About
Teske Pet & Garden in Bettendorf, Iowa is one of those rare places where you can walk in for wheat straw and superphosphate and walk out with a puppy, a bag of fish food, and a flat of starter tomatoes. It's a hybrid nursery and pet store that has become a family tradition for Quad Cities residents, and the combination works surprisingly well. On the pet side, Teske's carries a rotating selection of freshwater fish alongside puppies, bunnies, kittens, rats, snakes, and lizards.
The fish department has loyal customers who've been buying there for years, and they offer water for fish tanks — a useful service for local aquarists who need pre-treated or RO water. While this isn't a dedicated aquarium shop with walls of exotic species, it fills a real niche for Bettendorf hobbyists who want a local, non-chain source for freshwater fish and supplies without driving across the metro. The garden side is where many customers rave loudest.
Starter plants arrive healthy and ready to thrive, and the nursery stocks vegetables, herbs, flowers, and Iowa-grown varieties in distinctive purple pots. Reviewers consistently note that while prices run slightly higher than big-box competitors, the plant quality justifies the premium. What ties both halves together is the staff.
Multiple reviewers praise employees who take time to answer questions, guide purchasing decisions without pressure, and genuinely care about matching customers with the right product — whether that's a pet or a plant. The store also accommodates special orders, which one longtime customer used to source hard-to-find cat treats unavailable elsewhere. Teske's has been a Bettendorf staple for families who treat a visit as an outing rather than an errand.
Kids get to see the puppies and bunnies, parents stock up on birdseed and garden supplies, and everyone leaves with something. It's a community-rooted store that thrives on personal service and variety rather than specialization.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Dry GoodsFish Food
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Hybrid pet store and garden nursery with freshwater fish, puppies, bunnies, reptiles, and more
- Offers fish tank water for local aquarists
- Special orders available for hard-to-find pet products
- Iowa-grown plants and healthy nursery stock at fair prices
- Family-friendly atmosphere that doubles as an outing destination
From keepers
Customer reviews
“They have everything a pet lover could want. Great selection and friendly staff!”
— Juila Zellmer5.03 weeks ago“A worker literally followed me around the store while I was looking around, she even followed me outside, that was the first time I was in the store, I haven't been back since and didn't plan on it any time soon. That was ridiculous”
— Ellen Mcwilliams1.0Edited a month ago“Employees weren't near as friendly or as helpful as they claim on TV and they weren't that knowledgeable”
— Pete Jarvis2.03 months ago“Love this place! So very helpful and courteous!”
— Christine Greene5.03 months ago“There are some very friendly staff, knowledgeable and helpful. They answered my questions and straightened me out of my quandaries. I had confidence to make a purchase since I knew the item was exactly what I was searching for. All the times I was there, the staff really were genuine people to work with. They did not try to sell you something, but wanted to be certain it was something needed.”
— Lillian Bradshaw5.05 months ago“Love the non chain vibe...just attentive workers”
— Fred Reynolds4.05 months ago“We got a dog here and he is the sweetest guy ever”
— Elle Dail5.05 months ago“After finding out my original pet store was closed for vacation; I called around to get mice for my snakes. At first, I called ahead to the Moline store and they said they had enough. The day of going to get the mice; they then told me they only had breeders left and couldn't sell them to me. However, they directed me to the Bettendorf store. Now that store treated me really well. They had plenty of mice, discounted my own box I brought in, AND apologized for the other store because he said they should have sold them to me. Thank you Bettendorf store!”
— Mark Sutton5.05 months ago“Best place to get your pet. They are always there to help with any questions about the pets. Very reasonable priced and to adopt is very fair. I had my puppy on my terms with the cash. He is so well natured and loves his new home.”
— Nyla Dommer5.05 months ago“They are amazing and have been buying fish and cat food for years there. They recently special ordered cat treats I couldn’t get elsewhere and love that’s an option. Great people and service Shadow loves coming in for a visit”
— Pixgeek Droneography (Pixgeek)5.06 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (563) 355-7230 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Teske Pet & Garden.