About
Tucked into Pulaski, Virginia, Wings Tails & Fins is a mom-and-pop pet shop that punches above its weight for a small-town storefront. While the name hints at its broad focus — birds, reptiles, and fish — the store has earned a loyal following across the New River Valley for its diverse livestock and hands-on, personal service. The fish department spans both freshwater and saltwater selections, with live plants rounding out the aquatic offerings.
Multiple reviewers describe healthy, well-maintained tanks, and one hobbyist fish keeper noted that all the tanks looked clean with no sickly fish in sight. Staff members are frequently praised for steering customers toward the right species — one reviewer appreciated being guided to an alternative fish when their first choice wasn't in stock, a small touch that reflects genuine care over a quick sale. The Google listing specifically notes marine options suitable for beginners, making it an approachable entry point for anyone curious about saltwater.
But fish are only part of the picture. Wings Tails & Fins is arguably best known in the area for its birds, particularly cockatiels, parakeets, and macaws. Several customers have purchased breeding pairs or companion birds and report well-socialized, healthy animals.
The shop also stocks rabbits, ferrets sourced from breeders, hedgehogs, snakes, bearded dragon supplies like superworms, and a rotating cast of other exotics. One reviewer marveled at a parrot that hopped right onto their arm — a testament to the socialization effort the owners put in daily. Pricing is frequently cited as affordable, and if something isn't in stock, staff will special order it with a turnaround of 24 to 48 hours.
The store has even opened outside regular hours for dedicated customers. A few reviewers mention cleanliness concerns and occasional inconsistent hours, but the overwhelming consensus is that the owners' knowledge and genuine passion for animal welfare set this shop apart from big-box alternatives. For Pulaski and the broader NRV, it fills a niche that no chain store can replicate.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Freshwater and saltwater fish with beginner-friendly marine options
- Well-socialized birds including cockatiels, parakeets, and macaws
- Affordable pricing with special ordering available in 24-48 hours
- Exotic animals including ferrets from breeders, hedgehogs, snakes, and rabbits
- Knowledgeable staff who guide customers to appropriate species selections
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Went there last weekend and its so nasty and smells horrible. I worry about the animals there. Will never fo back...”
— pressy1.04 weeks ago“Bird was talkative”
— Robin Porter3.03 months ago“Went to try and get snails and a few fish for my son and they had closed an hour before closing time. This is the second time I have tried to support local and they have been closed when the hours say 12 to 6pm Tuesday threw Saturday very disappointing”
— Joseph Penn2.05 months ago“The lady was pleasant to deal with when I bought a breeding pair of cockatiel few weeks ago. It was such a pleasant first time experience there. However the husband was very off putting. I was hoping to buy another bird. There was an object blocking the way so I politely asked if I can move it over just a bit so I can see the bird a little better and got the nastiest attitude from him. Even though i could find a better deal I wanted to support the business because of my first experience there. Needless to say I decided to buy elsewhere.”
— Malisha Parker2.05 months ago“Awesome store!! Super friendly and helpful”
— Carrie Lowe5.06 months ago“Small mom & pop shop that really cares about exotic animals. Really happy to have them in the NRV!”
— Dominik Konecny (Dom)5.06 months ago“Great people amazing selection helped me with a snake I didn’t even buy from them great customer service”
— Kylian Moran5.08 months ago“3 customers and nobody helping to check out. Had to leave and go to another store. Sorry , but customer service really matters. By the way, I was a customer since the day you opened your doors.”
— Brian Dannhoff1.0Edited 9 months ago“Buyer Beware. They seem all nice and willing to help. They seem half-way knowledgeable, but it's all deception. We purchased a bird, and it was the wife's decision, so I let her run with it. A respiratory infection and a broken leg that the bird had before purchase. They were willing to assist with vet bills and then ghosted. We have years of parrot experience and got completely railroaded. Luckily, we have the funds to get the parrot the vet to help it truly needed, and it's recovering.”
— Neal Perry1.09 months ago“This place is amazing!! Anyone saying bad stuff is really disconnected from reality… everyone here is super helpful and knowledgeable as long as you listen to them! They know what they are talking about!!”
— ash ketchum5.010 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (540) 268-0983 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Wings Tails & Fins.