Windy City Pet Store

Windy City Pet Store is Laramie's go-to independent pet shop, a compact but thoroughly stocked operation where the owner — often on the floor herself — and staff like Robin and Ariana bring genuine animal knowledge and warmth to every interaction. While the store serves the full spectrum of pet owners (dogs, cats, reptiles, birds, small animals), its aquarium section has quietly built a loyal following among fishkeepers who'd otherwise face a long drive to Fort Collins. The freshwater selection covers solid staples: bettas in various sizes of tanks, tetras, guppies, corydoras, and ghost shrimp.

One longtime customer reported guppies purchased here propagating for over two years, and shrimp surviving well past a year while keeping their tank spotless — a testament to healthy stock. They also carry live aquarium plants that reviewers say are thriving in home setups. Staff are happy to walk newcomers through tank setup and fish care, making this a welcoming entry point for anyone starting their first aquarium in the Laramie area.

Beyond fish, the store's reptile knowledge stands out. When a customer's corn snake refused to eat for an extended period, the team invested real time troubleshooting feeding techniques and eventually had the owner bring the snake in so they could work through it together. That kind of hands-on, problem-solving dedication is rare in any retail setting.

The shop carries quality dry goods, pet food (including Nutrisource for dogs), supplements, bird toys, and cat supplies at prices reviewers consistently say compete with or beat chain stores. A rewards program with balance tracking on receipts adds a nice touch. The atmosphere is cozy — a roaming shop cat and a friendly shop dog greet visitors — though the aisles can feel snug.

It's a small-town store that punches above its weight, driven by people who clearly love what they do.