, dining, and residential space sit close together. Street parking is available but can be tight during peak hours—early evening and weekends. The area is walkable, so if you're in the neighborhood for another reason (coffee, dinner, browsing other shops), Faux Paws is an easy addition to your trip.

The neighborhood has been part of Columbia since the early 1900s and has a reputation for independent businesses and community events. If you're unfamiliar with Five Points, arriving a few minutes early to find parking and locate the store is worth the time.

Hours and how to check what's in stock

Store hours vary by season and day of the week. Calling ahead serves two purposes: you can confirm the store is open, and you can ask whether a specific animal or supply is currently in stock. This is especially important if you're looking for a less common species like a chinchilla or a particular brand of hay.

The store's phone number and current hours are listed on Google Maps and on the store's own social media pages. During holiday periods or summer, hours may shift, so a quick call prevents a frustrating trip.

Pricing and how it compares to chain stores

Faux Paws is independently owned, which means prices are set locally rather than by a national corporation. On some items—common pellets, basic bedding—prices may be similar to or slightly higher than a chain store. On others—specialty hay, certain cage sizes, or live animals—the price can vary significantly depending on what the store paid for inventory that week.

The trade-off is that you're paying for staff knowledge and a curated selection rather than volume pricing. If you're buying a single guinea pig and its first cage, that personal guidance often saves money in the long run by preventing mistakes that require replacement purchases.

What to bring and what to know before you visit

If you're buying a live animal, bring a carrier or box to transport it home safely. If you already own the species you're buying supplies for, bring the empty bag or container of what you currently use—staff can match it or recommend a compatible alternative.

Bring a list of questions if you're new to a particular animal. Staff can tell you about cage size, temperature, social needs, and lifespan, but they work faster when you're specific. "I want a rabbit" is different from "I want a rabbit for a child who has limited space—what's realistic?" The second question gets you better information.

Alternatives if Faux Paws doesn't have what you need

If the store is out of a particular animal or supply, ask whether they can order it. Many independent pet stores will special-order items that aren't in regular stock, though it may take a week or more to arrive.

For live animals, local animal rescues and shelters sometimes have small mammals available for adoption. The Midlands Animal League and other Columbia-area rescues occasionally take in rabbits and guinea pigs. Adoption is usually less expensive than purchase and gives a home to an animal that needs one.

Chain retailers like Petco and PetSmart carry a wider selection of supplies and are open longer hours, though staff knowledge varies by location. Online retailers offer convenience but eliminate the chance to see an animal or get in-person advice before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return an animal if it doesn't work out?

Return policies vary by store and by whether the animal is sick or injured. Call Faux Paws directly to understand their specific policy before you purchase. Some stores allow returns within a set window if the animal is healthy; others do not. Getting this in writing prevents misunderstanding later.

Do I need to make an appointment to visit?

No appointment is required. Walk-in visits are normal. However, calling ahead to confirm hours and check on specific animals or supplies means you won't waste a trip if the store is closed or out of stock on what you need.

What's the best time to visit if I want to see multiple animals?

Mid-morning or early afternoon on weekdays tends to be quieter than evenings or weekends. Animals are also more active during daylight hours, so you'll get a better sense of their personality. Avoid very early morning, when animals are still waking up.

Can staff help me set up a cage or habitat at home?

Faux Paws staff can answer questions about setup and care, but they typically don't make house calls. They can walk you through what you need to buy and how to arrange it, and they're usually willing to spend time on this if you ask before the store gets busy.

Do you sell food for other types of pets, like dogs or cats?

Faux Paws specializes in small animals. For dog and cat food and supplies, chain retailers and other local pet stores carry a wider selection. Call the store if you're unsure whether they stock what you're looking for.