Denny's Pet World

Denny's Pet World has been a Kirkland institution since the 1970s, and the devotion of its longtime customers tells you everything you need to know. This independently owned shop on the Eastside has cultivated a loyal following across decades — some regulars remember visiting the original Totem Lake location as kids and now return as experienced fishkeepers. The freshwater fish department is the star attraction.

Walk through what reviewers call the "water world display" and you'll find aquariums designed with real thought, each one showcasing its inhabitants — from the elusive honey gourami (one customer searched three stores across Seattle and Redmond before finding them here) to rope fish and glow-in-the-dark axolotls. The tanks are well-maintained, the fish look healthy and active, and the selection runs deep enough to satisfy hobbyists who know exactly what they want. Jesse, a frequently praised staffer in the fish department, along with Brandon and other team members, bring genuine enthusiasm to customer interactions.

Multiple reviewers credit the staff with helping them build aquarium knowledge over years, even decades. That kind of long-term relationship between a shop and its community is increasingly rare. Beyond fish, Denny's carries a broad inventory spanning birds, reptiles, bunnies, guinea pig supplies, cat trees, dog food, and bird feed.

There's a self-serve dog wash station ($20 for 30 minutes with shampoo, towels, blower, and brush) that draws its own fans. The store is large enough to stock supplies for virtually any pet but still feels personal — the kind of place where your dog can have an accident on the floor and the staff just helps you clean it up. The atmosphere is family-friendly and browsable.

Kids can pet the bunnies without asking, and anyone can lose twenty minutes watching the birds and fish. 7-star rating not through flash but through consistency, care, and staff who genuinely love animals.