Pet Pro

Tucked inside a fading mall in Bangor, Maine, Pet Pro is a family-owned pet store that has quietly built a devoted following among fishkeepers across the state — some driving two or three hours just to stock their tanks. Owner Alex runs a tight operation with a team that includes the much-praised employee Ros, and together they've cultivated a reputation for genuinely caring about the animals that leave their doors. The freshwater and saltwater fish selection draws the most attention.

Reviewers consistently describe healthy, vibrant stock, and the store carries species that challenge even experienced hobbyists — one customer noted success with "very hard to raise fish" thanks to the staff's careful packaging with extra water and air for long transport home. That kind of attention to detail extends to their quarantine and treatment practices; the store treats incoming animals before they hit the sales floor, a practice that separates serious fish shops from the rest. Beyond livestock, Pet Pro stocks spider wood, driftwood, and a solid range of aquarium supplies and fish food.

They also carry Fromm dog and cat food, and the store features small mammals, birds, and reptiles. The supply selection, while constrained by the store's modest footprint, is curated — multiple reviewers get the impression Alex has personally tested every product on his shelves before offering it to customers. What truly sets Pet Pro apart is the consultation.

A new tank owner called in a panic about ich and spiking nitrites and walked away with advice that saved nearly every fish. The owner has been known to recommend buying less if that's genuinely what's best for the customer. That kind of honesty builds the trust that keeps people coming back for over a decade.

The store isn't without its critics — some find the space cluttered and wish for cleaner tanks — but for Maine fishkeepers seeking real expertise and healthy livestock, Pet Pro in Bangor delivers something the big-box stores simply cannot.