Petco's Ridiculous Fish Policy

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[@MrJacobCastro]

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[@abigailamos7861]

I am a manager at a Petsmart store and I assure you, not all pet store employees are that irritating and uneducated. I've not been in the fish hobby for very long, only a couple of years, but as someone that works with animals, its my job to do REAL RESEARCH about proper care. As a general rule I try to limit the amount of a fish an average customer will buy ONLY BECAUSE the average customer that is buying fish from this type of store is a beginner or has smaller tanks. I always ask questions about the size of the tank, what type of fish, and how many are already in the aquarium then use my common sense. If you were to come into my store, I assure you that you would have had a very different interaction.

[@anthonyragan2696]

That is bizarre, especially since I've seen Petco sell Bala Sharks to a kid buying a 10g that same day.

[@bubbadavis9016]

BUT THEY WILL SELL A HAMSTER AND A 10X10 INCH CAGE

[@gregjonesonline]

sounds like a corporate policy to limit the number of dead fish that most people end up trying to return

[@ferchii.cos.]

Greg Jones I bought two betta fish at petco and they both died in a week one was around start of new year and the other one i bought it this sunday! And it died today! Definitely not buying another pet there

[@user-nm2wr7is9q]

and the water parameters and diet?

[@amaxlite]

@@ferchii.cos. how do you know it wasnt your fault?

[@jacobcabanillas9890]

Fer2245 my bettas are from there and they lasted me more then 2 months u sure u had a good home (I have 5 bettas) (I’m on my brothers account lol)

[@vman7712]

Yeah I ran into this problem with Petsmart, they limited the number/kind of fish I could buy, actually refused to sell me one ghost shrimp. They determine what is "ethical" treatment of their fish based on what kind of aquarium you have at home. They are ignorant and hypocritical. They house hundreds of feeder goldfish in one aquarium and house bettas in a cup yet they won't sell you a fish based on "ethics." I was super angry at first and did some web research, evidently corporate backs them up on this policy. Not all the employees are snobbish jerks however, so I go to a different Petsmart if I absolutely need something. I no longer tell Petco or Petsmart employees what kind of aquarium or fish I have at home and keep it general. They've got to do something about these self-appointed fish "experts."

[@stephendrivick840]

Petsmart once asked me to get them a water sample before I would get any fish.

[@pkx5897]

The reason they can house so many fish in a tank is because they don’t have a typical filter like most people do, they have very expensive and well built filters. Also Its a good thing employees are asking you what size tank you have and your knowledge on fish.

[@victorb145]

But over filtering is just over filtering it does nothing to relieve the stress on the fish or the diseases the stress causes. And as far as experience goes most of those teenaging employees can't possibly match my experience. It just comes across as rude.

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Lol Yet they'll sell an oscar to someone with a 20 galoon tank. I stopped shopping at Petco a while ago.

[@Eli-dd5jc]

I love your channel

[@ajdayton101]

Sounds like she was too lazy to net that many fish.

[@samuelguzman9143]

Or unqualified tp catch them efficiently.

[@madcat61207]

Especially those Zebra Danios! They will drive her crazy!

[@jc9649]

Petco sells sick fish only anyway. Everytime I go to one of their locations fish are always dieying and full of ick.

[@noahmeme2]

jose chavez True and when I was younger I returned a dead fish I bought the day before and the manager yelled at me that it was my fault. I was only in 7th grade, that fucked me up.

[@havokntk07]

just buy 8 fish, go outside the store and go back in and buy 8 more

[@WCGwkf]

Havok Sosa you could but you shouldn't have to

[@astralflight1691]

They can remember faces lmfao

[@havokntk07]

The rule is just dumb, they should focus on profit. It's not like they care for the fish at all, they treat their animals like crap

[@mayraoquendo2637]

@@astralflight1691 you are right

[@yomiyoukai]

😂😂😂

[@cheesefriday]

That is really weird. I used to work at PetSmart and I totally understand not wanting to sell fish to certain customers but I almost immediately let experienced fish keepers get whatever they want. They know their stuff! I'd rather them buy out the store than keep the fish at the store.

[@zalex2357]

same here!!

[@emelinecuadrado7282]

Work at Petsmart now and I always ask questions before I serve fish because some people come in and don't know what they're doing or don't care so we always make sure its wrokable. But if someone has a nice sized tank I don't ask any further. 🤷‍♀️ Most pet store workers don't know what they're doing.

[@cynthiaruth379]

You are the perfect one for me to ask this question.. I went to Pet Smart today to go buy some fish and I decided I just wanted to buy a pair of small koi fish. I did not realize that there would be an issue when the sales person told me that I could not buy them unless I had a pond or a super huge tank. When I complained to mgmt, they repeated the same. It would have saved me trouble if "The policy" was "posted up front" by the fish. Instead, I left feeling like they considered me a "fish abuser". I left unsatisfied and offended. A fish is not like a dog or a cat. I can understand the concern in that regard but c'mon..a fish?? I guess I am hoping to better understand why this policy is warranted. Thankyou.

[@cheesefriday]

Cynthia Ruth I personally view fish as the same as dogs and cats. They can suffer in conditions unfit for them. A koi fish would really need a pond or a huge tank. Or they’ll slowly die in their own waste or from ammonia poisoning. They might be small when you buy them, but they can get up to 2-3 feet long and live for 50 years. I think fish keeping is an advanced hobby that requires a large amount of investment both financially and time. I know the policy isn’t posted up and not every employee will refuse you for those reasons. But it’s important to do thorough research whenever you decide to take care of another living creature. You are their advocate and it’s up to you to give them the best life you can. But not everyone can and there are always alternative kinds of pets that can fit your lifestyle better. I’m sorry if this isn’t what you wanted to hear but to me, fish aren’t just fish. They’re friends and creatures that experience pain and joy. Even if it’s not on the same level as a dog or cat might experience.

[@samdolan2803]

@@cynthiaruth379 You should be ashamed of yourself. I am very proud of the way the Petsmart employees handled the situation. I have many koi and care for them more than my cats and dog.

[@Kisharha]

When I worked for Petsmart, the reason we were given for limiting a customer's purchase was due to the bacterial overload that can happen in tanks that are not yet established. I would always advise the advanced customers if they were kinda pushing it, but the only people I ever had to refuse fish to were the type of people who wanted to put 20 tetra's in a half gallon goldfish bowl or people who thought mixing mollies and cichlids was a good idea. And I had to deny a guy a guinea pig once after he asked me how many of them would it take to feed his snake (we had a strict no live feeder policy), but for your situation we would not have denied you. We were always given discretion on that, though. I sorta feel like this person just didn't want to catch you that many fish.

[@lanimcabee]

I use to work at petco as an aquatic specialist and I have never heard of this rule but I will say I didn't like working there because of the way they treated their animals. I did what I could but it was usually against their policy or something. Petco isn't a good place.

[@herohour6496]

don't lie. I work at PetCo and I know what up. Don't lie.

[@samuelponce1]

@@herohour6496 you still agree with your past self ???

[@fabianrios1728]

After 8 fish the employee is exhausted.

[@madcat61207]

I'd be like: "So, you're telling me, it's your policy at Petco not to sell 'pets', interesting business model, .....

[@cbahl1131]

but you can have a betta in a 1/2 gal tank no problem

[@Hbdjk552]

Nope poor fishes they stay still the whole time

[@sandytmobile4467]

We live in Grants Pass Oregon and have had problems with PETCO on fish. They heat cold fish so they go into shock they say there aplyed them bad fish oh must be every week. They pick and choose who they sale to we have found being we have talked to people who bought fish that wernt for sale. And the best part have to wait for a management to come into town to ask o ok when will that be we even asked for a call back. I can see this company is being driven down by employs and if the owners keep it up they will be closing there doors. I no longer will shop there and have asked the same of my family for I'm wheelchair and to be going into a store we're it's not for sale then pull it and put it in the back.

[@ap7208]

@@Hbdjk552 i have my betta in half gallon rn, hes doing great and hes very active

[@Hbdjk552]

@@ap7208 good as long as the fish is happy is all that matters

[@Honorhhhb]

I’m 4 years too late, but Betta fish need a lot of space 15+ gallons

[@Mr102405]

It always makes sense to have a store that sells merchandise but refuse to sell anything

[@marcosartwerkz4912]

I'm a Petco Manager and I always "recommend " not exceeding 10% of max capacity, but never enforce a limit, it's always the customers choice, I just try "recommend " the best options

[@Toneloke-3000]

There's been many times I've been to pet stores and I know more than the employees running the department. If someone tells you they have multiple tanks or a 55 gallon or bigger tank you should just sell them whatever they want.

[@madcat61207]

@@Toneloke-3000 I know, right!? It's always so awkward when they ask very sternly, "well, now how big's your tank???" (As if you're like 3 years old) and you're like , "well, uh, Which One!?" Like well, first they're going into the 20 gallon quarantine, and then they will each be allocated to their different homes respectively." And they're like, "How many tanks do you have!? " And your like "a few(none of your business)". I recently purchased 5 blonde zebra Danios and the chicky was like, "Well, How big's your tank!?" incredulously. I was like "mmm55", and she stfu. For 5 Danios, geez...🙄

[@DanielJuarez-ql8py]

What is the capacity limit? If you have a 100 gallons tank with poor filtration and a 75 gallons with top of the line filtration all systems are different how you calculate the capacity? 50 neon tetras is no the same as two oscars

[@samdolan2803]

The employees of these places know nothing. This one lady wouldn’t sell me 4 angels that I was going to grow out in a 29 before I moved them to my 75. And the worst part is how they think they know more than you.

[@MrT1-b5f]

no wonder they're closing up shops in some cities.

[@Mya8D]

Wtf petco. They will sell 5 common goldfish to put in a bowl but not a few zebra danios for a 600 gallon heated pond. They honesty lack all common sense.

[@rebeccawallent]

I literally watched a lady walk out with like 6 goldfish and a 5 gallon tank. Like seriously?? She was like "I just want a simple fish for my kids, they'll end up killing it anyways" and she still got the fish! But I couldn't get 3 guppies?? Like seriously

[@MarksShrimpTanks]

Seems ridiculous ,maybe they think you are reselling the fish ?

[@skipcharlie]

I work for one of these big box Pet stores. Here's why this happened. Every week we have dozens and dozens of customers coming in buying fish, doing all kinds of crazy things with them, killing them, asking for refunds or new fish to abuse. Sometimes it's the same people over and over again. Many times it's hard to tell the difference between an experienced fish keeper with a novice who wants to cram 40 fish in an uncycled 10 gallon tank. This is especially true if youre not very well experienced. The people you talked too probably weren't fish keepers and didn't know whether or not the fish could survive.

[@arielpimentel4361]

Ten Bennyson man if you running a business the goal is to sell who cares what happens to the fish on a business prospective, you are running a business here

[@tylers2102]

If they're making money why do they care?!

[@jade.6588]

Tyler S They choose to kill the fish themselves.

[@AaronsStudio]

The biggest problem with the employees at Petco is they think they're "experts". I think they mean well, but when they start in with the questioning I get really pissed especially if it's some 16 year old kid doing the questioning.

[@000014161]

My husband and I just had this issue at Petco in Brighton MA. The fish police there said he wouldn't sell my husband 5 fish he said he would only sell us 1. He said our 50 gallon tank was only big enough for 1 fish and that these types of fish aren't meant to live together in groups (parots fish) but you have over 20 fish in a tank . We already have the same size tank with 5 fish that we brought from this same location from a young lady, almost 9 months ago and they are doing fine, we have had fish for over 30+years and this was amusing when he said "I'm not going to sell you more than1" and the Manager said they have the right not to sell us any fish if "they " think we're not suited? I will spend my money somewhere else.

[@aidanarmas2667]

Why would they discourage the selling of their product....?

[@josephryan6464]

you should of gone to a fish store small business

[@m.n.9496]

Petsmart did that to me too. The girl working the fish section didn't believe that I had a 75gal. I was shocked and pissssssed.she literally told me she wouldn't sell to me and refused to let me talk to a manager

[@garoul17]

It was never that way when I worked at Petco. You could buy some of the little feeders by the dozen. We still inquire about the tank and what not but unless it's OBVIOUSLY going to be detrimental to the animals health via space requirements, there was never any number limit.

[@silvercat18]

Clearly petco thinks money is a bad thing.

[@madcat61207]

How big is your tank? Oh, just 600 gallons... 🙄

[@piratelife101]

I was shopping at a petco and I had to prove that I have a 90 gallon tank in order to buy 2 angelfish. On top of that, I had to also prove that I didn't have any other fish in there tank. She said it was store policy to make sure it wasn't being over crowded.

[@paducahFishFan]

There are two 'chains' that come to mind and the problem I have with them is NOBODY there is 'allowed' to think. I let my 120 sit for three weeks while the filters kicked in and the live plants grew out. I bought over $100 of fish from them and they actually made fun of me. They sort of implied that I would be back with dead ones soon. Then I told them I had 120 gallon tank and it would have no issues and I didn't see me bringing any fish back. A year later I wanted to change some of my stock and I could NOT TAKE any back for trade. They're NOT allowed to take back perfectly healthy fish. If you check my channel, I took my rainbows (three years old) to a Pet Supplies and the guy was SUPER thankful and gave me store credit for other things. He also called a customer who loved rainbows and she brought them on the spot. It's a win-win when folks have 'ownership' and can actually 'make decisions'. I basically go to them for frozen food and a few other items. The 'speciality store' in my city has SEVERAL fish that folks bring back to them because when they buy the cute little place they had no idea it would get 2 feet long. I hate how those chains sell folks the 'cute little Oscars'. :-( So annoying. I also wish 'new folks' to the hobby would get treated better by these shops on filters and water changes. If you don't do those correctly you will hate the hobby. Sorry Jake, my guess is they were worried you were going to start selling fish and put them out of business. ;-)

[@babydonnaP]

Here in the UK the majority of pet stores won't sell anyone more than 6 due to adding a lot of fish at once upsets and alters the water parameters which could lead to a huge ammonia spike.. Doesn't matter how big your tank/pond is or how many LPH your filters are, it will still alter the parameters....

[@lordsebby]

I was at petco in Gastonia, NC and they gladly scooped me upwards up twenty very specific fish and shrimp without a complaint and even helped me pick out a few more.

[@suneagle123]

I have gotten a few fish from Petco and PetSmart and 25% of my fish die after a day and I did everything you need to do like acclimate the fish and stuff. What are the tips and tricks to save them.

[@intelligentcounterspell16]

dont buy from there

[@Karlaevox]

I thought it was just me. 3 of my fish have died.

[@intelligentcounterspell16]

@@Karlaevox they might use only ro water and when u take ur fish home they have never touched tap water and it kills them. we have a place here in davenport ia that does that

[@1dilligaf]

I had the same thing. I bought fish at Petsmart and and fish from my local pet store the same trip came home put them in the tank all the ones from pet smart died the ones from the pet store are thriving

[@camoeco3680]

One thing you can do if you buy from them is watch how how they swim. Sometimes the fish will kind of wiggle when they swim. Definitely do not buy them if they wiggle like that.

[@strayargus9382]

Yep they did the same to me and I gave them some serious attitudes and I got my fish 😂. I only needed 10 neon tetras for my planted 20 gallon tank I just setup 3 weeks ago.

[@KillerartRC123]

That seems to be an ongoing issue with PetSmart and Petco because I ran into the same issue not too long ago

[@WesleyAPEX]

Yay... the infamous question... how big is your tank? This must be a California thing with all of their environmental laws... ridiculous

[@matthewzachow7380]

WesleyAPEX its actually all over the country that any fish store says.

[@omegachar4754]

I always reply with "which one?", that usually shuts them up lol.

[@cmtz2098]

Think of it as a positive keeping kids from buying a koi to put in a bowl

[@OhKeeff]

just to play devil's advocate, i work in this industry and occasionally you do get people that will lie about this sort of thing just so they can buy a ton of fish for their tiny tank then complain that all their fish are dead and want a refund. but to be fair, the fact that even a manager couldn't help you if appalling.

[@AshleyArvidsson]

PetCo in Hawaii sucks too. It's almost impossible to find a worker who gives a damn about helping someone get fish, and there was this guy being annoying as hell asking me tons of questions about if I cycled my tank, or how many fish will be in my tank, do I know proper feeding. I was just like STFU and sell me a damn fish you hipster trash. Anyone that goes to the Kaneohe one knows who I'm talking about.

[@salemelliot9489]

Petco is the best big retail store to shop at, for anything but Fish. In my experience

[@mandiebonez]

I personally will never go to Petco for any fish ever again! I went about a year ago, I wanted one bala shark, the lady asked me what size tank I had and I told her I had a 30 gallon, she refused to sell me the fish, I just turned around and walked out, they lost a customer!

[@dorismalloy8862]

We are putting in a koi pond within a month. We have bought small kois to let them grow bigger before the outside pond. They refused to sell us the small koi because we only have a 20 gallon aquarium. We won't go back

[@mandymoore5774]

I love how they insist on asking what size tank buyers have. I’ll say I’ve got a 75 gallon when I have a 55 so they just stfu!

[@elliebeuscher5210]

I like the way the whole situation was presented because it was all very respectful. I wasn’t over dramatic. We need more videos like this.

[@jsipes66]

I just had a bad fish buying experience at Petco today. I will never, ever do business with them again.

[@phantomkrel2374]

You probably should of took a photo of the pond and showed it to the Petco associate and they may of let you buy more. 8 fish would be a lot of bioload stress on small systems. I applaud that associate odds are they care for the livestock and provide the best conditions any Petco could

[@amandawitherspoon5225]

I had to tell my children this too, don't chew gum while you are talking. My sister had a bad experience at Petsmart. They wouldn't sell her live mice for her snakes. They claim that they have decided it's not humane. And as far as getting enough fish, buy 8 and put them in your vehicle. Then go back in and get some more. This works, I have had to do this.

[@michaellvest]

Been to the very same store and I was also told by a lady that I couldn't get 5 goldfish for a 70-80 gallon tank

[@josiahpotter4173]

I buy way more fish than that in my local Petco in Casper Wyoming and they don't care

[@reziik6904]

Why is there no snow? ~A concerned Canadian.

[@ArmednotTriggered]

He lives in California. I live in Florida. January 11th and it's 80° outside right now.

[@anselb2000]

I ran into this at Petco in Cape Girardeau. On top of that, they put up sale signs, but when you check out the prices are different, that is, if you can ever find someone to wait on you!

[@wolfprincess728]

I worked at Petco (two different stores) for a year and a half and this is one of those things that is NOT the norm. The only time I've ever told a customer no was when they wanted to put a bunch of goldfish in a bowl or small tank, or a bunch of schooling fish with cichlids. But in the same breath I would recommend what would be better. I would have asked to speak directly to said manager. The young girl/lady shouldn't be fired, she should be educated. Technically, "partners" as employees are now called, are not allowed to deny fish or a live animal to a customer, unless you seriously have reason to believe they will not be cared for. We had a customer who repeatedly bought fish, they died, returned them, etc. It got to the point that we would not sell them fish. Point being, this is not company policy. Sometimes certain stores may have more problems with people returning dead fish over and over because they won't listen. What she did was wrong. If I had been the associate to help you that day, I'd ask to see pictures of the pond, ask a bunch of questions (because I loved hearing about customers tanks/ponds!), all while getting you the desired fish. A 600g pond is plenty for what you were looking to get. I would give the store the benefit of the doubt once you speak to THE store manager, not just any manager. Has anything come of Matthew Savely contacting the District Manager?

[@Kayla4bama]

I have a 55 gallon aquarium and I have bought about 20 fish at a time at my local Petco. I think that particular Petco is persnickety. You don't have to give up on the whole chain. :)

[@CrazyAquariumGuy]

I think they knew who you are, and are afraid that you are going to do a video about the quality of the fish! 😃

[@jordaxx2319]

i went to petco and they wouldnt sell me male and female guppies together.... like i have a 75 gallon tank and wanted a trio of guppies to populate it and start a like mix breed guppy colony (for personal not commercial use btw), but they wouldnt sell me males and females in the same purchase, i was like uhhhhh ok i will go to another store then haha

[@evmac]

i hate the vibe at petco and places like that. im lucky we still have a little one of a kind aquarium fish shop in my city

[@mikeseymore2548]

That's my motto! "grab some lunch grab, some fish" lmao.

[@PatLund]

For me the lunch and the fish are the same thing lol.

[@somebodyelse9696]

I don't support purchasing livestock from either petco or petsmart.

[@duncandonuts5268]

Why is this bad? It seems to me like they are just trying to make sure other people can get some as well.

[@letsgrowtogether1215]

That's the service you get for the convenience of these corporate chains. All the time I always think how poor the retail industry is becoming. Just like your business, keep up great customer service and people will come.

[@franchesdun]

It happened to me in Central Florida! This very young sales person said we can only sell you six at a time because more than that they could die. I said I will go to Fishy Business in Longwood, Florida and have been going there for years!!!! Sorry my money is green!!

[@xSean145]

Sounds absurd, what was the reason? Why is the limit 8 fish?

[@BradBrother]

Came to this video because I just had the worst return experience at Petco. I will never buy fish from them again

[@Blooberries123-x8r]

Haven’t ran into this problem. However, I have run into this other problem so much. The fish I buy, all get ich. No joke, they all get it. I didn’t even bring them in the car and noticed they were covered with white spots.

[@comment.highlighted]

8 Fish limit? Sounds like Bullsh!t to me 🤷‍♂️

[@ralphtom3431]

Maybe its to deter other people selling 🐟 like its illegal for restaurants to buy up meat on sale at grocery stores

[@TheLingrush]

No doubt I have heard this as well. I just kept going back in...they were not happy. Know your role!!

[@loriemahon1354]

I had a petco run in as well with buying plants. They guy was put out that he had to come back to the plants because he had “dog” customers waiting. He threw my plants in a bag with no water with the plants hanging out the top. I had to go ask the front cashier if I could get some water in the bag and get a bigger bag so I could tie it off. It was ridiculous. I don’t shop there anymore either.

[@alexandramoulton5999]

I actually work for Petco near Chicago. I will tell you it's actually not a policy to limit the amount of fish so I'm not sure where that came from. Near me, we only ask the size of the tank and how many fish are already in it already for the purpose of making sure the tank doesn't become overcrowded.

[@yehoshuacirt8645]

Well, I live in Israel and I've no experience with this reality. But I guess it's to keep inventory in the store for the benefit for other customers.

[@anthonym6202]

I just got told at the fish store petco that they might refuse to sell me fish because I called and told them that yeasterday I bought a two neon tetras and they basically died on my way home, I called them told if it’s possible if I can get a replacement and than the manger tells me I hope it doesn’t happen to you again because I might refuse to sell you fish. I literally bought two other fish the day before which were one Cory and red valvet swordtail and their both ok but for the manger to say that to me made me feel very uncomfortable and I honestly felt bad and I was honestly about to just walk out. Will never go back again. Kinda sad because I go to this petco because it’s closer to my job but now for what the manger said I’ll never go back.

[@lakegunner23]

lol bro screw petco! We all know you can handle them!

[@anniejefferson7614]

OMG Petco wouldn't sell son fish cuz he was was going to quarantine it. Omfg. I got ahold of corporate.

[@HonoluluTita]

Petco has to limit the number of fish they sell because their associates kill so many they can't keep up with the demand for live fish.

[@SemicolonExpected]

What if someone wanted to buy 20 neon tetras for their 55G? Since they carry schooling fish that's a weird limit. I get a lot of fish for a smaller tank, but a 600 gallon can stock so much

[@roland6357]

I agree with Mr Charles Dill. I have been in Aquatics for quite a long time. And I dislike being drilled by a seventeen year-old that is a little on the "smarty, know it all side." There is a way to do it, and I feel it is a lack of training if they mess up a sale. It is their job to sell pet products.

[@eus105611]

I would rather see this than a store that’s willing to sell a red tail cat to someone with a 55 gallon tank. But still, this WAS ridiculous. Common sense is a lost art.

[@o0Sp3cia1K0o]

buyers cant buy fish, company dont make money and employees dont get profit sharing....petco should sack this manager.

[@worldprocurement]

Petco in Ellicott City, Maryland would not sell me three fish and was very ignorant. I contacted several Corporate Execs and they are NOT customer friendly, nor do they care!

[@itsfish8672]

jacob u saved money when going to that petco walk in with cash walk out with your cash better then a bank lol

[@deionapendleton9687]

I just went to petco and the guy asked me what size tank I have. Then told me they couldn't give me all the fish I wanted. The "limit" was four. So stupid

[@sillysquid69erify]

Do u understand that people lie? They can't exactly take people at their word everytime

[@JoeWilliamson-nv9no]

I have bought 25 fish from petco before...i never heard of that...the least i ever bought was 10...

[@bondsaquarium6539]

I've never had a good experience with petco, Usually their prices are absurdly high compared to petsmart and The fish crew (a local fish store in my area). Because of their prices, I dont go often but the 1 time I did they refused to sell me any cherry shrimp for my 65 gallon tank without giving me a reason

[@daveywaves5325]

What do you expect from employees that have no sense?

[@superfish4452]

Petco's and Petsmart's quality of store is based on their location. At a busy street near me, the Petco is amazing (well as good as a chain store can be) whereas the one on the other side of town is kind of like a dump. Same with Petsmarts.

[@py4834]

I try to buy a goldfish for my son and the store manager refuse to sell one to us. After stating that we have a tank and a water filtering system!

[@tylynnorthup4713]

I've had terrible experiences at both petco and petsmart. Petco, I've not had anything live for longer than a couple of weeks (90 gallon tank, have only purchased small community fish) And petsmart refused to sell me more than 3 fish and voided my warranty on fish because I was putting neon tetras in the same tank as my male halfmoon betta. My betta isn't aggressive towards small fish, only fish his size or larger. They said "betta are known to be aggressive and we can't honor our warranty if you put the fish in a tank with aggressive fish" I honestly just laughed. I now only go to my local small business fish store or shop online.

[@YING7777]

a petsmart did this to me last year. a couple months went by and i went there again. then they stop. a petco told me that if im going to feed my fish to another fish then they cant sell it to me.

[@CandiceJoergan]

Just have to send somebody else in the store and you both could buy 16 fish. It's that simple.

[@InfinityPets]

That's weird I just got 15 fish at petco today because the neon tetras 15 for $15

[@yyacobb]

But that have like 50 feeder goldfish in a 20 gallon tank

[@Unbox_that]

i worked retail for a long time- in grocery, not aquariums/pets, but I think a similar idea might apply. If a regular customer wanted to by a whole pallet of product from me for private use or a fundraiser- I could sell it with no issues, so long as they called in advance so the entire store didn't run out... but if a business owner wanted to purchase even less than half that for their business, I wouldn't have been allowed to sell it. the reason being that my store isn't paying for someone to write orders, move and stock the product, using our negotiated buying contracts and contacts, etc to further the other guys business. I have a sneaking suspicion that it has more to do with them not wanting to either sell to their competition or "do the work for you". That doesn't make it right, but it happens all the time.

[@fistinyourface78]

Every time I get fish for my turtles they always ask me is it for bait? What does it matter

[@pa.fishpreacher6166]

I have had that happen in Pa. They usually ask what tank they are going in

[@zanegreay7157]

Interesting because in my town it's the other way around. PetSmart has all kinds rules and restrictions for buying fish but Petco asks some questions and then you can buy them out if you want and they feel your up to take care of them

[@cameronlacroix5893]

People be like I’m buying a Betta.. how big is my tank you may ask? 100 gallons too small!!! LMAO

[@Toneloke-3000]

Next time tell him you have multiple tanks will be no question👍

[@TheHestya]

A lot of pet shops have limits. And if there is one, there is really nothing you can do about it. They have no way of knowing what you're buying them for. And that works for all animals. I understand it seems silly to you, but imagine if it was dogs. You can't just buy 30 dogs. Here in UK pet shops actually follow up how the animals are doing at your care. And if you want to buy fish for your tank, you can buy the limit and in a certain amount of time if they are doing well you can buy more if the tank is big enough. Maybe that's really not a thing in USA and so I understand it seems strange, but I personally really support that sort of system. You never know who could be a psychopath buying animals to torture and kill them.

[@Heavy_Meadow]

I agree. I work in a pet store and people who have never worked with animals don't seem to understand this. I jump through hoops and work my butt off for these animals, fish included, and all I want is to make sure they are going to good homes. It's not about profit at all to me. The animals come first.