Winchester Aquarium & Pet Center has been a fixture of the Winchester, Virginia pet scene for well over a decade, drawing loyal customers from as far as Martinsburg and even Sterling — a two-hour drive away. While the store covers the full spectrum of pets including birds, reptiles, small mammals, and sugar gliders, its aquarium section is what sets it apart as a destination for fishkeepers in the Shenandoah Valley. The freshwater and saltwater fish selection rotates regularly, and long-time customers note there's always something new and interesting to look at on the fish wall.
Reviewers have specifically purchased Ember Tetras, bettas, and other community fish here. Beyond livestock, the store stocks aquarium supplies, food, supplements, and equipment — serving as a one-stop resource for hobbyists who prefer supporting a local independent shop over chain alternatives. The staff at Winchester Aquarium earns consistent praise for being approachable and genuinely helpful.
One customer described chatting with a team member through the store's website before visiting, and the employee remembered her when she arrived and offered thoughtful suggestions for her new budgies. That kind of personalized attention is hard to replicate at a big-box retailer. The store also offers a 30-day warranty on certain animal purchases, which provided meaningful peace of mind to one family who unfortunately lost their lion lop rabbit.
The atmosphere is interactive and inviting — customers can pet ferrets, observe sugar gliders up close, and meet bunnies before taking one home. It's a place that draws families and hobbyists alike. Some regulars have noted the store could benefit from display tanks showcasing planted aquariums or paludariums to inspire the fishkeeping community, and a few reviewers have flagged inconsistent tank conditions.
But for the Winchester area, this remains the go-to independent shop for freshwater and saltwater fish, small animal supplies, and the kind of face-to-face guidance that keeps people coming back year after year.
Gary Sencindiver (Chip)
144 reviews
Very helpful and friendly staff! Wish they were closer to Martinsburg.
K W
7 reviews
Been going here for over a decade, they have great staff and most of what you'd need for pretty much every pet. Specifically i love their aquariums as they've always got new and cool fish to look at.
Nunya Business
12 reviews
I have had an aquarium for 3-4 years and prefer to support small local businesses instead of chain stores, so I have only used this store for fish and supplies. Unfortunately, there is a woman who is a manager (I believe her name is Christine) who has a horrible condescending attitude. She is sort of tall, slim, and has dark hair. Everyone else I have dealt with there has been very nice and helpful. This woman, however, acts like she thinks I am stupid and that she is annoyed that she has to interact with me. She is very condescending. She has never said anything that is outright rude, but you can tell that she has an attitude. I feel very unwelcome and looked down upon, which is crazy, I know. The last time I went, just a couple of days ago, I had a friend with me and I (sadly) had to deal with this woman again. As soon as we got back in the vehicle, my friend said, "That woman should not be working with the public. Her attitude is snotty and rude." I was so glad that someone else got the same vibe from her, so I know it's not just me. I don't like leaving a business and feeling uneasy and unhappy about the interaction that I just had, so I will not be going back. I don't want to support a chain store like Petsmart, but I also don't want to keep dealing with this lowkey rude person.
Charles Mahoney
2 reviews
Very Helpful Staff, very knowledgeable!!
Loretta Swank
100 reviews
They were helpful and carry the brand I needed
J Fearnow
187 reviews
Friendly staff and good selections
Chris Livingston
21 reviews
I love coming here, my daughter got two birds and they had babies. We love coming to visit and the staff are so helpful.
Shawn Lowe
103 reviews
Very friendly staff and super helpful. I chatted with a team member on their website before I went in. The lady helped me easily and remembered me. She also gave me some great suggestions. My two new budgies are safely in their new home
Jack Dolly
16 reviews
Lots of amimals you can look at. Small animals you can pet. LOTS of fish. Small selection of aquarium rock sizes when i was there. Employees are nice and helpful. Never too busy either.
Check This Out !
160 reviews
Loved this place! From the moment I walked in, I had a great experience. You can interact with the ferrets, see (and even accidentally get nipped by!) the sugar gliders, and check out bunnies, snakes, exotic fish, and more. Healthy, happy animals that will make a great pet for anyone. They carry supplements, toys, food, and all the essentials—this is the closest store to Sterling, VA where I’ve been able to find supplies for exotic pets like sugar gliders. The staff is friendly, down‑to‑earth, and genuinely helpful. While some items may be a bit cheaper online, the prices here aren’t far off, and it was absolutely worth the 2‑hour drive to get what we needed right away. Highly recommend!
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (540) 667-8198 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Winchester Aquarium & Pet Center.
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190 Costello Dr, Winchester, VA 22602
February 7, 2026
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