About
Pet's Playhouse is a family-owned Cedar Rapids institution that has built a loyal following for its fish selection — widely considered the biggest in town. The store stocks both freshwater and saltwater livestock, with reviewers specifically calling out black ice clownfish, galaxy rainbow anemones, and a solid coral selection alongside the usual freshwater staples. One dedicated customer reports purchasing hundreds of fish without a single loss after quarantine, a testament to the health of the livestock when the store is at its best.
The saltwater section draws particular praise, and the staff clearly knows their way around a reef tank. One reviewer recounted having a canister filter repaired for free, with hands-on instruction on proper use — the kind of above-and-beyond service that keeps people driving across town for crickets, fish, and light bulbs when big-box alternatives exist closer to home. Tony and other family members are frequently mentioned by name, and the personal touch is a recurring theme: staff taking time to explain exotic pets, offering cycling advice for new tanks, and genuinely engaging with customers about their setups.
The store is more than fish — macaws, iguanas, bearded dragons, snakes, ferrets, and small mammals fill the space, and low-cost vaccination clinics add practical value for dog and cat owners. It's the kind of place where a family stops in for beardie supplies and stays an hour watching parrots. Transparency demands noting that the store's recent relocation has drawn mixed reactions.
Multiple reviewers have flagged tank cleanliness issues and cramped animal enclosures at the new location, a noticeable dip from what longtime customers remember as a destination fish store. The business appears to be in a transitional phase, and conditions seem to vary visit to visit. When Pet's Playhouse is firing on all cylinders, it offers something Cedar Rapids can't get from a chain — real expertise, healthy saltwater livestock, and a community-rooted shopping experience.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Largest fish selection in Cedar Rapids with both freshwater and saltwater livestock
- Saltwater standouts including black ice clownfish, galaxy rainbow anemones, and corals
- Family-owned with hands-on staff who have repaired equipment for free
- Low-cost on-site vaccination clinics for dogs and cats
- Wide variety of animals beyond fish including macaws, iguanas, snakes, and ferrets
From keepers
Customer reviews
“I love this pet shop for my salt water needs! 💓 Super friendly and attentive staff. The environment is chill and inviting. They have the biggest fish selection in town. I picked up this lovely black ice clownfish; and a galaxy rainbow nem from them! Oh, and my new nem has already split into two nems. How exciting! I highly recommend this Mom and Pop shop!”
— Krystal Holder5.04 days ago“Dirtiest pet store I have ever been to. Every tank was completely filthy with lots of dead and rotting fish in most of them. We left without purchasing and headed to petco. So sad..”
— Amanda Hanson1.05 days ago“very kind people working here, really appreciate how knowledgeable they are and tips shared when you purchase pets, truly shows they care!”
— jj5.06 days ago“Great to deal with.”
— Dr. Zin5.0a week ago“My daughters said it was the best day ever they were so over the moon about getting to see real Macaws we stayed for an hour! They had the supplies we needed for our beardies as well.”
— Vana Lea5.0a week ago“Closed at 6:05 pm Hours say 7”
— Clinton Taylor1.0a week ago“Always kind and helpful service. Their prices, variety, and quality are far better than the other pet stores.”
— Bill Bill Bill Bill5.02 weeks ago“Haven’t been here in years. The smell was awful. Rabbits in cages they barely have room in. This place makes me think of puppy mills. I wish I took pictures. Horrible conditions”
— Desma Brown1.0a month ago“I had high hopes for the new location, I was extremely disappointed. Fish selection wasn't great and many tanks had dead fish in them. All were dirty. The employees working at the time seemed helpful though.”
— Eric Hoover2.0a month ago“Great selection! Knowledgeable staff!!”
— Mike Whelchel5.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (319) 396-0635 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Pet's Playhouse.