Tucked along Westside Avenue in Jersey City, Uniq Pet Imports is a compact, family-run pet shop that punches well above its square footage. The store stocks an impressive range of animals — freshwater and saltwater fish, corals, birds, reptiles (including several snake species like Mexican Black Kingsnakes and Kenyan Sand Boas), guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, and turtles. On the aquatics side, reviewers mention discus, cichlids, guppies, mollies, bettas, and a notable koi selection, alongside saltwater offerings and live plants like Anubias.
The owner and co-owner, Mario among them, bring decades of experience — the co-owner reportedly spent over 20 years working at Petland Discount before helping launch this shop. That expertise shows in the consultations customers describe: detailed feeding advice for specific turtle species, betta care tips for first-time owners, and honest guidance when fishkeepers make mistakes with untreated water. One customer recounted how the owner not only educated them on water treatment but gifted extra fish to their toddler daughter.
Staff can also special-order animals from breeders, with one reviewer receiving a snake within three days of requesting it. The store carries starter tank kits, heaters, food, bedding, cages, and toys, though some reviewers note the small footprint means limited inventory at times — calling ahead for specific fish is wise. Delivery service is available for larger purchases.
Prices are generally described as fair and competitive with chain stores, with betta fish running around $10 and basic tank kits at $20. There are honest caveats: a few customers have reported water quality issues in fish tanks and occasional losses during transport, and the store has a reputation for opening later than posted hours. But the overwhelming pattern across reviews is warm, personalized service from people who genuinely care about animals.
For Jersey City residents tired of big-box pet stores, Uniq Pet Imports offers the kind of relationship-driven experience where staff remember your animals and take the time to answer every question.
Jamil Scott
3 reviews
They is not open on time and I’m setting out here in the cold
Brian Loo
31 reviews
Friendly helpful staff. Sometimes they run out of the kinds of fish you might be interested in so call ahead
Maxwell Rivas
34 reviews
This is a local business I am very proud to support. The owner is the coolest, nicest guy in the world. He clearly does this because he loves animals. We’ve purchased a few fish from here in the past, and some of the fishes died due to us changing water and not treating it (we were just beginning our journey). When we went back to buy more and we told the owner, he taught us what we needed to do differently. Aside from the fishes we purchased, he also surprised us by gifting my almost 2yr old daughter a few more fishes. Incredible human, here! Please support this locally owned business!
Lindsay Deleasa
17 reviews
I called to ask if you have female rats for pets, and got the BIGGEST attitude EVER "if u want it as a pet thats up to you" WITH THE RUDEST TONE WHY?! im like jee thanks! but like... im trying to see if theyre sold AS FEEDERS..as those are more prone to respiratory issues, so this was the point to ask.. if you sell as pets.. jeez. thanks for being SO rude and nasty to whatever girl is working Dec 27 1230 pm! Feel better soon!
Sanjay Mohamed
7 reviews
Exceptional customer service, Jon is very educated about every animal and their respective care
Mirelsa Ruiz
28 reviews
Best petstore in town
Sharon O’Brien
3 reviews
This is where I got my babies! They didn’t have a MBK in stock but they were able to get it from a breeder in just 3 days! So happy with my purchase that two months later I got another snake a kenyan sand boa. Good prices, good selection. They can order whatever you need. Very nice people. They have reptiles, birds, salt and fresh water fish, ferrets, hamsters, etc! Check them out!
Pedro Valerio
12 reviews
Excellent service products give very good quality and pets in perfect with very happy dystens I am for all the services
Coral Iriana
11 reviews
Got my turtles from here about 4 years ago amazing purchase! Went back a few days ago to get tips on how to get my turtles to eat more protein & Mario was a great help! Finally my turtles are back to eating turtle food & not only romaine lettuce! Love this place & recommend ! 💛 will be back soon
Felix Amadiz
9 reviews
I am changing my rating from 5 to 1 star. This place used to be awesome but seems they have given up on water quality and fish health. I bought six fish during the weekend 3 didn't even make it to my home which is only 8 mins away from the Westside store. I have one fish left out of 6. I have bought plenty of fish from here (discus,other cichlids, tons of guppies , mollies, Bettas,etc ) in the beginning everything was great now it's just a waste of money. Before this situation other fish I have bought have died from this place. I have brought out of towners to also buy fish there those fish have also died. I Checked the water the fish came in this times and the water had incredibly bad levels........... It's definitely not the first time I've told you this about dead fish. Also having dead fish sucked up on your filters and bad water quality isn't doing your best. Thanks anyway.
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (732) 943-5307 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Uniq Pet Imports Pet shop.
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542 West Side Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07305
February 7, 2026
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