About
Tucked into Weymouth, Massachusetts, It's A Pet's World is the kind of independent pet store that earns its loyal following through genuine care rather than flashy marketing. While it's a full-service pet shop covering everything from birds and reptiles to small mammals and grooming, the fish department holds its own appeal for freshwater hobbyists who appreciate a personal touch. The store stocks a rotating selection of freshwater fish, including bettas, rasboras, and axolotls — the latter being a particular draw for customers like Cody and Nick, who couldn't wait to return for one.
Staff will test your water before selling you a fish, and they're serious about making sure your setup can actually support the animal you're taking home. One betta buyer described a thorough vetting process where employees confirmed tank parameters and refused to sell a fish destined for a bare bowl. That betta, named Boba, was reportedly still thriving a year later with vibrant colors intact.
Owner Michelle and staff members like Kyle and Manny are repeatedly cited by name for their patience and willingness to answer question after question. The store carries brands and products that big-box chains like Petco don't stock, and they'll special order items and get them in quickly. For fish keepers, this means access to supplies and livestock you won't easily find elsewhere on the South Shore.
The shop operates with a distinctly homey atmosphere — a resident cat roams the aisles greeting customers, and the store's bright mural gives it neighborhood character. It's not a massive aquatics destination; some visitors have noted that certain tanks can be sparse or that specific species listed on tank labels need to be ordered in. But for local fishkeepers who value knowledgeable staff, healthy livestock, and real conversations about animal care over warehouse-style shopping, It's A Pet's World delivers something the chains simply can't replicate.
The axolotl and betta selections alone make it worth a stop.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- BettasAxolotls
- Services
- Water TestingConsultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Staff performs water testing before selling fish to ensure proper home setup
- Carries axolotls and healthy bettas with vibrant coloring
- Stocks hard-to-find brands not available at chain pet stores
- Will special order specific fish species and supplies on request
- Owner Michelle and staff known by name for personalized animal care guidance
From keepers
Customer reviews
“The staff was very professional , friendly and funny”
— Shawona Wright5.0a day ago“Michelle was great to us and we will be back !!!! They take wonderful care of the pets and I can’t wait to come back and get an Axolotol -Cody and Nick ❤️”
— Cody Adams5.0a month ago“Shop owner Michelle is the best. She is friendly, helpful, efficient,and passionate about her store and her services. Also, a shout out to Kyle the lead cashier he's easy going and very helpful”
— Brianna Cady4.02 months ago“Solid local shop, they tend to keep certain stuff from brands that are hard to find at petco and such do not order. And they will special order stuff for you and get it relatively quick.”
— Clayton Reeves5.02 months ago“I bought a betta fish for my office about a year ago from here and before I went in to check out fish, I did a lot of research on where I wanted to get the fish from, since I'm told the starting health of the fish can be so important. They staff there were extremely helpful and knowledgeable for me, a first time fish person. They tested my water and helped me select some food and were polite but fastidious about making sure that their fish would go to a safe home and that my set up would actually support the fish I was getting (aka not just a bowl to rot in). Boba, my betta, was alert and happy and his colors were just fantastic and I am happy to report that today he is just as bright and beautiful and brings a lot of delight to all of our visitors. I've attached some truly amateur pictures just for fun. I would absolutely return again when I need something!”
— Rebecca Hubbard5.02 months ago“Picked up some sickly Rasboras here a while ago which ended up spreading wastings disease to much of my tank they said they’d offer a refund but it never came”
— Clarke Sheehan2.02 months ago“Sadly disappointed. I have been meaning to get over to this place that everyone talks about for ages. It's 40m from my house. I was there mostly for the fish and to maybe enjoy the birds for a few. Many of the fish tanks were empty, others needed a good cleaning. The selection at the time was nothing unique. Most of the unique ones that were listed on the tanks needed to be ordered. I bought a few anyway. When I got home, one had already died. I understand the stress of the 40m drive, but was hopeful. When I called, they told me to bring it back with a water sample. I'm not sure how that would have been relevant. And driving an hour and a half for a $7 fish would not make sense. Anyway, the store clerk was certainly nice and friendly and helpful when I was there. But I was disappointed after having built it up in my own head.”
— Jon Snyderman3.03 months ago“Despite the bright, beautiful mural; this place seems to be a well kept secret. They offer everything from animals, food, toys, boarding services, and *drum roll please* beak and nail trimming for birds. I'm happy I have found this place”
— Alicia Mobley5.03 months ago“I want a parrot because is eazy to take care of.”
— Enzo Da Silva Santos5.04 months ago“Nice place very clean and neat pet shop. The staff is friendly and welcoming.”
— Mikey Money5.04 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (781) 331-0181 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting It's A Pet's World.