Tucked away in Kinston, North Carolina, Fin-Tastic Fish & Pets is the kind of local pet shop that earns its reputation one customer at a time — and owner Debbie is the driving force behind it. Reviewers consistently single her out by name, praising her willingness to special-order fish without requiring a deposit, stay well past closing time to answer every last question, and remember customers by name after a single visit. That level of personal investment is rare in any retail setting, let alone a small-town pet store.
On the aquatic side, Fin-Tastic stocks both freshwater and saltwater fish, including baby clownfish and corals such as mushroom corals visible on their live rock displays. The saltwater selection may be compact, but reviewers note a surprisingly decent variety for the store's footprint, and Debbie's willingness to source specific livestock on request effectively expands the inventory beyond what's on the shelves. She also carries fish tank stands and decorations, and staff — including Chris, who helps run the floor — are known for giving detailed, practical advice on saltwater setups and ongoing care.
But Fin-Tastic is far more than a fish store. The shop houses reptiles, amphibians, birds (including cockatiels), small animals like guinea pigs and rats, and a solid feeder selection that reptile keepers appreciate. Customers praise how well the animals are socialized and handled, and the store even accepts surrendered pets to rehome — a practice that speaks volumes about the shop's ethics.
Tanks are clean, enclosures are well-maintained, and the overall environment feels genuinely cared for rather than commercially sterile. What sets Fin-Tastic apart in the Kinston area is the combination of knowledgeable staff, honest pricing with deals cut at the counter, and a willingness to go above and beyond for hobbyists dealing with everything from a first freshwater setup to a saltwater emergency. It's a store built on relationships, and once you walk in, you'll understand why customers refuse to shop anywhere else.
Peter Roina
140 reviews
Went there for saltwater fish and corals. Small selection book fairly decent variety for the size of the store. Very friendly staff.
Lora Johnson
87 reviews
I only wanted fish water. The staff was nice and friendly
Rhonda Hinnant
16 reviews
Great place. This place is awesome. They go out of their way for their customers. The only pet store I would ever recommend!
Brunswick
9 reviews
Debbie is amazing!!! She had the perfect fishtank stand. The store is a very nice place and they give great advice!!
Derek Austin
Miss Debbie and the feller that helps her, I’m thinking his name is Chris but not sure, either way they both are amazing to work with. My wife and I showed up around 4:30 on a Saturday and they closed at 6:00 that day, they were supposed to anyway until we walked in!!!! Lol Both of them stayed there without ever looking at a clock or mentioning the time and answered every one of our 1,000 questions with absolutely no attitude whatsoever ever. When we finally got out of their hair, this being the first encounter with us, she ordered certain fish that she didn’t have in stock without a penny upfront. Of course we spent a few dollars buying 3 different bags of fish and coral and some decorations. She cut us deals and called us immediately when our order had arrived. She remembered us by name and voice on the phone after one meeting. She is the only store that I will do any business with I don’t care to go to another store regardless of the of what they have or anything because she is willing to get us whatever we want at the best price possible I have no need to go anywhere else. Anyone in the fish tank hobby or other small animals you need to give her a try and I promise you will not regret it and you will go back. you have to look close at some of these photos, especially the white rock anyone that knows about coral and mushrooms and stuff will be able to pick them out. The fish are small. They are babies the clown, fish, and stuff like that. Period
Vanessa Schwab
6 reviews
We came in to look at baby rats, ended up adopting 2 very sweet, wonderful boys who were surrendered instead. Love any shop that does this. The store was also very nice inside, animals well taken care of, and the owner was very friendly. You can tell she really cares about the animals.
LiL Blue
8 reviews
Very knowledgeable about there animals and products. Great with reptile care and information best place for feeders!!!
Amanda Reynolds
6 reviews
Bought my daughters Guinea pig from here. Very friendly staff. We love our Oscar boy.
Kayla Melton
9 reviews
Awesome place! Clean tanks, clean environment, u can tell they actually take time and effort into these animals and fish. They actually care. And the staff is really awesome. Laid back! Chill people. Definitely my favorite fish place!
Amber Nicole Selm
142 reviews
This little place was such a a treasure to find. The employees were so sweet and helpful and we enjoyed our trip to this pet store. Hope you enjoy a little glimpse. Be Blessed!! Update : 8/30/2025 This place really cares for their animals. All their animals are so friendly and love to be handled. It is always fun coming here to see their animals. We had to surrender a few animals due to moving and trust this place to find a new home for our animals. Thank you all so. Much ♥️ 🤗 #pets #petstore #kinston #family
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (252) 686-0909 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Fin-Tastic Fish & Pets.
Phone
(252) 686-0909Address
705 Phillips Rd, Kinston, NC 28504
Take control of your listing to update info and respond to reviews.
Claim This ListingFind on Map
705 Phillips Rd, Kinston, NC 28504
February 7, 2026
Verified Data
Information verified through Google Places API and community contributions.
Other aquarium shops nearby worth checking out