Plymouth Pet & Aquarium

Tucked into Plymouth, New Hampshire's Lakes Region, Plymouth Pet & Aquarium is a full-service pet store that consistently surprises visitors with how much it packs inside its modest exterior. The freshwater aquarium section draws fish enthusiasts with a solid selection that includes Red Severums, Cardinal Tetras, goldfish, and bettas — the latter housed in individual one-gallon mini tanks rather than the cramped cups common at chain stores. Reptile keepers will find bearded dragons, feeder insects like superworms and hornworms, and staff who genuinely follow up on animal care questions long after the purchase.

The store's ethical stance shapes its identity in meaningful ways. They've made the deliberate choice not to sell feeder goldfish to prevent needless suffering, and they offer free products and incentives to customers who adopt pets, asking only for proof of adoption. These aren't just policies on paper — reviewers describe staff members playing with animals on the sales floor and personally signing condolence cards when a beloved hamster passes away.

The aquarium section is well-maintained, with reviewers frequently noting the clean tanks and healthy livestock. That said, a handful of customers have reported fish health issues, particularly with more delicate species like Cardinal Tetras, and some frustration with the return process. The store does ask for photo documentation when handling fish complaints, which is standard practice but worth knowing upfront.

Staff knowledge is the store's strongest asset. Employees provide hands-on consultation for first-time reptile owners and experienced fishkeepers alike, walking customers through setup requirements and ongoing care. The personalized service fills a real gap in the Lakes Region, where independent pet shops are scarce.

Plymouth Pet & Aquarium earns its loyal following through genuine animal welfare standards, a diverse freshwater fish selection, and a team that remembers your pet's name. It's the kind of local shop where the relationship doesn't end at the register.