Pet Expo - Mankato

Walking into Pet Expo in Mankato, Minnesota, feels like stepping into the kind of independently owned pet store that most people thought disappeared decades ago. With over 20,000 items spread across a sprawling, meticulously organized layout, this locally owned shop has become the definitive destination for pet owners across southern Minnesota. The aquatics section deserves special attention.

Separate rooms house tropical freshwater and saltwater fish, creating what one reviewer aptly called a "fish tank grotto" — a magical alcove packed with cichlids, koi, and assorted aquatic creatures. The store quarantines new fish shipments before putting them up for sale, and staff will special order specific species you can't find on the floor. Tanks are kept clean, fish appear healthy, and the cichlid selection in particular draws attention, even if some tanks run a bit crowded.

Outside, a koi pond greets visitors near the entrance, a touchstone that dogs and kids seem to gravitate toward on every visit. Beyond aquatics, Pet Expo stocks an enormous range of dog, cat, bird, and small animal supplies — from premium and specialty pet foods to kennels, toys, grooming products, and even bagged peanuts for feeding wildlife. Their grooming services have earned loyal followings, with groomers like Gina building personal relationships with four-legged regulars.

The store also offers nail trims with a refreshingly practical approach to documentation. Staff members like Kailee and Ava P. are frequently called out by name in reviews for their product knowledge, particularly around dietary needs for sensitive stomachs or senior pets.

The store's price-match policy and regular deals make it competitive with big-box chains, while the locally owned character and genuine animal care set it apart. Cages are clean, bedding is fresh, and every department feels tended by people who actually care about the animals in their charge. Pet Expo is the rare store where you walk in for dog food and leave an hour later having visited snakes, admired koi, and discovered something new.