About
Let's Pet in Winston-Salem is one of those independent pet stores that tries to be everything to everyone — and for the most part, succeeds at it. While it's technically a general pet store carrying birds, reptiles, small animals, and supplies, its fish section has earned a following among local aquarium hobbyists who are tired of relying solely on chain stores. Multiple reviewers call out the surprisingly solid freshwater fish selection, with one enthusiastically declaring: "Hey Winston-Salem!
" The store occupies a compact space that's packed to the gills — literally and figuratively. Walk in and you'll navigate past aquariums, terrariums, bird cages, and shelves stocked with supplies that the big box stores often skip. Reviewers consistently mention finding those hard-to-get specialty items here, from feeder insects at budget-friendly prices to specific reptile and bird care products.
Staff members like Victoria, Lucas, and Susan are frequently mentioned by name, and the team clearly develops relationships with their regulars — some customers have been shopping here for seven years or more. That said, Let's Pet has its critics. Some reviewers have raised serious concerns about animal housing conditions, pointing to overcrowded tanks, birds in undersized cages, and fish that appeared unhealthy.
The store's fish pricing has also drawn complaints, with swordtails reportedly running about double what nearby competitors charge. These aren't isolated gripes — they appear across multiple reviews and deserve consideration. What keeps people coming back is the personal touch.
Staff will walk you through food recommendations, mineral supplements for birds, and honest guidance on pet care rather than pushing unnecessary purchases. One customer shared the charming story of buying a fish that turned out to have a distinctive marking, naming him Nick Fury on the spot. Those moments of genuine connection between store, pet, and owner are what set independent shops apart.
If you're in Winston-Salem and want aquarium supplies or livestock from people who actually know what they're talking about, Let's Pet fills a real gap in the local market.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Independent Winston-Salem pet store with a solid freshwater fish section beyond the chain store options
- Staff members like Victoria and Lucas frequently praised by name for knowledgeable, honest guidance
- Carries hard-to-find specialty supplies and feeder insects at competitive prices
- Long-standing community staple with loyal customers spanning 7+ years
- Compact store packed with aquariums, birds, reptiles, and small animal supplies
From keepers
Customer reviews
“A wonderful independent pet store.”
— Daniel Covey5.0a week ago“We went around looking for a ferret and this was the only place that keeps them in store. Everyone working was very helpful even on a crowded weekend. Place has been a staple of Winston for years and I've always found everything I've needed here. From birds, reptiles, fish and now ferrets. Staff is great and very knowledgeable. Thanks guys Ralphie is now home and happily with his older friend Peanut 🥜”
— Freeman5.03 weeks ago“i see you argue with every one star review, please don’t bother, these huge rabbits in the little cages on the floor, the HUGE fish in tanks they can’t turn or swim in..i don’t care if it’s temporary it’s cruel and the nasty mess of a place, junk everywhere”
— Taylor Justus1.0a month ago“Diamond in the rough great prices healthy animals happy staff”
— Lexie Deane5.0a month ago“The Lady at checkout was knowledgeable and sweet. The one younger associate kept picking up rats by their tails(which is their vertebrae) and was roughly shoving it in box and wouldnt let the cashier help her.”
— Bee Bee4.0a month ago“Great pet store and owner. They are very friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend coming here for all of your pet needs.”
— Melissa Floyd5.0a month ago“Fish are way overpriced (ie swordtail is 7.99 and at Pet Supermarket in Thruway they are 3.99). Mortality rate also seems to be high as well. I've had fish die before I got them home. Many tanks are dirty and with dead or sickly looking fish. Not going back”
— RBK2.0a month ago“Seeing as the owner would like to get snarky in response: I'd love to come back in and show you. Your double conures in the middle front? Have missing toe nails. Your dragon puffers are ill and over stocked. Your rat snake is under weight and you're cohabitationg snakes that cannot be cohabbed. Your chinchilla is in a small cage INSIDE another cage, which you do not deny. Your bird cages for your smaller birds (cockatiels), ARE travel cages. You must not know if you do not know proper husbandry which is obvious. If you have nothing to hide, invite me back and I'll take a lovely video review. I probably will come back and take some photos. If you go on their facebook, you notice how there's no full videos or photos of their system? Or zoomed out of their large birds? Why does your playroom have inches of feces? Why is your cockatoo losing all it's feathers? Don't deny, GIVE A VIRTUAL TOUR and show your animals in store! I'll come do one if you're scared :) Proof on your facebook: Your chameoleon in your latest post is under weight Your tortoise showing lack of bedding MARCH 3RD 2025 you post photos of some birds you have for sale. In the background you can SEE the birds IN TRAVEL CAGES. I saved the photo and will attach it, AND that cockatiel is MISSING A TOE NAIL on it's foot. In the background of ALL of those birds you can see the camera is made out of focus to NOT SHOW the birds in tiny cages in back. Posted around the same time you have bunnies with stained yellow feet. I was absolutely HORRIFIED at the conditions the animals were in. Tons of birds crammed into TRAVEL cages. Conures missing toes from fighting. Their larger birds the back room was disgusting, the birds are missing feathers from stress. Very obviously sick reptiles, extremely thin. Their fish system is too small and the tanks overstocked, making their fish susceptible to illness. I would have taken photos or videos, but the employees are very obviously aware of the conditions and would begin speaking to you the second you took even a move towards your phone. This place needs to be shut down.”
— Eliza’s Elite1.0Edited a month ago“I got lost and found this place. I loved it . So many healthy birds to look at and other animals. The staff what's the knowledgeable about the animals they have there. Made great recommendations on the food and minerals that help the bird stay healthy.”
— Elizabeth Kinnamon5.0a month ago“This place is small but mighty. They have all the random stuff that big big pet stores tend to not have, plus they know their stuff. They keep a good stock of fish for aquarium lovers.”
— Marion Ash5.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (336) 784-6200 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Let's Pet.