Blackwinds Pet Supplies

Blackwinds Pet Supplies on Military Road in Niagara Falls, New York, is the kind of family-owned shop that turns first-time visitors into decade-long regulars. While it serves pet owners of all stripes — dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, guinea pigs — its freshwater fish section has quietly earned a loyal following among local aquarists who are tired of big-box alternatives. Walk in and you'll likely be greeted not by a salesperson, but by one of the resident store cats — a large black "void" cat among them — who roam the aisles and have become minor local celebrities.

Past the feline welcoming committee, you'll find a well-stocked fish supplies section with filters, bioballs, and gear for setting up and maintaining freshwater tanks. One reviewer noted that after a single visit for fish tank supplies, they swore off Petco entirely, citing both the pricing and the personal attention. The staff here are the real draw.

Multiple customers describe employees who take genuine time — sometimes enough that you'll wait your turn — to walk through product recommendations, troubleshoot tank issues, and offer practical advice. One long-time customer credits the Blackwinds team with helping keep their fantail goldfish alive and thriving over five years through repeated consultations. Another praised the staff for helping them select the right filter and biological media for their setup.

If they don't carry a specific item, they'll order it in for you. Blackwinds also stocks live fish, small animals, and birds for sale and adoption, alongside a strong selection of premium pet foods at prices that compete with — and sometimes beat — online retailers. The store is clean, well-organized, and stocked with top-quality brands that can be hard to find locally.

For Niagara Falls residents looking for a pet shop that actually knows its products and remembers your name, Blackwinds has been delivering exactly that for years — one helpful conversation at a time.