Whitie's Pets - Fresno, California

Bethany V.

The variety of aquatic stock and plants here is incredible and unparalleled by any other pet supply shops or chains I have been to. The interior also features beautiful aquariums cared for by the employees.
The employees themselves are very knowledgeable and attentive. This is one of the few places where almost everyone I speak to fully knows what I’m talking about and can answer questions realistically from their own experiences.
Their plants and fish are almost always very healthy, and those who are not they either mark not for sale or inform you prior to purchasing. Most of my larger aquarium stock is purchased from this location.

That being said, I have had two fatalities from this store the same day I brought them home and began the acclimation process. I am unsure if the fish were ill beforehand, or if the stress of the move was too much for them.
One (a blue angel ram—notoriously delicate fish) appeared to have swim bladder and unfortunately was not aided by the gentle salt dip and careful attention in its quarantine tank. The other three rams I purchased from here at the same time, however, have thrived in my 40g planted tank.
The second baffles me—a medium sized clown loach from a group of six. All the loaches settled in splendidly and with no difficulty, except for this one. He sat at the bottom of the tank on his side and appeared to have some seizure-like attack and was breathing rapidly. He passed on very quickly following that.
I’m always very careful not to add fish to an aquarium that isn’t well established. This tank is natural planted and triple filtered, having been cycling for three months prior to any addition of fish. The water parameters were very stable and nearly identical to the tank where I keep my rams and peacock gudgeons, both of whom are very delicate and sensitive to water toxicity and general hardness. I am unsure what could have caused this type of severe reaction and have never had any fish react this way before.
All that being said, quarantine and acclimate your fish slowly, and just keep a close eye on them upon purchasing. Always be very selective about which you choose and from what tank to ensure you’re not bringing home anything that could crash your tank, or that has a greater chance of not surviving the stress of a transfer.

Their return/refund policy is a bit strange, and for me not really worth the 40-50 minute drive it takes to get there from my location in Hanford. You must contact them within 48 hours if a fish is sick or dead, and bring in the fish and a water sample within that time frame for a partial refund (1/3 of the original cost) or a replacement. The replacement is entirely dependent upon your water parameters testing safely. They will NOT sell you more fish if your water is not suitable to support their wellbeing—as they shouldn’t.

All around however, their prices are fairly reasonable, the store is easy to navigate, the employees are helpful, and there is plenty of parking. It can occasionally be a bit crowded, which may affect wait times if you need assistance with something. The wait is never that bad, though.

Definitely check it out, if only for the incredible marine and freshwater displays they’ve put together!
Last video is my own tank—work in progress, but almost everything is from this location.

Michael G.

By far one of the best fish rooms I have been to. The stocking is perfect, Options are greats, tanks are well kept. Someone needs to make it go viral if they into aquariums .

Jenna H.

Terrible customer service skills. I took my son in today so he could start stocking his new 40 gallon. The only employee available in the fish section was so rude to him. He walked up and said "excuse me, can I ask you a question" and the guy didn't even respond, he just whipped his hand up in front of his face like, don't talk to me. Once I walked up, he quickly changed his tune and offered to help us. Young Asian kid, you will not get far in life with poor customer service skills. Furthermore, if you don't want to help people, find another area of work. It is not our fault you chose to work there. My son and I immediately left and definitely will not be returning.

Shanah D.

I purchase my very first Ball python here today! The workers are absolutely amazing and knowledgeable! A worker walked through the whole store with me helping me get the proper enclosure and items my snake needed to be comfortable in his new home. I love it here and I'll definitely keep giving them a good word! Here's a picture below to show how healthy and well taken care of their animals are. They actually care about their animals well-being.

Auggiestyle 6. &. I. O. U. O.

They have been around forever here in Fresno and they have always offered great service and great products. Great prices as well. A local favorite.

Lisa W.

Love this store very well organized and maintained. Loaded with fabulous selection of pet foods, tops, care items. Beautiful aquariums and terrariums. Great selection of snakes, bugs, fish, frogs, tortoises, plants and more

Osvaldo R.

Best pet shop in town honest, knowledgeable and friendly workers prices are a little high for some things but not horrible also you pay for quality not quantity would recommend them highly.

Jenna V.

The staff was very knowledgeable about the pets in the store and they were able to help me set up a new aquarium for my house. I'm very happy with everything that I found there. They have a big variety of animals and different kinds of food for your pets. This is a place you need to check out if you only shop at the local PetSmart store.