Franklin Hardware & Pet Center

Franklin Hardware & Pet Center in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania is one of those rare combo stores that genuinely delivers on both halves of its name. Part old-school hardware store stocked with hard-to-find bolts, screws, and drill bits, part pet emporium with a surprisingly deep aquatics section, this family-style shop has carved out a loyal following in the Franklin County area. The pet side of the store carries food and supplies for a wide range of animals — from dogs and rabbits to snakes, chameleons, and ball pythons.

There's a dedicated aquatics center with freshwater fish and livestock, staffed by employees who clearly know their way around tanks. Multiple reviewers mention returning regularly for fish supplies and live fish, and the store stocks enough variety to keep hobbyists coming back. One longtime customer noted they visit frequently for fish tank supplies and livestock, praising the older staff member in the aquatics area for her warmth and expertise.

Beyond the aquatics section, the pet department is stocked with treats sold by the pound, rabbit toys, snake food (frozen feeders are a regular draw), and a rotating selection of live animals on display. The hardware side holds its own too, with Lodge cast iron products, camping gear, fishing license services, paint, and the kind of specialty fasteners the big box stores never seem to carry. What sets Franklin Hardware apart is the personal touch.

Staff members routinely carry heavy bags of pet food and feed to customers' cars. One family recounted how employees retrieved their dog's toy from the parking lot, checked security cameras, and called to return it. That kind of effort is hard to fake.

The store closes at 5 PM on weekdays, which frustrates some working folks, and the aisles can feel snug. But for Chambersburg pet owners and freshwater fishkeepers looking for a locally rooted shop with real inventory and genuine service, Franklin Hardware delivers something the chains simply can't replicate.