About
Dorothy's Pet Shop is a long-standing, independently owned pet store in Junction City, Kansas, serving the local community and nearby Fort Riley military families with a wide range of animals and supplies. While primarily a general pet shop — carrying everything from puppies and kittens to rats, snakes, bearded dragons, and ball pythons — the store also stocks freshwater fish that loyal customers say outshine the selection at big-box competitors. One reviewer specifically praised the shop for carrying blood worms and beef hearts for their piranha and jaguar fish, highlighting the kind of specialized inventory you won't find at chain stores.
The shop is anchored by its owner, Dorothy, whose hands-on presence defines the experience. Multiple reviewers describe her as genuinely knowledgeable across species — from advising on ball python feeding to helping train a customer's dog on the spot. She's the kind of owner who will personally fit a harness on your dog or research and order a product she doesn't have in stock.
Prices are competitive with corporate retailers, and the atmosphere is decidedly personal; customers describe feeling like family when they walk through the door. Dorothy's also offers pet grooming services that earn enthusiastic praise, with customers returning regularly for their dogs. The store is state-licensed, and long-time patrons vouch for the health and temperament of animals purchased there — from pythons that draw weekly compliments to cats still thriving years later.
Reptile keepers will find feeder crickets, frozen rats, and supplies readily available, making it a reliable stop for the herp community in the Junction City area. The shop does draw polarized opinions — some visitors take issue with the smell and crowded conditions inherent to a densely stocked independent pet store. But for those who value personalized service, community roots, and an owner who genuinely cares about matching animals with the right homes, Dorothy's has earned a loyal following that spans years and even state lines.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Fish Food
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner Dorothy provides hands-on, knowledgeable guidance across species — fish, reptiles, dogs, and more
- Stocks specialty fish foods like blood worms and beef hearts for predatory freshwater fish
- Pet grooming services with enthusiastic repeat customers
- Reliable source for feeder insects and frozen rats for reptile keepers
- Competitive pricing matching big-box stores with personalized small-business service
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Wonderful place, very knowledgeable, and very friendly.”
— Jackie S.5.0a week ago“These places are why shelters exist. Selling dogs from backyard breeders (no health checks or ethical breeding practices) is a major part of the dog overpopulation issue. Shame on you.”
— Aaron Drossart1.02 weeks ago“Great small business. Friendly staff. Good variety. Love the pet grooming options.”
— Kat S5.0a month ago“Smells horrible, very very dirty unhealthy environment, needs USDA inspection, animals also look sick and overcrowded. Windows so dirty you cannot hardly see them. They stashed older puppies in the back that they couldn't sell, they are all matted and run indoor and outdoors, they need to rehome these animals asap, even if that means lowering the price significantly, they need to do what is right for the animal. It's selfish to keep those puppies that big, some of them look as old as 6 months already and they are all together and will start breeding now.”
— TKT1.0Edited 2 months ago“Very satisfied with Dorothy's pet shop ..My dogs grooming was awesome 💯...I love you Dorothy,thanks for your great service 🐕🦺....would recommend it 100%))”
— Ruth Guerra5.02 months ago“Wonderful home town pet store. Amazing people very knowledgeable and they have been around for a very long time.”
— Floyd VanDruff5.02 months ago“She truly loves animals, and loves being around people who love them too. She's filled with knowledge for those that need direction or advice, and she's open to communication which is hard to come by these days esp in the animal community where its filled with know it alls, who sometimes don't know anything. If she doesn't have something you need, she will look it up and see if she can order it for you. I go to her for all my pet needs, and sometimes just to chat. She's one of my favorite human beings and I'm so glad that her shop exists. She does a lot for the community as well, always willing to help within reason. I've been there when people have came in and blatantly told her who sent them over, and it's usually other animal facilities. I've also witnessed her help a customer with training her dog too and I was amazed at how fast the dog adapted so quick without suffering any abuse. If I ever get a dog, Dorothy is gonna be my go to for it all.”
— Jen Ann5.02 months ago“Bought my dog a new harness and the owner took the time to help select it. They had an 8 pack of poop bags and their prices were the same as big box corporate stores! They also have adorable puppies to look at!!! ☺️”
— Brett Amidon5.05 months ago“Dorothy and her son or son in law love animals, and know animals. I've came multiple times now and got several fish etc. Their fish are better that petco's fish too. She's state licensed as well so don't believe in propaganda against her or this shop. The animals are well taken care of, and she's very helpful and filled with knowledge. One of the kindest people I've got to cross paths with. I'm pleased and will return over and over when necessary. So thankful for this shop and her honest genuine kindness. I always return. By the way, its a PET SHOP, it's not going to smell like roses for the pea sized brains out here that criticize the shop about its smell. Key words: PET SHOP. Much gratitude ALWAYS. Love this place.”
— J K.5.0Edited 5 months ago“Really the best pet store around, but ive always liked the private owned pets stores more than the commercial ones! All the pets i have gotten from there have been really sweet and well taken care of! Also wonderful costumer service! Great people! I would recommend going to this pet shop i enjoy spending my time there!”
— Quraysha Kennedy5.06 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (785) 223-0488 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Dorothy's Pet Shop.