Lebanon Pet & Aquarium Center

Lebanon Pet & Aquarium Center in West Lebanon, New Hampshire is the kind of sprawling, independently owned pet store that draws loyal customers from two hours away — and for good reason. Spread across two floors, the upstairs is packed with birds, small animals, and supplies, while the downstairs aquarium department houses rows of well-maintained freshwater and saltwater tanks alongside reptiles, amphibians, and the occasional axolotl that stops kids in their tracks. The aquarium section is the heart of the store.

Tanks are notably clean and well-organized, stocked with community fish like tetras, clown loaches, and other freshwater species. They've carried saltwater coral frags in the past, though availability has been inconsistent in recent times. The fish department staff earn consistent praise for their knowledge, particularly when advising on compatibility for community tanks.

That said, some customers have reported issues with fish health — ich on clown loaches, for instance — so inspecting livestock carefully before purchase is wise. Upstairs, the bird room is a standout attraction. A 26-year-old African Grey named Grigio holds court, playing peekaboo with visitors, while parakeets, canaries, and other birds occupy spacious, open-topped enclosures.

Staff member Luce gets specific shout-outs for her expertise and warmth in this department. The reptile selection — iguanas, snakes, lizards, bearded dragon supplies — rounds out an inventory that rivals or surpasses what you'd find at any chain store in the region. Pricing is a recurring sticking point.

Canaries at $299 and generally higher price tags on supplies and livestock reflect the reality of a family-owned operation maintaining this level of variety and care. Many customers consider it a worthwhile trade-off for supporting a non-corporate store with personality and genuine expertise. For anyone in the Upper Valley or traveling through New England, Lebanon Pet & Aquarium Center is a destination store — a place where you can spend an hour just browsing the animals, leave with exactly the supplies you need, and feel good about where your money went.