Laconia Pet Center

Tucked into the heart of Laconia, New Hampshire, Laconia Pet Center is an independent pet shop that has earned fierce loyalty from the local community — and its aquarium section punches well above its weight for a general pet store. Walk past the dog food aisles and head toward the back, where well-maintained fish tanks line the walls. Multiple reviewers single out the store's betta fish as some of the most beautiful they've ever seen, and at least one customer credits the shop with inspiring them to start their first planted aquarium.

What really sets Laconia Pet Center apart for fishkeepers is the depth of care the staff provides. They offer free freshwater and saltwater water testing, and they don't just hand you numbers — they'll walk you through what's off and suggest solutions. They even sell cycled tank water so new fish owners can get their setups properly established from day one.

When one customer's betta fell ill, staff reviewed symptoms, studied photos, and offered honest, compassionate guidance rather than just pushing a product. The store spans two floors, with the upper level often stocked with sale items. Everything is clean, organized, and easy to navigate.

Staff members like Karissa, Marcus, and Amy are mentioned by name for their warmth and product knowledge. The rewards program and buy-in-bulk dog food deals keep regulars coming back, and they'll happily special-order items they don't normally carry. Beyond fish, you'll find small animals, reptile supplies, and a well-regarded DIY dog wash station that customers describe as clean and pressure-free.

But it's the fishkeeping community that seems to benefit most from this shop's expertise. In a region where dedicated aquarium stores are scarce, Laconia Pet Center fills a vital role — helping hobbyists build healthy tanks with real guidance and genuine enthusiasm for aquatic life.