PetCo vs. PetSmart? Which is better?

petsmart

 

I’m gonna go back to PetCo again and see, the experience I had when I bought the tank was much better than all the times i’ve gone to PetSmart. The worker there actually knew what he was talking about and helped informed me

That sounds like a good plan! Finding a perfect LFS is ideal, but it's just not always practical. IMO, as long as you're careful and mindful, you'll be fine.

 

Like many people have said, it's all about the location. Where I live there's two petcos and two PetSmart's, one Petco is amazing and only hires experienced specialists and the other is a dump with crappy lighting and misinformed staff who know nothing about the animals they care for. And both PetSmart's have lots of different fish species but they're sickly and not well taken care of.

 

I hate to be a parrot here but they're all different.

From my experience, Petco has better employees, but Petsmart has healthier looking fish.

Key word is "LOOKING". I personally still wouldn't buy fish from either.

As SixThreeOh said, just find a local fish store within an hour and go there. Trust me, as tempting as Petco and Petsmart may be, especially with their prices, it's NOT WORTH IT.

 

I hate to be a parrot here but they're all different.

From my experience, Petco has better employees, but Petsmart has healthier looking fish.

Key word is "LOOKING". I personally still wouldn't buy fish from either.

As SixThreeOh said, just find a local fish store within an hour and go there. Trust me, as tempting as Petco and Petsmart may be, especially with their prices, it's NOT WORTH IT.

Yes, the prices! I have bought from Petsmart and from the LFS 40 minutes away. Our Petsmart often has gill flukes, but sometimes the fish that $3 there cost $15 at LFS. If I am buying a school, it is cheaper to treat the flukes. However, I assume longevity is better with the fish from the LFS.

 

I would imagine if both stores are in the area, then they get fish from the same suppliers. I have multiple Petcos/Petsmarts in my area. I would hesitate to purchase from either, but if I HAD to, it would be Petsmart.

 

I've only bought a few fish from either store, and they were mostly bettas. Anyone heard of or been to a VIPets? I've been to one only twice but the employees know what they are talking about (usually) and the fish selection is superb. They always have fish I've never seen before and ones that are hard to get. While some of their prices are through the roof many of them are fair enough especially for the condition of the fish. Best thing is, they will special order a species for you

 

I've only bought a few fish from either store, and they were mostly bettas. Anyone heard of or been to a VIPets? I've been to one only twice but the employees know what they are talking about (usually) and the fish selection is superb. They always have fish I've never seen before and ones that are hard to get. While some of their prices are through the roof many of them are fair enough especially for the condition of the fish. Best thing is, they will special order a species for you

Never heard of VIpets.... sounds cool though!

Up here we have Dyno, a very small Canadian chain store. which sounds similar.. they special order fish for me and don't make me pay shipping

 

Online purchasing also an option. I have had great success and satisfaction with several online stores. Online stores literally put their reputation on the line and many are “mom n pop” operations. They would quickly go out of business if they didn’t sell quality fish.
The shipping cost really evens out in my mind when you factor in gas, travel time, poor quality from chain stores, etc.

 

just watch what kind of fish you buy. Both stores buy from Seacrest farms and get about the same fish. Guppies are a bad choice because of the decease problems that come in on the fish from the Orient. Some of the other livebearers might survive better because they come from Florida. a lot of the tetras come from Florida, so survival rate are better. When you go into either store your on your own, so research the type of fish before you buy it.

 

My closest local Petco has overly crowded tanks and I've seen some that look like they need some TLC, however the overall size of products available is much larger. The one a few more miles down the road has almost no selection of products and the tanks looked well taken care of.

My local Petsmart usually has actually appropriately-stocked tanks which surprised me and had the largest choice of resin decor items I've ever seen. However, they are often out of stock of specific fish.

My local PetValu (another chain) has crowded tanks and has given me some not-great information on fish but has a different selection of fish than the two above. I do give them credit that as soon as I pointed out to an associate the other day that I wouldn't be buying a fish that day because the tank I wanted had Ick, she immediately dropped in ick meds and hung "QT - Do Not Sell" signs on all affected/connected tanks. They then asked if I wanted a job! haha.

My local Wal-mart also sells fish. I counted 57 dead fish amongst their 20 tanks. I also saw less than an inch of water in most of their betta cups. One of their tanks was all male bettas (well, two alive male bettas and 5 floating....). When I asked a store associate about it she just said "yeah, well, that's just our management's responsibility and they don't care" and shrugged me off. I called Walmart corporate and lodged a complaint. A few days later I went back in and everything looked cleaned up but who knows how long that will be the case....

The non-chain LFS that I go to (we have a bunch in Cincinnati) has the best selection, individual filters for every tank, and not too overstocked. They've also given me the best information and have not tried to upsell me on additional products that I don't need.

As others have said, your mileage will vary depending on the local store and the management staff there.

 

I understand your problem. I drove a long way to buy my first fish from a freshwater supplier only to discover they went out of business. That was the only one I knew of. I have a Petco and Petsmart nearby. I have been to both often to get supplies and plants. I got the plants from the tubes because I didn't trust the one's in the tanks. I thought that the tanks looked better at Petco so I bought my first fish there. One died 3 days later and I believe was probably already ill when I got it because symptoms started 24 hours after getting home. The guy who helped me knew nothing and couldn't even answer my questions. I went to Petsmart and bought a few more fish. The young women who helped me seemed more knowledgeable and took great care in selecting the fish. I don't think there's any way to tell which is better because it all depends on who is working there at the time and taking care of the fish. I'm on a search to find a new supplier that isn't too far from me. Good luck to you!

 

I only go to petco when there's dollar a gallon sale.

 

Area is everything I think, My petco has a pretty small yet wonderful fish selection very healthy even though petsmart has a bigger selection they're in poor condition, however the petsmart has a bigger variety on supplies then my petco and they're on different sides of town, I think it all depends some are amazing some aren't. Just my 2¢

 

just watch what kind of fish you buy. Both stores buy from Seacrest farms and get about the same fish. Guppies are a bad choice because of the decease problems that come in on the fish from the Orient. Some of the other livebearers might survive better because they come from Florida. a lot of the tetras come from Florida, so survival rate are better. When you go into either store your on your own, so research the type of fish before you buy it.

Here in Indiana, both Petsmart and Petco get their fish and animals from APET. I like the Petco by me since the person in charge of the fish department used to work the local LFS. They said while they loved the LFS, they didn't get any benefits or paid time off that they can get while working at a chain store. I don't really care for the Petsmart in my town since they like to keep giant goldfish with cichlids and small schooling fish. The Petsmart in the next town is better, but I haven't had too much luck with their fish.

 

Here in Indiana, both Petsmart and Petco get their fish and animals from APET. I like the Petco by me since the person in charge of the fish department used to work the local LFS. They said while they loved the LFS, they didn't get any benefits or paid time off that they can get while working at a chain store. I don't really care for the Petsmart in my town since they like to keep giant goldfish with cichlids and small schooling fish. The Petsmart in the next town is better, but I haven't had too much luck with their fish.

Hey I'm a Hoosier too! Digital high five! I've been impressed with my local Petco in Bloomington. Always very clean and the aquatic department employees are kind and knowledgeable.

 

I really think it depends on the location. I personally don't ask people that work anywhere for advise. If I had to pick, Petsmart near me has a better selection and their tanks are pristine surprisingly. I don't like buying from them, because they only carry the typical fish.

I have a fish store near me that I always go to though call Aquatics Unlimited. Brilliant tanks and Amazing selection. I'm so happy they are near me.

 

In my location, Petco’s have lots more equipment, but Petsmart has more fish. So it kind of depends on if I need livestock or if I need lighting, tanks, filters or whatever. But I try to get fish and inverts from a different LFS.

 

I go to Petco for fish, plants, and maintenance. I go to PetSmart for decor and meds. I have one place called PetSuperMarket that sells a lot of brands I've never heard of. They look a little sketchy but they have different types of fish from Petco or PetSmart.

 

Once upon a time, PetSmart was better because you either had to have extensive knowledge in your area, or you had to take classes to certify. They no longer do that, so it’s now a crapshoot. As well, Petco and PetSmart are the same company, so again, it’s a crapshoot. Look to see which store has the better looking stock, the better looking tanks, and the most knowledgeable associates and go from there. I learned my lesson about that when I started my tank, and instead found numerous LFS in the area that are assisting me in establishing my tank.

 

Have you considered buying online?

In my area, PetSmart is a bit better than Petco. They both have a decent selection of fish that look healthy (maybe not the happiest though). But PetSmart has fairly begginer-level knowledgeable staff (except for one lady who doesn't know what a corydora or pleco is haha), and cleaner tanks. They also immediately remove any dead fish and they have a separate quarantine tank area at this particular store. They do still encourage getting the tiny betta setups with the bettas, to my dismay ☹️.

That being said, I only go there for discount plants and snails and supplies as my LFS is the best in my area, and half an hour away is another amazing LFS that's super cheap.. it's definitely worth looking around a bit.

 

I would imagine if both stores are in the area, then they get fish from the same suppliers. I have multiple Petcos/Petsmarts in my area. I would hesitate to purchase from either, but if I HAD to, it would be Petsmart.

There’s only one each in my area and the quality between their fish are completely different. I’ve had worse experiences with my local Petsmart so far. The tanks were ten times better looking and more taken care of at the PetCo I had.

 

I’m gonna see if I can go to the LFS closest to me, it’s about half an hour away from me which isn’t great but there’s not others I can find closer and if their fish are better I see how it would be worth it.

I have considered online buying, but the shipping costs have deterred me. I completely understand why it’s high but I’m limited with how much money I have to spend on my tank. I have enough to make sure it’s healthy and well but I don’t think I can spend so much on shipping like that

 

My local Petco and Petsmart are LITERALLY across the street from each other. I always choose Petco over Petsmart due to the better quality of the fish (I rarely buy fish from them but I look around) and the variety of supplies they have from different companies. The nearest LFS to me is 20 minutes away, but the one I go to is 35 minutes away. The drive is worth it because I always end up leaving with healthy fish

 

I go to Petco for fish, plants, and maintenance. I go to PetSmart for decor and meds. I have one place called PetSuperMarket that sells a lot of brands I've never heard of. They look a little sketchy but they have different types of fish from Petco or PetSmart.

Pet supermarket? Where are you located?

 

I usually go to Petco because the location nearest me is actually pretty clean and they keep their fish as decent as they can (for the most part). I also go there to get crickets for my tree frog and my geckos because they're actually Medium/Large sized as opposed to Persmart which for some reason seems to carry only small but labels them as large. Crickets are gosh darn expensive too, especially when you have a tree frog that eats 40-50 large a week.

We also have a store called Pet Supplies Plus which is absolutely appalling. I can't even go in there without getting upset. Most, if not all of their fish have fatal illnesses. I've contacted them multiple times to have the issue resolved, but they simply don't care. Uneducated people will still end up buying loads of sick fish and wonder why they all end up dead in a week.

We have an Elmer's aquarium store which carries a lot of fish that petco/petsmart/pet supplies wouldn't carry. But the staff is so extremely rude I can't even fathom. I went there to buy some plants but when I was walking back to the tanks that had said plants, all of the employees were sitting in the isle talking and they each stopped to give me the nastiest "what the heck is SHE doing" kinda look. So I said screw the plants, I'll order offline. I'm not giving these miserable employees my money.

All in all, I need a better fish store here in PA lol.

 

Both the PetSmart and PetCo are fairly decent, they both have their flaws, of course, but none of my LFS sell aquarium supplies, just fish. Other PetSmarts and PetCos seem to be pretty bad, though. I'm not sure why there's such a difference between my local stores and other ones. I mostly go to PetSmart since they sell more small animal supplies and fish stuff.
The fish (Bettas) and snails that I've gotten from PetSmart have all been really good and healthy. I haven't bought any live animals from my PetCo, but the fish there always seem to be decently healthy and I've never seen any signs of illness in the fish.

 

depends on the staff

 

Pet supermarket? Where are you located?

Central Florida, it's a small store, they mainly have dog and cat food with those clear boxes for birds and hamsters that are open on top. Then some bird and fish stuff. I don't go there too often

 

Central Florida, it's a small store, they mainly have dog and cat food with those clear boxes for birds and hamsters that are open on top. Then some bird and fish stuff. I don't go there too often

Ok. Nobody ever talks about it so I thought it was just a Texas store. We got a couple here. They have weird fish that petsmart and petco don't carry such as amano and cherry shrimp. Different crustaceans and invertebrates.

 

Ok. Nobody ever talks about it so I thought it was just a Texas store. We got a couple here. They have weird fish that petsmart and petco don't carry such as amano and cherry shrimp. Different crustaceans and invertebrates.

They had pea puffers at mine, and PetCo and PetSmart never have those.

 

They have a label for pea puffers at mine but it was full of baby orandas when I went.

 

Depends what I need. Petsmart for aquariums/supplies, Petco for the actual fish(the bettas anyway), but that's merely because I know a lot of the aquatics staff are betta keepers/breeders as well

 

I think it is hit or miss. 50/50

Depending on the day of the week who is working and so on..... at either store.

I have purchased from both with good experience and some not so good.

Just be careful and pay close attention with a watchful eye before purchasing.....

 

Here in the capitol of Maine, Petcos is WAY better than PetSmart. Petco's employees are adults who are knowledgeable and friendly. Petcos prices are WAY better on everything from snakes to mice to fish to plants and they have WAY more fish and plants. The majority of their tanks are FULL of live plants and theyll order me ANYTHING they can get their hands on, even if they don't normally carry it.

Petsmart on the other hand always has a handful of highschool kids standing around on their phones, their tanks are usually empty, their prices are WAY higher on most things (plants, fish, tanks, reptiles) they won't order me ANYTHING and they won't hold it (Petco will hold it cause they know Ill be in the next day to get it). I only go into PetSmart as a last resort.

 

I really like the Pet Supplies Plus near me. But I would choose Petco just because of the dollar per gallon sale.

Pet Supplies Plus has a dollar per gallon sale too though, so I never go to either Petco or Petsmart.

 

You too! I lived in South Berwick for a few years, then moved to Gorham while going to USM. There is an amazing shop in Gorham called Easy Aquariums. Would be worth your time to check it out.

 

You too! I lived in South Berwick for a few years, then moved to Gorham while going to USM. There is an amazing shop in Gorham called Easy Aquariums. Would be worth your time to check it out.

Lol Your like 15 min from me I have been to that shop many times. I don’t go there anymore, long story.

 

I'm in Augusta now. Ive only been in there a couple times as its like over an hour to get there and our local Petco is so awesome.

 

Petsmart for my aquarium/fish needs and Petco for dog treats. Our Petco doesn't sell live fish, so if I do go there I can only buy supplies. I've found that though Petsmart is super expensive in stores, their online prices are fair and they will price match in store. I guess it really depends on the location. I would love to give petco more business, but they rarely have what I need.