Cage-N-Tank

Tucked inside the Terrace Plaza on Poplar Street in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, Cage-N-Tank is the kind of family-run pet shop that inspires fierce loyalty. Run by Katie and her father, this compact storefront has served the community for years, drawing customers who drive 45 minutes or more just to walk through its doors. While the store is known broadly for reptiles, birds, and small mammals, it also maintains a solid selection of tropical fish — both freshwater and saltwater — along with snails and practical aquatic supplies.

The fish section may not be the headline act, but it's a dependable draw. Reviewers mention purchasing tropical fish and snails, and one longtime visitor confirmed the shop stocks both fresh and saltwater species. For a store its size, the variety is notable, and Katie's willingness to special-order items she doesn't carry means you're rarely out of luck.

The shop also carries a wide range of live feeders — crickets, mice, rats, and dubia roaches — at prices that consistently undercut big-box competitors. What sets Cage-N-Tank apart is the depth of care behind the counter. Katie has a reputation for going above and beyond: answering questions about animals purchased elsewhere, making sure a bearded dragon eats before sending it home with a new owner, and even staying past closing time for customers traveling from a distance.

Multiple reviewers describe forming genuine relationships with the staff, something no chain store can replicate. The space is admittedly small — several visitors note the cramped layout — but it's clean and well-maintained, with healthy animals reflecting strong husbandry practices. One reviewer noted that Katie even provides pet-sitting services, an unusual offering for a shop this size.

For Hazleton-area fish keepers and pet owners who value personal service, fair pricing, and staff who genuinely know their animals, Cage-N-Tank delivers an experience that's become increasingly rare in the age of corporate pet retail. Just know the address has changed — look for them at 601 South Poplar Street.