Petco — Local services in Needham

I didn’t think quality like this existed outside an LFS!

I have three pet stores closer to me, all different chains. From a technical standpoint, they have everything I need for my fish and my elderly cat with special dietary needs. But they lack excellence in fish care. I figured that was the sad way it was. Periodically I’d see bettas at these other chains that were so sick I really couldn’t leave them.

I was in the market for a specific 5 gallon tank I saw online, and saw the Petco in Needham had it. When I went there, I saw a totally different kind of major pet store. No fish was sick. All were vibrant and healthy. Adam was there that day and helped me greatly, as I was just getting back into fishkeeping after a very long break and am a novice. He also helped me help the sick bettas I’ve gotten from other non-Petco chain stores, and some of them were very complicated. I was amazed and very happy. Petco is clearly a cut above the rest.

I’ve gone to Petco whenever possible ever since. Adam has helped me troubleshoot any issues with my 12 aquariums, including helping me help a permanently disabled betta from a different chain (rhymes with “Jet Applies Bus”) thrive.

When I get a betta from another chain store, it’s because I feel so sorry for them I can’t leave them behind. When I get a betta from Petco, it’s because they’re beautiful and would make a great addition to a new aquarium.

So I drive out to Needham. I do visit Dedham sometimes as well,...

I’ve had a few good experiences here in the past—friendly staff and nice haircuts for my pup. Unfortunately, my recent experiences have been very disappointing.

Last week, my appointment was canceled about an hour before. I understood that things happen, but it was frustrating since my wife and I had rearranged our work schedules for drop-off, and we had already given my anxious dog his prescribed Trazodone to prepare. I let it slide and rescheduled.

This week, however, the same thing happened again—canceled just 45 minutes before. I explained that this was the second week in a row, and that my dog had already been given his medication. At that point, I was told Petco doesn’t allow Trazodone, which was surprising because I’ve always been upfront about it. I’ve even joked about it during past visits, and no one ever mentioned it as an issue until now.

What bothered me most was the response when I said I’d need to find a different groomer. Instead of any apology or acknowledgment, I was met with a cheerful “Oh, that’s ok, bye”—which felt dismissive and unprofessional given the circumstances.

I wish I could continue here, but after two last-minute cancellations and poor communication, I’ll be looking elsewhere.

(2 stars, not 1, because of the good haircuts he...

Poorest experience ever. Our daughter was super excited to go to the store and get her first fish. We planned to start with small tank as recommended in a Petsmart store. The sales staff in charge of the fish area were very rude and talked to us like interrogating: what tank do you have? You need 5 gallon tank for 1 goldfish. When we said we were gonna buy a 2 gallon tank he said: I can’t even sell you the fish into that. I understand the respect of pet’s life and need to try our best to take care of them. But to what point?! I remember I had fish the old school way for years without any issue. I had a lot of fun. Unfortunately my daughter couldn’t, at least in this store with this rude guy. We went to the petsmart store and got our...