About
Tucked into the Heritage Square Shopping Center in Olathe, Kansas, Olathe Pet Shop is a locally owned store that punches well above its weight in freshwater fish and aquatic plants. Reviewers consistently call out the impressive selection of live plants — multiple visitors specifically came back for them — and the freshwater fish variety is broad enough to stock everything from blood orange parrot cichlids to multiple species of Geophagus, a South American cichlid genus that's notoriously hard to find at local fish stores. One customer noted it was the only shop in the area carrying a solid variety of Geophagus, which says something about the store's willingness to go beyond the usual stock list.
The fish section shares space with bettas, snails, and even freshwater stingrays — affectionately named Pancakes and Waffles by the staff — giving the store a character that's hard to replicate at big-box retailers. Beyond aquatics, Olathe Pet Shop maintains a strong reptile department (staff say they specialize in reptiles), along with birds, small mammals, and a curated selection of dog treats and supplies. The owner has been known to special order products for loyal customers, a level of personal service that keeps people coming back for years.
What reviewers mention most, though, is the staff. Despite being young — many appear to be in their late teens or early twenties — they're described as remarkably knowledgeable about both the animals in the store and the ones customers have at home. Multiple reviews highlight how genuinely happy they are to help, whether it's guiding a first-time fish keeper through tank setup or discussing cichlid compatibility.
The store itself is notably clean, with no lingering pet store odor, though the aisles are tight enough to be a challenge for wheelchair users. Olathe Pet Shop draws loyal customers from across the Kansas City metro, including visitors crossing the state line from Missouri. Its combination of uncommon freshwater livestock, healthy aquatic plants, and enthusiastic staff makes the drive worthwhile.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Exceptional variety of Geophagus cichlids rarely found at other local fish stores
- Excellent selection of live aquatic plants praised by multiple reviewers
- Freshwater stingrays named Pancakes and Waffles on display
- Young but remarkably knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff
- Owner willing to special order products for customers
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Great little pet shop with very friendly staff that are always helpful and happy.”
— Jerome Mitzner5.0a day ago“Good selection of fish, snails and aquarium plants, and helpful staff. I didn't know this place was there but I will probably be going back.”
— Traci Faulk5.0a week ago“Great store with very helpful staff! Excellent selection of aquatic plants. Very friendly and helpful staff! I will definitely be back.”
— Chris Moore5.02 weeks ago“Support local! I love this place and the many diverse treat options they provide for my dogs. I can always find something fun to try and even pick up a dog bed, more food, a leash, and dog bowl if needed. Or we can venture out and set up a fish tank! I love that it’s right next to the dog wash which makes cleaning the pup and getting them a treat to celebrate super easy!”
— Lisa Parrott5.02 weeks ago“First time visiting and was impressed! We were looking for a blood orange parrots fish, but will definitely be back when needing some Geophagus! None of the LSF around us seem to have good or any stock of geophagus. But this store had a ton and a lot of variety of fish. Came just to browse the fish but everything else seems great also.”
— Alex Lowe5.04 weeks ago“What a wonderful hidden gem! It may not be a secret to those in Johnson County, but coming from Belton, Missouri, I had no idea it was there. The staff were all fantastic—young, perhaps in their late teens or early twenties, yet incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely helpful. What stood out most was how happy they were to assist and share what they knew. Their positive attitude and willingness to help truly made the experience memorable!”
— Tanya5.0a month ago“Love how well the place was kept. Even animals looked happy. We loved seeing Pancakes and waffles. (Stingrays they had) Going back there before my end of stay to get some bettas and maybe a enclosure for my breaded dragon.”
— Monica Delgado5.0a month ago“Friendly and excellent customer service, knowledgeable staff, and an excellent variety of pets and supplies. The store is very clean and doesn't smell - something I can't say about other pet stores I've been to. The only negative I experienced is that the aisles are tight and maneuvering a wheelchair is a challenge.”
— J M4.0a month ago“Always good service here. The owner even special ordered product for me. (Kong P + B Pretzels!) Very cool pet store.”
— Devin Keller5.02 months ago“Bought R O water from this place added 2 qrts to tank same as I have for the last 5 yrs next morning woke up and clown trigger was dead spoke to owner said wasn’t his problem this fish I watched grow for over 2 years now dead owner did nothing about it I will never go here again for the simple fact of disregard buyers beware when or if u do have a problem u will not get help”
— CHINGON 381.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (913) 764-1904 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Olathe Pet Shop.