About
Mini-Critters in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is a large, general-purpose pet store that casts a wide net — puppies, kittens, birds, reptiles, small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs, and a freshwater fish section that has seen better days. 2 rating, it's clearly a fixture in the local pet community, though opinions are sharply divided on the quality of animal care behind the scenes. The store stocks a broad selection of pet food and supplies, including harder-to-find brands like Zignature.
Multiple reviewers praise the do-it-yourself dog bath station as a convenient, well-set-up option for Sioux Falls dog owners. Grooming services get consistent praise, with groomers like Angie earning loyal followings for their work with dogs. Boarding is also available, though the store's cat grooming and boarding policies have caused confusion — advertised on hold music and the website but reportedly unavailable in practice.
The fish department is a sore spot. Several reviewers note that since a knowledgeable employee named Eric departed, the tanks have deteriorated, with dead fish visible and water quality concerns going unaddressed. One customer lost $100 worth of fish shortly after purchase and felt the staff lacked the expertise to properly assess tank readiness.
The store does carry axolotls, though reviewers have flagged concerns about whether customers are being educated on their specific care requirements, such as the need for 60°F water temperatures. Small animal care has drawn criticism as well — a baby rabbit housed with guinea pigs prompted a detailed, welfare-informed review citing the House Rabbit Society and RSPCA guidelines. A deceased bearded dragon found by customers in a reptile enclosure raised further questions about monitoring practices.
On the other hand, staff member Ryan earns warm mentions for his bird knowledge and compassionate handling of a rabbit return. Mini-Critters functions best as a one-stop supply shop and grooming destination. For live animals — especially fish and reptiles — prospective buyers should come prepared with their own research and ask pointed questions before purchasing.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Axolotls
- Services
- Fish BoardingConsultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- DIY dog bath station is a popular, well-regarded feature
- Broad selection of pet food including hard-to-find Zignature brand
- Grooming services with dedicated staff like Angie earn loyal customers
- Carries freshwater fish, axolotls, birds, reptiles, and small animals
- Kitten adoption process praised as quick and easy with full vaccination paperwork
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Good puppies in there and other animals, all kept clean and healthy. Employees were not very pleasant, kinda rude and disrespectful to costumer.”
— Miles Aadland3.03 days ago“Gotta say, since you lost Eric...the fish area is a disaster. The tanks look horrible and dead fish in every tank. You're fish section used to be top notch, now its just pathetic. Its time to hire a dedicated fish/reptile person again. Also, the axolotl needs water temp at 60°, id hope your employees inform customers of this when buying”
— Josh2.0Edited a week ago“Big store with lots of diversity for food/animal products. I gave a 4 star because the cages are empty. If you want fish or a bird you're in luck”
— Mike Chambers4.02 weeks ago“Groomer is awesome! Treats our dogs great :)”
— Lorri Tucker5.03 weeks ago“Hi! This is a psa for any cat owners of the area. Mini Critters on both their websites and on their hold music say they groom and board cats. Just called both locations and even though I was looking to set a appointment for a nail trim, for both my cat and dog they told me they won't take my cat. How are you to take care of a cat for boarding and advertise for cat grooming, but won't take an appointment for a nail trim. I had my cat done at Mini Critters a year ago, 6 months after I brought him into the 49th location and got yelled at that they don't do cats at all. Now I'm looking again after being told by a friend that they did do cats, but I guess they don't. It should really be taken off of your advertisements that you don't do cats anymore.”
— Charlie Wright1.04 weeks ago“Great place great people !”
— scott chaussee5.0Edited 4 weeks ago“Good selection of products and friendly staff.”
— KL Allen-Taylor4.0a month ago“I was there with a friend and was shocked to see that they had just got a shipment of animals that came in cardboard boxes and some of them only had two air holes to breathe throw. They had to take the cage of birds and the box of new birds to a back room because they knew that there was going to be dead bird's in the box. That shows how they don't care about the safety of the animals, and how they just want money to keep their business running.”
— Jack Wesley1.0a month ago“Went in with hopes of adopting a kitten for my daughter. They had 3 available and they were already up to date on shots and spayed/neutered. Even thought the store was Very busy the process was quick and easy. Just had to sign a form and pay the $150 and walked out with our newest addition Bella. They gave us her paperwork regarding vaccinations and other pertinent information.”
— Kelcie Stryker5.0a month ago“It is small with a small selection. Not well maintained.”
— T Fman3.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (605) 361-0006 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Mini-Critters.