About
Josh's Pet Agree in Manahawkin, New Jersey is the kind of independently owned pet store that builds its reputation one customer at a time — and after more than a decade serving the local community, the loyalty runs deep. Owner Josh is a constant presence on the floor, personally fielding questions about everything from tropical fish health to pond care, and his staff mirrors that same hands-on attentiveness. The aquatics section features clean, well-maintained tanks, several with planted setups that catch the eye.
Freshwater tropical fish are the main draw, and longtime customers swear by the quality — one reviewer noted that after years of buying fish elsewhere with poor results, Josh's is the only place where their tank stays healthy. Goldfish keepers will find knowledgeable advice on getting sick fish back on track, and the store stocks saltwater items as well. Pond enthusiasts will appreciate Josh's willingness to talk through setup and maintenance.
On the equipment side, the store carries brands like Aqueon and a solid range of filters, food, and general aquarium supplies. If they don't have exactly what you need on the shelf, they're happy to special order it — a flexibility that sets them apart from the big-box competition. One customer came in specifically for an Aqueon filter they couldn't find anywhere else.
Beyond fish, the store is home to reptiles, arachnids, amphibians, and small mammals. Ball pythons, leopard geckos, Pacman frogs, and tarantulas share floor space with ferrets and feeders like crickets and dubia roaches. The breadth is impressive for a smaller storefront.
Josh's Pet Agree thrives because it offers something chain stores can't: a proprietor who genuinely knows his animals and a staff that treats every question as worth answering. For Manahawkin fish keepers, it's become the trusted local stop for healthy livestock and reliable supplies.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Clean, well-maintained fish tanks with planted setups
- Special ordering available for hard-to-find items
- Strong selection of tropical fish with excellent survival rates
- Owner Josh provides hands-on advice for fish, reptiles, and pond care
- Over a decade of loyal customers in Manahawkin community
From keepers
Customer reviews
“This is my new go to place, the workers were so very helpful with advising me on how to get our goldfish healthy :} The place is clean and the little critters seem to be very well taken care of! Great Job! No need to go to big consumer places when you have a small hometown spot that's trusted & I support LOCAL!”
— Nicole Sherry5.02 weeks ago“Josh’s Pet Agree has been nothing short of amazing. We come here for all our leopard gecko’s needs. Mainly food. The staff is alway extremely pleasant and helpful. The crickets and dubia are always great quality and size. Their prices are more than fair. I recommend them to everyone.”
— Annie Ortiz5.04 weeks ago“I wanted to share some concerns in hopes that this store will improve its animal care standards, even if only for appearance and customer trust. While some of the fish tanks were nicely planted, there were multiple serious welfare issues that were hard to ignore. I observed large fish kept in tanks that they could barely turn around, which is not appropriate housing for any species. Directly beneath the betta display were tiny plastic “tanks” (around 1–3 gallons), which promotes improper care for customers. More concerning were the amphibians. Pacman frogs and other frogs appeared to be housed in takeout-style containers with nothing except wet paper towels as their primary display/sales housing. For burrowing species especially, this setup lacks appropriate substrate, space, and enrichment. There was also a mudskipper on display with no mud or land area, only shallow water and a fake plant, which does not meet the basic needs of the species. All together, this feels less like a few oversights and more like inconsistent animal care depending on the species. Customers who are knowledgeable about animal welfare will notice this immediately, and it reflects poorly on the store as a whole. I genuinely hope management takes this feedback seriously. Improving enclosure size, appropriate habitats, and the products promoted alongside live animals would go a long way toward better animal welfare and a stronger public image.”
— Julia Creely1.0a month ago“Buy pet stuff here. Out-of-towner needing pet food in a pinch. Young woman with glasses working was super helpful both on the phone and in person. Super knowledgeable about reptiles and exotic pets (not why I went but great conversation 😁) Unassuming place but has what you need!”
— Mark Sapia5.02 months ago“The best and most economical pet store in the area. Staff are always ready to help.”
— Dean LaBollita5.02 months ago“Always friendly and knowledgeable about all animals and pets”
— Christine Harrison5.03 months ago“If you want an exotic pet from reliable place.. this is where to go. Also has everything you need for your pets”
— Ray Mitchell5.04 months ago“Great service and products”
— Joanne Richichi5.04 months ago“Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Plenty of parking”
— Jeremy Anderson5.05 months ago“Love Josh's!!! Don't go to pet store often but when I do it's for fish :-) will go out of way to go here vs any other place! Never had any kind of problems when getting fish here. Every time I try some where else either the fish don't last long or my entire tank is affected so I've learned my lesson just take the trip over to guarantee no issues! :-) thanks for many years of amazing fish!!”
— Jenn Kaub5.05 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (609) 597-9669 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Josh's Pet Agree.