Pets & Fish

Pets & Fish in Owatonna, Minnesota is a small, family-owned pet store run by owner Jeremy (also referred to as Jeramy), who has built a loyal following among southern Minnesota pet keepers over the years. The shop carries a broad mix of animals — freshwater fish, reptiles like bearded dragons and California King snakes, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, and puppies — along with supplies and dry goods. Several fishkeepers note that Jeremy is their go-to source for community fish, shrimp, snails, and even koi for stocking ponds, and he'll custom-order animals or supplies if something isn't in stock.

The store has relocated multiple times, with its current spot on South Cedar Avenue being described as cleaner and easier to access than previous locations. Customers who have built relationships with Jeremy praise his willingness to spend time answering questions, whether about freshwater aquarium setups or reptile care, and his pricing is consistently called competitive — one bearded dragon buyer noted paying a fraction of what other stores charge. Honesty demands acknowledging that Pets & Fish is a polarizing store.

While many reviews celebrate Jeremy's helpfulness and the hometown atmosphere, a significant number of visitors have raised serious concerns about animal welfare, cleanliness of enclosures, and the condition of fish tanks. Reports of dirty aquariums, ammonia smell, and understocked shelves appear alongside glowing testimonials about great service and healthy animals. Animal control has reportedly visited the location on multiple occasions.

Puppy buyers have reported health issues including ear mites, and some fish purchasers experienced losses within days. For freshwater hobbyists in the Owatonna area, the store offers a convenient local option with a 20-gallon tank setup at affordable prices and a reasonable selection of community fish and invertebrates. Pond keepers have found it useful for koi sourcing.

The three-day guarantee on fish is worth noting before purchase. If you visit, Jeremy is typically on-site and willing to help, but it's worth inspecting animals carefully and asking questions about care conditions before buying.