Petco, PetsMart and the LFS
- Thread starter coach_z
- Start date
I'll recommend everyone to check the big stores like Petco and Petsmart for accesories and equipment...we all know by now that you can find very good deals there (with some exceptions)...Now, livestock is another story and different people have had different experiences when it comes to shopping from big stores (bad in most cases)...use common sense...make sure your livestock is healthy and very well taken care of when you shop...not only from big stores but from your LFS as well...I know you have a better chance to get rare specimens from your LFS than from Petco or Petsmart... but always ask about their ability to special order something for you at their discounted price...I can do that at the Petco in my area...and please don't assume that your LFS have better quality because they specialize in aquatics...we all have heard of bad reviews and experiences from LFS as well...once again use common sense when shopping for your next pet.
Not a fan of the PetWhatever Stores and there are less and less LFS around. I get my fish from local breeders and equipment at auctions and swap meets. I put the money right into fellow hobbyists hands.
I think the quality of every store is determined by their staff. some have good, some don't. I make it my personal responsibility to not buy anthing that doesn't look healthy. I will go to the same store a couple days a week for a few weeks to make sure stock looks healthy before I commit to buy.
No mater where you buy whatever the fish looks like it is a risk versus reward decision.
The petsmart here is awesome, great people,and a good selection of fish. We had another corporate pet store open up in December went in there last weekend and their tanks were already overrun with ich.
I work at a Petco and I buy some supplies there but I don't usually buy any fish because the only fish they carry would be lunch in my tank. The Petsmarts around here are pretty much the same with their fish unless it's an Oscars. Then it isn't uncommon to see 6 6" Oscars in a tank they can barely move around in by themselves. Most of my fish from LFS because they will have larger fish that other people bring in when it's gets too big for their tanks.
I agree that it is the staff that make the store no matter what store it is. If you have people who care for the animals it will show.
I agree that it is the staff that make the store no matter what store it is. If you have people who care for the animals it will show.
