About
Dogpatch Pet Shop in Texarkana, Texas is an independently owned pet store that draws a polarizing mix of loyalty and criticism from the local community. Primarily known as a general pet shop rather than a dedicated aquatics retailer, Dogpatch does maintain a fish section that reviewers note for carrying shubunkins and pond comets — species that can be harder to find at chain competitors. Multiple customers have praised the fish selection as a reason to keep coming back, and at least one reviewer specifically noted the healthy condition of their fish compared to ich-ridden tanks at nearby corporate stores.
The store stocks a broad range of animals beyond fish, including puppies (Labradoodles, Poochons, Shih Tzus), ferrets, parakeets, bearded dragons, leopard geckos, snakes, tarantulas, and various bird species. They carry glass terrariums, wire cages, fish tanks, and pet food across multiple categories. Dog grooming services are also available on-site, though the quality of grooming has drawn mixed reactions — some customers are loyal regulars while others have reported disappointing results.
The staff receives frequent praise for friendliness and genuine care for the animals. One memorable story involved the team housing a bearded dragon for a week to help preserve a Christmas surprise, even sharing photos of the animal being tended to during its stay. The store has built a reputation for selling privately raised puppies rather than sourcing from puppy mills, which matters to many buyers in the area.
However, Dogpatch faces persistent criticism around animal health, particularly with reptiles and birds. Some reviewers have reported mite-infested snakes and parakeets that died shortly after purchase. The return policy is a frequent source of frustration, with a strict 14-day window and little flexibility for refunds.
Prices are a point of contention — some find them competitive with chains, while others consider them steep. For Texarkana residents looking for freshwater fish like pond comets and shubunkins, or seeking an alternative to big-box pet retailers, Dogpatch offers a local option with a personal touch, though buyers should examine animals carefully before purchasing.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Goldfish
- Specializes in
- FreshwaterPond
Highlights
What makes them special
- Carries shubunkins and pond comets in healthy condition
- Fish selection praised as superior to local chain stores
- Independently owned alternative to PetSmart in Texarkana
- Staff housed a bearded dragon for a week to preserve a Christmas surprise
- Sells privately raised puppies rather than puppy mill dogs
From keepers
Customer reviews
“They are a joke,underfed animals that are wayyyyy over priced. Try to act like they are better at animal care then the customer that is going in to buy a specific animal. Which should tell them that the customer knows enough about diet and care to want to buy that specific animal. They try to also so their puppies under age they currently have Shih Tzu right now and they are almost 8 weeks old, but they’re not eight weeks old yet they also sell skinny pigs and they underfeed all of their reptiles and snakes. None of their reptiles and snakes really have high to hide in so they’re hiding in their food and water dishes, and behind them to stay away from the heat lamp”
— constance bernstein1.0Edited a month ago“They had everything I was looking for ,and things corporate PetSmart never has. All the fish at PetSmart had Ich ! Dogpatch had shubunkins and pond comets in great health!”
— Kerry Pickett5.0a month ago“Customer service is super trash and return policy is dumpster juice.”
— A B1.0a month ago“They will take the pet back and resell it but won’t refund or even consider an in store credit even if you only have the animal for 2 hours before bringing it back. What a scam. Spoke with the manager today and he would not work with me at all. He pretty much admitted that they have refunded people for pets in situations like this before but wasn’t going to do it for us. 0 customer service. Go ANYWHERE else.”
— Jordan Pittman1.0a month ago“0 customer service”
— Tilar Holloway1.0a month ago“Do not buy from here!”
— Melody Simpler1.0a month ago“They take very good care of the animals and the people are so nice”
— robin chadwick5.02 months ago“Extremely high”
— Josh Krieger2.03 months ago“Extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. Always goes above and beyond taking care of my ferrets needs. The care taken of every animal while they await their forever home is the best I’ve ever seen in any pet shop, I can’t wait to adopt my next ferret from here. Can’t recommend this shop enough. Praying only success and blessings for the amazing owner and his staff.”
— Kevin Taylor5.03 months ago“Great home town pet shop, competitive prices and great service!”
— Sevastyon Champion5.05 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (903) 792-5697 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Dogpatch Pet Shop.