About
Tucked into Pittston, Pennsylvania, The Pet Zone is a family-run operation that has quietly built a reputation far exceeding what you'd expect from a local pet shop. The store sprawls across two levels — upstairs you'll find rows of freshwater and saltwater aquariums alongside small mammals and birds, while downstairs lies the "cave," a $5-admission reptile experience where visitors can hold snakes, admire tortoises, and meet creatures like Kobie the false water cobra. The aquatics department is a genuine draw.
John, a staff standout frequently mentioned by name, walks customers through saltwater setups with real patience, discussing the specific needs of individual corals and fish. The store stocks tropical freshwater fish, saltwater species, and coral frags, and they'll sell you pre-mixed saltwater at a dollar a gallon to get your tank running. One reviewer brought in clams for their puffer fish — that kind of niche inventory speaks to a store that understands its audience.
They also carry Fluval filtration equipment and a solid range of dry goods and fish food. For pond enthusiasts, the staff offers detailed guidance on outdoor fish keeping and pond environment care. The Pet Zone backs up its sales with a 48-hour fish guarantee — bring back the fish and a water sample, and they'll replace it.
It's a small but meaningful policy that shows accountability. Beyond aquatics, the store hosts special events featuring genuinely exotic animals — baby kangaroos, capybaras, even otters — that draw families from across the region. The reptile selection is substantial, and they're one of the few remaining local shops selling live feeder mice and rats.
Some reviewers have noted occasional dead fish in display tanks, and a few have flagged pricing concerns on specialty reef additives. These are worth knowing, but they haven't stopped the store from earning strong loyalty across its 641 reviews. The Pet Zone delivers an experience that big-box competitors in northeastern Pennsylvania simply can't match.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Family-run store with extensive reptile cave experience downstairs
- Saltwater and freshwater fish plus coral selection with expert guidance from John
- Special exotic animal events featuring kangaroos, capybaras, and otters
- Sells pre-mixed saltwater at $1/gallon for tank setups
- Pond fish keeping consultation and supplies available
From keepers
Customer reviews
“We just left with a ton of knowledge from John. Everyone was super friendly, huge variety and fair prices.”
— Daniel Monroe5.0a week ago“My husband and I stopped in to look at saltwater fish. John was extremely helpful and made great recommendations. We are very new to saltwater, so his patience and kindness meant the world to us. He was so knowledgeable of each fish, and corals specific needs. We will definitely be back in the future. Can’t wait to get home and add our new fish and coral to our tank.”
— Samantha Minnick5.02 weeks ago“I can't say enough good things about this pet store. Super friendly and knowledgeable staff. Animals are well taken care of.”
— Meghan McHugh5.0a month ago“Great place for your pets”
— Gregg Boettinger5.0a month ago“Exactly how a pet supplies store should be run!! I wish there was one closer toe”
— Cristina Barron5.02 months ago“Very friendly, very knowledgeable and really cool stuff!”
— Matt Parry5.02 months ago“Love this place!!”
— Heather George5.03 months ago“Excellent store, excellent inventory, excellent customer service”
— Benjamin Dutton5.03 months ago“Nice for your pet services”
— Tony Grabosky5.03 months ago“This place has all ur pet needs. Salt water, fresh water, lizards, snakes, corral, you name it. Their special events are amazing with Otters, Capybara,Kangaroo. R u kidding me. Downstairs has even more creatures. Decades of expertise, family run. You won't be disappointed”
— ken walter5.04 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (570) 655-3260 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Pet Zone.