Natural Pet Center is a beloved locally owned pet supply store in Fargo, North Dakota, with locations on 13th Avenue S and 19th Avenue N. Though primarily a dog and cat supply destination rather than a fish store, it has earned a devoted following for its curated selection of high-quality, natural pet foods, treats, and accessories. The staff consistently receives praise for their genuine knowledge of products and willingness to help customers find exactly what they need — from properly fitting harnesses to foods suited for dogs with allergies.
The store partners with local rescue organizations like 4 Luv of Dogs, Homeward, and Cats Cradle, hosting adoptable cats in-store and offering generous swag bags (valued at $150) to new pet parents. Community engagement runs deep here — from enrichment toy refill bars and 5th Saturday sales to seasonal Trunk and Treat events, Natural Pet Center makes shopping feel like an experience rather than an errand.
Customers rave about the selection of specialty dog chews, natural and organic supplements, raw pet food options, and durable toys that hold up to heavy chewers. The rewards program is frequently cited as genuinely worthwhile, with loyal customers dating back to 2009 still singing its praises. The stores are consistently described as bright, clean, and well-organized, with fair pricing on products that can be hard to find elsewhere — items that some customers previously had to order online.
Grooming services are also available, and the pet-friendly atmosphere means dogs are welcome to browse alongside their owners. Staff members like Nicole are called out by name for going above and beyond. For Fargo pet owners who prioritize quality ingredients and want to support a local business that genuinely cares about animal welfare, Natural Pet Center has become the go-to destination. It's the kind of store where every visit feels personal and every product on the shelf has earned its spot.
In a state where dedicated fish stores are hard to come by, K T Animal Supply in Bismarck, North Dakota has carved out a reputation that reaches well beyond the city limits. Recently relocated to a bright, spacious new building, this locally owned shop serves as the go-to destination for freshwater hobbyists across the region — and for good reason.
The freshwater fish section features healthy, well-maintained stock that consistently impresses visitors. One planted tank enthusiast passing through North Dakota was thrilled to find plant species they'd never encountered elsewhere, all correctly labeled — a small detail that speaks volumes about the care this shop puts into its livestock. Prices surprised them too: three fish, three plants, two air pumps, two filters, tubing, and water treatment for around a hundred dollars.
Bettas get special attention here. One customer came in looking for a mustard gas betta and was set up from start to finish — tank, supplies, and guidance — a level of personalized service that turned a single small purchase into long-term loyalty. Tropical fish and freshwater shrimp round out the live animal selection, and multiple reviewers note the animals here are noticeably healthier than what you'd find at chain competitors.
The planted tank selection is a standout draw, though one reviewer did caution about potential hitchhiker pests on live plants — a risk inherent to the hobby but worth noting. The shop also carries a wide range of aquarium equipment, foods, and medications alongside their extensive dog and cat inventory.
What truly sets K T Animal Supply apart is the staff's willingness to spend real time with customers, offering accurate care information rather than rushing a sale. In a market dominated by big-box pet retailers, this shop delivers the kind of knowledgeable, patient guidance that prevents costly beginner mistakes. The clean, well-organized layout of their new location makes browsing easy, and the locally owned ethos means every dollar spent supports the Bismarck community directly.
Tucked inside a sprawling greenhouse and garden center in Williston, North Dakota, Handy Andy's Nursery has quietly built a loyal following among freshwater fishkeepers who stumble upon what one regular calls "a little well kept secret that EVERYONE should know about." This is not your typical aquarium shop — it's a nursery first, with rows of trees, shrubs, flowers, and succulents filling the greenhouses — but the fish section has earned a devoted community all its own.
The freshwater fish selection draws families and hobbyists alike. One father recounted how a staff member walked him through setting up his son's first tank, recommending compatible fish, food, and even an albino algae eater when they were ready to expand. That kind of patient, hands-on guidance is a recurring theme in reviews. Staff members Lyle and Andy are frequently mentioned by name for their deep knowledge of both terrestrial and aquatic plants, happily spending time educating customers rather than simply pushing products.
Aquarium plants are a genuine specialty here. Multiple reviewers specifically call out the live plant selection for tanks, and at least one hydroponics hobbyist praised the staff for helping them find exactly the right fish for their setup without upselling unnecessary gear. If they don't have something in stock, customers say you only need to ask — the team will work to source it.
Handy Andy's also hosts classes that reviewers describe as fun and genuinely informative, covering topics from gardening to succulents. The atmosphere inside the greenhouses is warm and inviting, with a tuxedo cat named Oreo sometimes greeting visitors on duty.
For Williston-area fishkeepers, this garden center fills a real gap. The combination of quality freshwater fish, a strong aquatic plant selection, and staff who treat every question as an opportunity to teach makes Handy Andy's worth the visit — and worth coming back to monthly, as many clearly do.
Tucked away in West Fargo, North Dakota, The Tropical Fish Shoppe Inc. has built a loyal following among aquarium hobbyists across the Fargo-Moorhead area. Owner Scott runs a tight, well-curated shop where healthy tropical fish, live plants, shrimp, snails, and axolotls line the walls — and where conversation flows as freely as the tank water.
What sets this freshwater-focused store apart is the personal touch. Scott is the kind of owner who'll spend real time with you, walking through stocking plans, compatible groupings, and plant care without ever rushing you out the door. One customer brought their daughter in and watched Scott patiently field every question she had about fish. That kind of genuine, unhurried service is exactly why regulars say this is their first stop for anything fish-related — and why they keep coming back instead of heading to big chain pet stores.
The selection is impressive for a local independent shop. Expect a solid variety of tropical freshwater fish alongside live aquatic plants, ornamental shrimp, and snails. The store also stocks the supplies you need to keep your tank thriving, from filtration and substrate to food and water treatments. Prices are consistently praised as fair, which is a refreshing change from the markup you'll sometimes see at specialty shops.
The vibe here is down-to-earth and welcoming. There's no pretense, no pressure — just a shop owner who clearly loves the hobby and wants to help you succeed with yours. Multiple reviewers mention walking in for one thing and walking out with bags full (wallets lighter, spirits higher). It's the kind of place where a quick stop turns into a long, enjoyable conversation about tank setups and fish behavior.
For freshwater enthusiasts in the Fargo area, The Tropical Fish Shoppe delivers quality livestock, honest pricing, and the kind of hands-on expertise that makes the hobby more fun.
Tucked into the Fargo landscape, Red River Exotics and Aquatics has carved out a reputation as the go-to destination for unusual critters and quality aquatic life in North Dakota. Owner Jeff and his team — including the well-loved shop assistant Mia — bring genuine enthusiasm and deep knowledge to every interaction, whether they're helping a parent pick out an axolotl as a gift or guiding a newcomer through their first nano tank setup.
The freshwater fish selection is solid and varied, with customers reporting healthy black moors, bettas, platys, loaches, plecos, and snails. Live plants are a real draw here — one reviewer raved about how well their purchases grew out, and staff have been known to toss in starter plants for new hobbyists getting their tanks established. If they don't have what you're looking for, they'll happily place a special order, as they did for one customer seeking specific platys.
Beyond aquatics, Red River lives up to the "Exotics" in its name. The shop houses reptiles including bearded dragons, anoles, snakes, and a free-roaming tegu named Spot, plus arachnids, amphibians, feeders, and mice. Skittles the cockatiel, who roams freely and helps customers shop, is practically the store mascot — mentioned by name in review after review. The store also stocks specialty enclosures and supplies that are hard to find elsewhere in the Fargo area, from reptile bulbs to calcium powder.
The vibe is intimate — this is a smaller shop, not a big-box chain — but the selection punches above its weight. Kids are especially welcome, with Jeff enthusiastically introducing young visitors to the animals. Prices are consistently described as reasonable and affordable. For Fargo residents seeking a local aquatics and exotic pet shop with genuine expertise and personality to spare, Red River delivers an experience that the chain stores simply can't replicate.
Tucked into Dickinson, North Dakota, Paw & Claw Pet Palace is a community pet store with a surprisingly robust aquatics section that keeps local fishkeepers coming back. Owner Jessie runs a tight ship — a one-woman force of nature who personally helps customers track down hard-to-find livestock, including cichlids that one reviewer described as "apparently really hard to come by." The store stocks both freshwater and saltwater fish, along with aquatic plants, snails, multiple tank sizes, and the supplies to keep everything thriving.
Multiple reviewers highlight the fish department specifically. One 17-year-old aquarist credits the store for stocking nearly everything in their community tank — fish, live plants, and decor — and reports minimal disease issues from livestock purchased there. Another family recounts buying well over 50 freshwater fish that are "beautiful and growing strong," alongside snails and aquatic plants. Dogs, cats, and even Golden Retrievers apparently enjoy browsing the fish and bird displays during nail-trim visits.
Beyond aquatics, the store carries a wide variety of animals — parakeets, budgies, guinea pigs, ferrets, tarantulas, kittens, and puppies. The bird selection gets particular praise: one family found that a parakeet from Paw & Claw was far more socialized than birds purchased from big-box retailers. The store also offers grooming services, nail clipping, and general pet supply needs, making it a genuine one-stop shop for Dickinson's pet owners.
It's worth noting that some reviewers have raised concerns about the health of kittens and the sourcing of puppies — issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. But when it comes to aquarium fish and supplies, the feedback is consistently positive. Jessie's willingness to special-order fish, her hands-on approach to customer service, and the clean, well-organized store layout make this a worthwhile destination for fishkeepers across southwestern North Dakota. If you're setting up a freshwater community tank or exploring saltwater, this local shop delivers personal attention that chain stores simply can't match.
Woofta Pet Shop in Dickinson, North Dakota, is a community-oriented pet store that draws loyal customers with its warm atmosphere and genuinely helpful staff. While primarily known as a general pet supply shop, Woofta serves the local pet-keeping community across a range of needs — from dog grooming services like nail trims to feeder insects for reptile owners, and even pet adoptions.
The shop has built a loyal following in Dickinson thanks to its personal touch. Staff members like Bonnie are called out by name in reviews, credited with helping customers find the right pet to bring home. The store offers adoption opportunities, and happy adopters have shared their gratitude for being matched with new family members through Woofta's care.
One of the charms of visiting is the resident animals that give the store its personality. A tortoise named Mongo, a bunny rabbit, and shop cats — including a fan-favorite named Tommy Boy — make each trip feel more like an experience than a simple errand. Customers enjoy spending time playing with the cats, and kids and adults alike find reasons to linger.
For reptile keepers in the area, Woofta stocks feeder roaches and likely other live feeders, filling a niche that can be hard to find in smaller North Dakota communities. Dog owners appreciate the grooming services, with multiple reviewers noting their pets actually enjoy the visits — always a strong endorsement.
The store maintains a clean, well-kept environment that makes browsing comfortable. With a 4.5-star rating across more than 260 reviews, Woofta has clearly earned its place as Dickinson's go-to pet shop. While its aquatic inventory isn't heavily highlighted in reviews, the store carries pet supplies that likely include some freshwater fish-keeping essentials for the local hobbyist. For Dickinson residents, Woofta is a dependable, friendly neighborhood shop with genuine heart.
Oceans Paradise is Bismarck, North Dakota's go-to destination for saltwater aquarium enthusiasts, and in a landlocked state far from any reef, that's no small feat. The store — run primarily by Josh and Brandon — has built a loyal following by stocking healthy, vibrant marine livestock and a coral selection that multiple reviewers describe as the best (and often only) option in town. Soft corals draw particular admiration, and customers have spotted rare species that would surprise even seasoned hobbyists in coastal cities.
The shop's saltwater focus is unmistakable. Tanks brim with clownfish, angelfish, and colorful reef inhabitants, and the store sells RO water and pre-mixed saltwater at reasonable prices — a genuine convenience for reefers who'd otherwise have to produce their own. Frozen fish food options cater to picky marine eaters. While freshwater livestock is limited (several reviewers note they had to look elsewhere for freshwater fish), the store does carry some freshwater options including shrimp and guppies, plus live rock for aquascaping.
What sets Oceans Paradise apart is the hands-on service. Josh, in particular, earns near-universal praise for his patience and willingness to walk customers through everything from species compatibility to tank troubleshooting. The store offers tank setup and ongoing maintenance — one longtime customer described how Josh personally maintained her father's aquarium for years. When a customer needed a tank urgently after a six-week wait elsewhere, Oceans Paradise had one ready the next morning, bigger and cheaper than the original order.
The store does share space with Fire 'n Ice, a reptile business, so you'll find bearded dragons and other reptiles alongside the marine livestock. Some reviewers flag occasional tank cleanliness issues — aiptasia and cyano have been spotted — and a few feel the sales approach can be pushy. But the overwhelming consensus is that for anyone running a saltwater setup in the Bismarck area, Oceans Paradise delivers quality livestock, solid coral variety, and the kind of personalized expertise that box stores simply cannot match.
Paw Prints & Fish Tails in Williston, North Dakota is a general pet store that covers a wide range of animals and services under one roof. Despite having 'Fish Tails' in the name, the store's identity leans heavily toward dogs, cats, reptiles, and small mammals rather than aquatics. Customer reviews center on grooming services, reptile purchases, and general pet supplies, with virtually no mention of fish tanks or aquarium equipment.
The grooming side of the business generates some of the strongest opinions. Regulars praise groomers for handling tricky pets — one customer raves about how staff manages her diva dog AnnaBelle with patience and care, while another appreciated a gentle nail trim that kept their anxious dog calm. Cat grooming also gets positive marks, with one customer thrilled by Carlo's bath and shave. That said, pricing can be a sticking point; one reviewer felt $125 for what amounted to a bath was excessive.
On the animal sales front, the store stocks reptiles including ball pythons and snakes, kittens, ferrets, and other small animals. One snake breeder was pleased with a purchase of three snakes, though another reviewer raised serious concerns about snake mites spreading to customers' collections and overpriced animals compared to online marketplaces like Morph Market. These are notable criticisms that prospective reptile buyers should weigh.
The store atmosphere is described as peaceful and welcoming, complete with a friendly resident cat. Staff interactions are a mixed bag — many reviewers highlight helpful, friendly employees like Leanna, who guided a customer through kitten care and vaccination schedules. Others report being ignored or encountering disengaged workers on their phones.
For Williston residents looking for pet supplies, grooming, and the occasional new furry or scaly companion, Paw Prints & Fish Tails serves as the local brick-and-mortar option. The freshwater fish component appears minimal based on available reviews, so aquarium hobbyists may want to call ahead about current stock.
