About
Pet Cove in Kingsport, Tennessee has earned its reputation as the go-to locally owned pet store in the Tri-Cities area, with customers driving from as far as Greeneville to shop there. The freshwater fish selection is the real draw — extensive enough that one customer who made an hour-long trip specifically noted how impressive and nicely set up the tanks were. You'll find everything from ranchu goldfish and angelfish to shrimp, dotted plecos, and betta fish, all kept in notably clean tanks that reflect the store's commitment to animal health.
The live plants section gets particular praise from aquarium hobbyists looking to build planted tanks, and the invertebrate selection rounds out a solid freshwater offering. One long-time customer of three to four years reported purchasing both fish and shrimp over the years without a single loss — the kind of track record that speaks volumes about the quality of their livestock. Beyond the aquariums, Pet Cove stocks an impressive range of reptiles, birds, and small mammals, along with supplies for exotic pets that are hard to find elsewhere.
They're one of the few local sources for live and frozen feeder mice and rats, which keeps snake owners coming back weekly. Staff members like Brad have earned personal shout-outs for their willingness to spend real time with customers, walking them through care requirements for bearded dragons, fish tank setups, and everything in between. The store itself is consistently described as clean, organized, and odor-free — a detail that matters when you're housing dozens of species under one roof.
It's worth noting the five-day return policy on animals, which some customers have found too short, particularly on pricier purchases. 5 stars. For freshwater fish enthusiasts in the Kingsport area looking for healthy livestock and genuine expertise, Pet Cove delivers where the chain stores fall short.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Extensive freshwater fish selection including ranchu goldfish, angelfish, plecos, bettas, and shrimp
- Live plants available for planted tank setups
- Exceptionally clean tanks and well-maintained store environment
- Locally owned alternative to chain pet stores with knowledgeable staff
- Reliable source for live and frozen feeder mice and rats
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Great place. Staff is awesome. Always come here for my buddy's snake”
— Pitchfork5.0a day ago“Absolutely wonderful selections of fish and live plants for aquariums, will definitely recommend!”
— Matthew Mccorkle5.02 weeks ago“Great workers very clean”
— Amanda Price5.0a month ago“We really enjoy going to Pet Cove. We have had a great experience with the fish we've bought, and the employees always have good answers for our questions.”
— John Sherrer5.0a month ago“Taylor helped us out so much!! Will definitely buy my fish from here from now on”
— Sierra Rose5.0a month ago“They have a fairly good selection of bird products but you do need to check the date as I have found several bags months past the best by date for sale. Still recommend them overall as they are very pleasant and clean”
— G0tlag4.0a month ago“Always helpful”
— Chris Hyatt5.02 months ago“Friendly staff and had exactly what I needed.”
— Guanita Widner5.02 months ago“We love this place! Will definitely return for all of our pet needs”
— Erika Price5.03 months ago“Great customer service, you might have to wait for an employee to free up, but it is because they are truly helping who ever they are with.”
— zibe holton5.03 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (423) 247-3474 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Pet Cove.