Island Pet Center

Tucked away on Whidbey Island, Island Pet Center in Oak Harbor has been a family-owned staple for years, drawing loyal customers who drive considerable distances for its aquarium section and overall pet supply selection. While it's a general pet store at heart — carrying everything from dog food to guinea pig supplies to bearded dragon feeders — the fish department has earned a devoted following among freshwater hobbyists on the island. " Staff member Bryce earned a glowing shoutout for his patience and expertise in helping a family build a complete freshwater setup, and the store has been described as having an "insane assortment of fish" alongside fresh feeder insects for reptiles.

It's worth noting, however, that as of 2024 the store does not carry saltwater livestock, so reef enthusiasts will need to look elsewhere. The store's real currency is its staff. Names like Briar and Bryce come up repeatedly in reviews, and the general consensus is that employees are genuinely knowledgeable — not just friendly in a retail-greeting way, but able to answer real questions about animal care and product recommendations.

The hydrolyzed dog food they carry has been a lifeline for at least one customer with an allergy-prone dog, and their loyalty program offering a free bag of food after a set number of purchases keeps pet owners coming back. Pricing is competitive with online retailers, which is notable for an island shop where markups could easily be justified. The store is clean, well-organized, and a popular spot for families to bring kids to see fish, reptiles, and small animals.

Selection can occasionally be limited in certain categories — flea prevention and canned food have drawn mild complaints — but the trade-off is a curated inventory of high-quality products that consistently surprises customers who might otherwise default to chain stores.