New England Tropical Pet

Tina Hondras

2019-05

Recently went to the store to find the animals in poor condition. I was beyond disgusted to find many animals in habitats that were either grossly too small, not clean, or not properly set up for their specific needs. Some reptiles were cohabited that should never be together, especially in the size tanks they’re in. A couple reptiles in particular were severely underweight and thought to be dead. When it was brought to their attention, they shrugged it off and said they’ll be fine, someone will buy them. They have a large, almost full grown bearded dragon in a maybe 10 gallon tank, a leopard gecko and Madagascar chuckwalla cohabbed in a 10 gallon, a tortoise with an emerald Swift; that’s just some of the disgusting things I saw. Their fish tanks weren’t overstocked but only because the fish were either sick, dead, or had one or two very large fish in maybe a 5&1/2 gallon tanks. Even their beta cups were TINY and not clean. The bird cages were covered poop (birds poop but you’d expect a petstore to clean them atleast once a day) and had the absolute minimum amount of things in there. (One dowel perch and two bowls) Their small animals were either extremely stressed out, running in circles around the tanks or covered in cuts and blood from fighting because they don’t have a proper set up with no hides or places to go. They had a ferret in a very small rabbit cage but rabbits in a rat cage that was two story which would better suit the ferret. I’m absolutely appalled by this place and wouldn’t even recommend it to my worst enemy. I would never spend my money here and I suggest you do the same. I wish I was over exaggerating but this place is an abomination.

Felipe Decarolli

2023-05

Not recommend ask information to the someone or the owner that works there.The reason is bc I experienced brown algae in my fish tank and I was buying a API Algaefix and just ask to the man if it works for brown algae bc the label just mention green. He said that the bottle i had is to treat fish. 🤦🏻‍♂️ I knew he didn’t know what he was saying at the time… i did my own research and yess i bought it and tested it it fix both types of algae.2nd reason i bought two painted glass fish and not even a week they all died. The blue color died in 1 - 2 days after, and the second less than a week 20 dollar went to the trash. Do not recomendo fishes from them!

Erin Vollmer

2020-05

Went in a few days ago and although they have a good supply selection for decent prices, I was disturbed to find a hermit crab tank with dead animals in it and no fresh water. These are animals that require high temperatures and humidity as they have gills and cannot breath in dry air. They only leave their shells when extremely stressed. In addition the reptiles in the back had fungus growing in their water bowls and no fresh food of adequate substrate. The employees need to do a better job at cleaning the tanks daily.

Carissa Garneau

2021-05

This place was awesome! Very informative and kind! Will be going here for our future pets needs and soon need some more fish! Thank you again! My sons love the new friends!!

T G

2023-05

We’ve been going to this store for over 30 years , same owner super nice guy! He usually has some of the fish most people want, but can never find a normal pet stores.

thedancingbeast

2023-05

New england tropical pet is the best place to grab that new special loved one that matches your heart. All the animals here are taken care of with the best of care. Its nice to see an establishment not just talk about making sure that the wildlife get to live well they secure it. Prices are fantastic and the managment is on point. Ive bought all my pets from here other then me old dog bailey . Price perfect quality of the tanks for fish on point its almost like every animal including the awesome parrot smile more then anyone every coming into the plaza. I really hope you get a pet from here because ive tried these big pet stores that promise they take care of the animals but they treat em like $$ dollar bills instead of another loved one. You want a good pet you go to new england tropical pet. 10/10 my favorite local store. Stay safe seize the night and get yourself a nice bird to talk to ya. Or even a snake to slither around your neck this place pampered em better then any celebrities and kept em clean healthy and happy for ye. Ight beast approves 👌 💯 👏 😎

Alex Marks

2022-05

This use to be the go to place for tropical fish and interesting reptiles with a knowledgeable staff. The last few years when I’ve gone in here there has been less and less of a selection of fish. But this last time I went in looking for a beta fish, having seen some very nice ones the time before. As we walked into the store there is an employee sitting with his head down on the counter taking a nap, and another employee playing with a ferret. While all the betas are sitting in absolutely filthy water, half of which aren’t even in a enough water for them to extend their fins. The other fish tanks against the wall looked like they haven’t been cleaned or cared for in months. The parrot cage behind the counter (which is the owners pet that’s been there for years) looked like it hadn’t been cleaned inside or around for months. The animals here are clearly being neglected while the employees are napping at the cash register. I have been a customer here since I was a teenager and always recommended this place to anyone interested in getting into the aquarium hobby and everyone I knew who was already in it, but after this experience I will not only recommend people avoid this place, but I could never in good conscience shop at a pet store that neglects it’s animals they way this place has been. There are pet stores that I refuse to go to, but I’ve never been disgusted enough to have write a review, but this one has become probably the worst I’ve seen. Which is sad because it use to be one of the best around.

Sami B

2022-05

bought a rabbit from here a couple days ago, the dude that works there is awesome and really nice! he was super helpful showing me what the bunny needs. the store is very clean for so many animals and they got some really cool critters, need the funny looking bird and frog next.

Joe Ho

2019-05

Went this weekend to New England Tropical to look for a place to eventually buy some fish, after reading some nice reviews on here. Was pretty disappointed overall with the visit, and will most likely not return to purchase livestock for my tank here.The store was not clean. The bird area had seed on the floor that was just lying open. The fish tanks, which I spent most of the time looking at, were in pretty poor condition. Giant, 6 in fish were housed in what looked like 5.5 gallon tanks. Plants had hair algae growing all over, and there were dead fish floating in some of the tanks. The fish themselves didn't look sick, but I would say their living conditions are worse than many other stores I've seen, including big box stores like Petsmart.The employees working there weren't at the register when I walked in; not sure what they were doing, but they definitely were not cleaning the tanks.I didn't spend much time looking at the marine tanks, since I'm only doing fresh water tropical, so I can't comment on those specifically.I get that this might just be a part-time job for some kids trying to earn some spending money, and maybe my expectations of someone working in a pet store are skewed that they should want to keep the place pristine if possible. I mean, it might be the difference between it being a hobby vs being a chore/job. Maybe it was just that difference that led these poor tanks to the state they're in.

Chanborith Eang Lee

2022-05

Been going here since I was about 17 years old when they were located down the street. I am now 30 and still its my go to. They always have exotic fish and pets. Always something interesting and the owner is a great guy. I hope they stay around. Support this man he is great.

David Goldstein

2021-05

My daughter and I are setting up our first aquarium and these guys are so helpful. She has a lot of questions and they are always happy to answer them, even when they seem to come non-stop. Large selection of fish and supplies.

Neemias de souza

2023-05

My new local fish store, a little bit pricey on supplies, but for fish, loads of catfish, north and south american species, predators, livebears, cichlids, even saltwater eels and fish, i only ask for more plecos!

Zianna weeks

2023-05

It's just okay. It's like a locally owned mini pet smart.

Brandi Jong

2016-05

NE Tropical Pet is one of my favorite places to shop for aquarium supplies. The owner is extremely knowledgeable about fish and helpful. He's never pushy and always seems to have time to answer our questions. Plus I prefer patronizing a local small business, rather than a large chain store! Much more personal & good for our local economy.

Derek Clemetson

2020-05

Went in today because my fish tank has been cloudy for weeks. I’ve been to all the big box stores bought what they recommended and have had no change. I got back from New England Tropical Pet about 45 minutes ago and my tank is already clear. I’m amazed. Very knowable and friendly, This is my new go to place.

Tiger Katt

2019-05

Been going here for years. Friendly staff and clean store. Their crickets are a lot larger than large chain stores. They almost always have what I need and the owner will always listen to suggestions or questions. He's pretty knowledgeable and teaches his employees well. He will also board reptiles if you go on vacation or loose power.

Lexi Blair

2020-05

New England Tropical Pet is by far the best pet store in the area. The staff's knowledge and compassion for animals is something that simply cannot be recreated by big box/online stores. I have been coming here for over 6 years now and I would not go anywhere else.Jim, the owner, is one of very few small business owners left in the pet industry in this area. He has been in the business for over 25 years and it shows. He will work with you to solve any and all problems you may have with any of your pets/fish all while trying to get you the best price possible. Additionally, if he does not have something in stock or if you are looking for something specific, he is always more than happy to special order something or lead you in the right direction.The store itself may be on the smaller side, but over the years I have seen fish, small animals and birds that I have personally never seen at any other pet store. They always seem to have what I need or am looking for. It truly is a gem. The service and selection are unmatched and the prices are actually lower in general than Petsmart.In regards to some of the reviews on here stating that the animals are housed improperly - The display tanks and cages are not meant to be permanent homes for these creatures. They are meant to be temporary until someone brings them home. Jim and his staff do everything in their power to keep fish and animals healthy and happy during their stay at the store.All-in-all, this is my absolute favorite pet store. I wouldn't trust any other place for my pets, their supplies or for advice.

Joe Dupont-Roche

2019-05

The employee seemed nice enough. However there was just one and because of this I never had the chance to speak with him to judge his competence.Saw lots of sick and improperly housed fish also, such as their "turquoise flowerhorns".I hope this small local fish store will be able to clean up their act a little bit, because the world needs more small fish stores.

Don Desmarais

2019-05

Great locally owned pet store! Have purchased fish and equipment and recently a hampster and all the necessary things to go with it. Staff is always polite and will set you up for a successful venture with your new pet! Store is very clean and all cages and tanks are well taken care of. Support your local pet store!!!

Debbie “Ratmom”

2021-05

On the day I was there there were two Young gentlemen very friendly and answered alot of my fish questions . Also told me me about the birds they have there even had a ferrett in there that they let me hold and boy was it super friendly. Which I thought was great because they obviously spend a lot of time with it interacting with it which is great because it will have to someday find it's forever home and it'll already be good with people so . The only negative thing I seen in there was there were some dead fish which nobody likes to see and the stuff was a little Dusty just makes me wonder how often they rotate and sell there stock. The stuff I did look at for my bird toys prices were reasonable some things didn't have prices on them an I hate that when places don't price the item on they had some really cool fish in there some expensive fish but they were quite different but I had a good visit in there it was my second time in that store

Jillian Miller

2021-05

I feel so bad for the animals at this store. All cages are FILLED with poop. Tanks WAY to small with not one hide and there is plenty of dry water bowls. Bearded dragons cohabiting with leopard geckos!! I have no clue how and why this person even opened up a pet store when they clearly don’t know anything a about these animals. Those animals are in terrible condition. I’ve never seen a pet store that bad in my life 😢

Sean St. Hilaire

2019-05

Very knowledgeable and very friendly staff. They have the same or comparable items at the same or lower prices than the bigger pet stores, and certainly a lot easier to get in and out of. There are not too many small privately owned pet shops like this anymore, and you just can’t compare the service you receive here versus the big box stores. I’ve been coming here for a long time now and hope to continue to do the same for years to come.

Kim McTighe

2022-05

Owner is a nice guy and cares about the pets he sells.

Anthony W

2012-05

Very good store. They have a good amount of knowledge of fish and reptiles, as well as other animals. Their prices and selection, as well as store layout are magnificent. However, I have purchased fish from them and had them neglect to tell me the true size a fish will get to, or wether or not they do well in schools. If you do a little research before, their prices and selection will not dissapoint.

Taylor White

2018-05

I have always been a supporter of small business, especially because my family owns a small family business as well. New England Tropical Pet is just that, a small family business that cares about their work as well as their animals! I am getting a kitten next month and look forward to getting all of his/her supplies here! The place is clean, the staff knowledgeable, and the animals well cared for! Highly recommend! If you stop by say "HI" to Goose for me!

Shari Horan

2018-05

This is great store! The owner is very knowledgeable and friendly, the staff well trained and more than willing to help and there are many products available at a reasonable price. The place is clean and organized and the animals are well cared for.Great place for kids to pick out a first pet or seasoned owners to get supplies or advice.

Christine Grady

2018-05

I like this store. Everyone is always very helpful and the owner is very nice. I always find exactly what I am looking for. Reading the other reviews on fish dying, you see that at any pet store. Petco, petsmart ECT... I have a bunny from there going on 2 years. Very healthy and friendly. Cage trained when he came home at 6 weeks. He is a free range bunny and I would purchase again. No hesitation.

Kurtis Wells

2018-05

Friendly & knowlegable owner. Supplies are priced well for a small business! My mother even told me to post a good review since she enjoyed the shop so much. The only negative: "goose" the shops' mascot doesn't like me!

Liz Leonard

2019-05

I rarely review, but I visited this place a few days ago. I have been wanting to visit this store because from online it looked to be very promising. I'm an African Cichlid mother. The man in the store was very nice and knowledgeable. That being said, I don't understand why Mbuna are housed the way that they are and other Aggressive large Cichlids. Any hobbyist that keeps these fish know that the wrong tank mates and aquarium size is a disaster waiting to happen. No one was dead but some on their way. Almost all had missing fins and battle wounds. It looked like there was plenty of tanks to correct this problem, definetly left me wondering why it hasn't been.

n120983

2019-05

I have been an aquarium keeper all my life. As a young man I had to take a break from the hobby for about 20 years due to constantly moving from apartment to apartment. I finally got my forever house this year and got an aquarium for my 35th birthday. I set it up about 2 months ago and everything was going great in the tank, until I decided to do a 30% water change. The day after my fish were gasping for air and I couldn't figure out why. I decided to consult a professional and went to New England Tropical Pet. I brought a water sample in, and Jim took me to the back and tested it for me. From my water test results and discussion about the parameters of my tank, Jim was able to come up with an action plan and set me up with the proper chemicals in order to correct my issue. So far so good! Thank you for helping me save my fish!