Maine Pet & Aquarium

Maine Pet & Aquarium in Ellsworth has been a staple of the Downeast Maine pet community for over fifteen years, earning loyal customers through genuine expertise and personal attention. This family-run store operates as a full-service pet shop covering dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, rodents, and fish — but it's the aquarium section that sets it apart from your typical pet supply outlet. The owner's passion for fishkeeping is evident the moment you walk in.

One family came in looking for a simple fish for their daughter and left with a fully functional aquarium setup — complete with water treatments, quality filters, and pumps — after the owner walked them through proper tank care from scratch. Those fish became a focal point of their living room, which says something about the guidance they received. A visiting customer from Richmond, Virginia spotted healthy black Cory catfish at prices good enough to justify buying thirteen of them, and staff helped package the fish for a seventeen-hour car ride home — all thirteen survived the trip.

The freshwater fish selection is modest but well-maintained, and there are saltwater display tanks on site, though those appear to be the owner's personal collection rather than retail stock. The real draw is the knowledgeable staff who can steer you toward the right equipment and care regimen. They'll also special order items on request, which matters in a smaller market like Ellsworth where inventory can occasionally rotate.

Beyond aquatics, the store carries a solid range of reptile supplies — bearded dragon owners are particularly loyal customers — plus bird accessories, frozen feeders for snakes, and a competitive dog supply section with specialty products and treats. There's even a fenced outdoor area where dogs can run around. Weekly deals and buyer programs keep regular customers coming back, and the staff has a reputation for honest, pressure-free advice that prioritizes animal welfare over the sale.