About
Tucked into the fabric of its New York City neighborhood, The Pet Store carries on a tradition that locals remember from its Petland days on Broadway. This is a multi-animal shop — fish, birds, reptiles, and small mammals — but it's the aquatics section that draws repeat visitors, some traveling from as far as Queens just to browse the freshwater fish selection. Reviewers specifically mention buying guppies and other freshwater species here, and the store stocks live plants for planted tank setups alongside the usual aquarium products and supplies.
The staff is the real draw. Multiple reviewers single out employees by name or description — John, who'll let you hold a chameleon, or the man with the dreads who makes every visit memorable. When one customer walked in ready to set up their very first tank, staff walked them through the entire process, from equipment to live plants, turning a daunting project into an approachable one.
That kind of hands-on consultation is a hallmark of the store's old-school neighborhood pet shop ethos. Live feeders get a specific recommendation from customers, and the shop carries pet food at prices reviewers consistently call fair and honest. Beyond fish, the store serves dog owners (leashes, anti-itch sprays, new-puppy supply runs), reptile enthusiasts, and hamster keepers with a solid inventory of bedding and basics.
The space itself is clean and well-lit, a detail that comes up repeatedly. It's not a sprawling big-box retailer — it's a community institution where the owner has built relationships over years and the staff genuinely keeps and loves animals themselves. A handful of reviewers note occasional issues with fish health and inconsistent customer service, so it's worth visiting on a good stocking day.
But for New Yorkers who miss the era of neighborhood pet stores where everyone knew your name, The Pet Store on Broadway is carrying that torch forward with a solid freshwater fish selection, knowledgeable guidance, and a personal touch that's increasingly rare in the city.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationTank Setup
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Strong freshwater fish selection including guppies and live plants for planted tanks
- Staff provides hands-on consultation for first-time tank setups
- Recommended live feeders available
- Old-school neighborhood pet store atmosphere in NYC
- Draws customers from other boroughs specifically for fish
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Friendly employees and have everything that you’re looking for your pets ❤️❤️❤️❤️”
— Katiria Lanzot5.03 weeks ago“Last of the old school pet stores”
— Gillian Skye Curtis5.02 months ago“Absolutely fantastic! Employees helpful, friendly knowledgeable.. huge aquatics”
— Hope Hafez5.03 months ago“Love 💕 diz pet shop my lil baby 🐢 they excepted my pet an put her to swim 💕hope a gd family adopts her 🥰”
— Pumpkin Custard5.03 months ago“New store so not fully stocked with basic essentials like travel bags, certain pet supplements but they are growing.”
— jzmi 13.04 months ago“Someone gave me a dog and when I went to the pet store they were very helpful and helped me pick everything I need and my dog 🐕 and I are very pleased love 💖 this place and the staff”
— Sondra Lee5.05 months ago“Really good place to get what you looking for prices ok not to bad staff really friendly and help a lot in anything you need i love it more my pets lol.”
— dj rumba nyc5.05 months ago“Very pleasant and helpful staff. Buy local!”
— Teresa5.06 months ago“the coolest guy owns this store 💪🏽been going here for years now 🪱 🐠”
— Guwopo Lyfe5.06 months ago“We really are quite fortunate to have this GEM in our neighborhood! The staff is knowledgeable and friendly and are all pet owners so you can share and swap stories. The selection is great and makes sense, and the prices are reasonable. I’m on my way to get advice on setting up my very first Tank. Everything is there, including Live plants, to make it happen.”
— Addison's Mom5.08 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (646) 998-4707 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Pet Store.