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
Fish & livestock for sale at Dorothy's Pet Shop in Junction City, KS
Dorothy's Pet Shop stocks freshwater fish for sale in Junction City, KS. As a fish store serving Junction City, KS, it also carries fish food and offers aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Fish Food
- Services
- 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
“Lovely atmosphere and a wide variety of shopping needs can be met! Affordable prices and the staff are wonderful. I especially loved Peggy. She was the most genuine spirit I've met in a long time. The owner is very accommodating, and plenty of new babies to choose from!”
— Marisol Landin5.02 weeks ago“Got cute goldfish!”
— Sheri Wiebe4.04 weeks ago“they got cute puppies but at an insane price. They're all mixed as well, not pure breeds, they're MUTTS. Insanely sad what they're doing to these puppies, they deserve homes, not locked behind a stupidly ridiculous price tag. Makes me wonder how poorly they treat them behind closed doors. BAD breeders. If ur not gonna sell mutt puppies at a normal realistic price then u should stop making more. Disgusting.”
— Jay Kay1.02 months ago“The lady is always so nice and pleasant every time I come in. I was looking for a nice, comfortable harness for my sweet Bella, and she helped me each time with a smile. I love her store and the wonderful atmosphere! ❤️”
— Reach the Stars5.02 months ago“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“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.”
— CSR1.0Edited 7 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
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.