About
Pet Express Inc. in Houma, Louisiana is a small, independent pet store that stocks both saltwater and freshwater fish alongside a range of other pets and supplies. It's the kind of place where you'll likely deal directly with one of the owners — for better or worse, as several reviews attest.
The store carries an assortment of unique fish and creatures that you won't typically find at big-box retailers, and they also stock freshwater plants for planted tank enthusiasts. One reviewer recounted starting a saltwater tank with almost no experience and credited the owner with walking them through the entire setup process in detail — explaining equipment, livestock, and maintenance with genuine enthusiasm. That kind of hands-on guidance from someone who clearly knows their animals is a real asset in a region where specialty aquarium shops are few and far between.
Multiple reviewers describe the fish tanks as clean and the fish as healthy-looking, and the store has a lived-in charm: a cat roaming the aisles, a beloved bird, and an atmosphere that feels distinctly mom-and-pop. That said, the experience here can be inconsistent. Some customers have reported abrupt or dismissive phone interactions, particularly when calling about pricing or plant inventory — a frustration for anyone driving 45 minutes or more across Terrebonne Parish.
A few reviews mention cleanliness concerns and one described flooding near the aquarium section. The store clearly has passionate ownership but the customer service can swing between deeply helpful and surprisingly curt. For Houma-area hobbyists looking for saltwater and freshwater livestock, live plants, and personalized advice on tank setup, Pet Express offers something the chain stores simply can't: real expertise and unusual stock.
Just plan to visit in person rather than calling ahead — you'll likely get a much better experience face-to-face with the owners and their menagerie.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner provides detailed saltwater tank setup guidance for newcomers
- Stocks unique freshwater and saltwater fish not found at chain stores
- Carries freshwater plants for planted tank hobbyists
- Charming mom-and-pop atmosphere with resident cat and bird
- Local independent alternative to big-box pet stores in the Houma area
From keepers
Customer reviews
“I called them yesterday and they said that they couldn't give me a price over the phone that I will have to come in. When you call pet stores they will give you a price. I think it is a bunch of bull”
— Tammi Thibodeaux1.011 hours ago“Not sure who exactly i spoke too possibly one of the owners but he was unbelievably rude. We wanted to take one of the puppies out to play with it- they’re literally in a 2x4 box for christ sake for who knows how many hours a day & he made it known that they do not want you to touch those dogs. he scoffed & told us he “wasnt running a petting zoo”. eventually let us pet the dog but his attitude & Demeanor were astonishingly rude.”
— Breanna Hutchison1.0a day ago“Went to purchase live cricket. Asked for 50 was told by the lady she would see what she had. She came back with a brown bag I couldn't see through. She charged me for 50 crickets but only gave me about 30.”
— Megan Amber2.04 weeks ago“I love the atmosphere. It's a small mom and pop store. Usually one of the owners are there. The fish tanks are kept clean and the fish look happy. I enjoy going there to see the animals. They have a awsome bird that I just adore. A car runs around the store. I love the environment. Enjoy the people. They are very helpfulful and know there animals.”
— melissa zimmerman5.0a month ago“very poor experience. walked into the building and it smelled awful, very obviously dirty. walked to the back where the aquariums were located and the floor was flooded. i do NOT recommend coming here, you’d actually be better off going to petco or petsmart.”
— joe h1.02 months ago“They will get you hooked up with what you need!”
— Jesse Theriot5.03 months ago“Pet express is a great pet store. Very nice staff.”
— Sonni Geist5.03 months ago“They got some cool unique fish and creatures”
— Freedom Reigns5.04 months ago“I got my Boston terrier there and he is such a good beautiful dog and they were very helpful”
— BIGBOY_FN Not toxic clan5.05 months ago“absolutely great location & services with awesome friendly folks all day long...”
— kelvin “Duckkross#Jackfrost” ross5.05 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (985) 876-7738 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Pet Express Inc..