Keys Kritters

Tucked along the Overseas Highway in Key Largo, Keys Kritters is the kind of independently owned pet store that earns fierce loyalty from locals who drive an hour just to shop there. While it's technically a full-service pet store — carrying everything from high-quality dog food brands like Canidae, Stella and Chewy, and Primal to reptile supplies and singing canaries — the aquarium section is what stops fish hobbyists in their tracks. The store is packed with tanks of notably healthy fish spanning both freshwater and saltwater species, and reviewers consistently remark on the absence of dead fish and the obvious care given to every animal in the shop, right down to the humble goldfish.

One customer who made the hour-long drive home reported their fish were meticulously packed with individual bags, plenty of oxygen, and a Styrofoam box for the trip — arriving calm, alert, and eating well. The saltwater side is particularly impressive for a Keys pet shop, stocking live corals and carrying Red Sea test kits that reviewers note are unavailable anywhere else in the island chain. Owner Robert and his team have built a reputation for patient, knowledgeable guidance.

First-time saltwater keepers describe bringing "a thousand questions" and getting thoughtful answers every time. Staff members are equally comfortable discussing tank maintenance strategies, recommending live plants, or helping someone pick out the right food for an aging dog. The store itself has an old-school charm — one reviewer compared the dense, packed layout to a classic hardware store — with birds chirping in the background and small animals like guinea pigs, rabbits, and bearded dragons adding to the lively atmosphere.

Keys Kritters has become a ritual stop for families traveling between Marathon and Miami, and for Upper Keys residents, it's simply the go-to destination for anything pet-related. The tiki-shaded exterior and relaxed Keys vibe only add to the appeal.