Reviews of Critter Cove (Fish Shop)

Ben Peltz

Friendly staff and can't beat the amazing selection of pets!

Dan Sanders

Good selection, knowledgeable friendly staff.

Wolfgang King

Was personally attacked (verbally) by the owner today after making several complaints about the livestock and the rude staff. I tried to talk to him civilly while he only replying telling me to grow up, telling me that we are liars and are ignorant and that we aren't very intelligent. I don't think he quite understand what ignorant means to be honest, because he is being ignorant. I don't recommend this store to anybody with a love for animals. Thankfully things changed in the store only AFTER I complained to the SPCA. Which is good but why did it have to come down to this? The owner has told me that I can talk to them about anything valid or invalid so that they can "educate me" but clearly this is not possibly because I don't really enjoy being talked down to from such a ignorant, foolish man.

G L

Not impressed. Poor customer service. Bought a collar for my dog. After purchase collar package states not for outside use. Didn't know this asked if I could return it because my dog is 57lbs. They said no non refundable after purchase. I did not leave the store. Not going back EVER. (After owners reply) ... First thing I stood there for approximately 10 minutes or longer looking at the collars and not one person came from behind the counter to help me or ask me if I need help with anything. Second, I asked the employee if there was a warrenty on the collars (after purchase) and she stated no. After purchase, the employee stated it was not for outside use. After that was said, I asked to return it and the employee said it was non refundable. The biggest factor in all this was I had never left the store and if the offer now is being made to bring the collar back then why wasn't it offered when I was still in the store and never left after purchase. All the employee said was it was non refundable. So I left very unhappy. I will not return to this store.

Doug Gullett

I feel like I've given this place A bad wrap I get most my aquarium supplies here and the staff is fairly friendly I do not like the sight of the rotting fish in tanks but still enjoy coming here I appreciate your co operation and plan to still buy my aquarium supplies here. please ignore my last review witch was obviously ignorant of me to post. In my last review I focused to much on trying to make my point clear when I just made it worse. I do recommend buying your aquarium supplies here. I have gotten amazing customer service and have had promising tips from the staff.

Captain Badabingbing

I think it’s a great place to get supplies but by chance are you hiring

Brent 77

Got a few fish from here and they are doing fairly well. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Feel free to ask any questions and they were very helpful in letting us know which fish are good to keep with eachother. The prices were competitive. They have a large selection of fish and animals definitely a good spot to kill an hour just having a look around and a very large selection of food for all types of animals.

Suleiman Sepala

Excellent and friendly working area.

Heart H

I purchased a Betta fish there so it is a regular stop for me buying all the fish toys ????. Great store, great staff.

Leo Scanlin

I accidentally left a review for the wrong company a few days ago but can't go back and change it. Please disregard. Leo

Brad Wismayer (Brad in the Bush)

Great easy access to lizard foods and fish supplies with friendly and helpful staff.

Martin Jirgenson

Beautiful Pet Store. Friendly and professional staff. Thanks!

The Grumpy Traveler

Great store for all of your pet needs. Fantastic array of dog treats and "animal based chews". Pet owners can also obtain their dog licenses at this location. Always lots of parking and easily accessible.

Chelsea Arr

Really great place with knowledgeable staff. They have always been super helpful with all my little questions and can always point me in the right direction. The curbside pickup is really great as well. It's really nice to see businesses taking things seriously and doing their part to fight COVID.

Jeff M

Very friendly and helpful staff when I was there. Nice price for a colorful betta fish. Enough selection I'm sure you'll find any necessity.

James VanAlstine

Drove 10 minutes to get there. There were at least 2 staff present who did not appear to be occupied with customers. I told them I was interested in looking at fish. They said they didn't do fish on Sunday (and one other day. I can't remember which) They said this was a staffing issue. I was prepared to get fish, a heater and oxygen stone. Very disappointing. Would like to support a local business, but if that's their business model (refusing to sell a product in stock) then I have no choice but to go to Big Al's in Barre.

Jessica Scott

Great staff ! :)

Spencer

I asked if it was OK if I came in the store without out a mask on to get some fish food, because I've had 2 surgerys on my nose and I can't breath properly. The owner Greg introduced himself and raised his fist and threatened me with a third surgery if I didn't go away! What is wrong with people?

Lee Londry

Can not return anything and all most got in fite with owner and the staff was unhelpful and way over priced

J Oli

Friendly staff, my kids love all the animals and they have a large selection of food for animals.

Jay “Lexamatick 6000” Shearer

Pretty wide varity and reliable for cheap

Chin Chinchilly

Some of their prices are really good! Lots of selection.

Randy Baker

I first started shopping at Critter Cove when it was a tiny store on Barrie Road many years ago. My son and I continue to frequent Critter Cove several times a month for aquarium and other critter supplies. Any furry four legged creatures we have bought from Critter Cove over the years have always been clean and healthy. While some staff are friendlier than others, I have never had any problems with anyone on their staff, nor have I seen anyone in the store having problems with the staff. What problems I have seen are customers asking for help when the staff member is already in the process of serving a customer. I have never seen a staff member be unkind in any way to the customer in those circumstances. In terms of pricing and product selection, their prices are very competitive. I no longer drive down to the big stores in Toronto. For a store of their size, their selection is good, and they are willing to order in products if they don't have it in stock. I was surprised the other week when I went in looking and hoping for replacement parts for an old filter my son was given, and they had all the parts on the shelf with one exception, but it was brought out from the back. The parts were slightly less than the big online store I had sourced the part numbers from. In terms of cleanliness and health of the fish/animals, a couple of years ago I did buy a couple of fish that ended up introducing a disease into my aquarium. I can't fault the staff for that as I have had aquariums for more than a couple of decades and I didn't see any problems at the time of purchase. I have had the same issue with other stores over the years as well, but the total number of incidents from all stores combined is extremely low. What I have seen in the store is one or more aquariums with one or more dead fish in the tank. They could do a better job at removing the dead fish through the day, but I have seen higher rates of mortalities in the larger stores south of Orillia. In terms of mortality rates of fish after the sale, those events are extremely rare in my experience regardless of what store I purchased my fish stock through. I can only recall one time in recent years where there was a mortality within the "warranty" period, and getting the replacement fish was quick and easy. In terms of the creepy crawling things in the back of the store, that is not an area I have much experience. But when I have been in the back looking at them, I have never seen anything that caused me to think that any animal was not being looked after or that there were any health issues. One change I would really like to see with Critter Cove is longer hours on Friday nights. Their weekday hours make it a bit tight by time I get back to Orillia in the afternoon, so most of my shopping is on Saturdays. All in all, there is always room for improvement in anything, and Critter Cove is no exception. I have no concerns that would cause me to not be a frequent repeat customer.

Derek Thomson

always friendly and that's all that matters to me..

Emily & Andy

Poor fish...

Stacy Cote

Good prices and selection my main go to fish supply place in Orillia

Andrew Gardner (Able Archer)

Always friendly service

Shannon Sanders

Great store

Sean Patterson - Dyce

Friendly and helpful staff, I go here basically every week for any pet supplies

Pensgaming

Great store! nice staff

Stephane Marceau

good price fast delivery

L W

Awesome staff. They were extremely helpful and stuck with me through setting up my new aquarium and cycling it (yes, that dreaded ammonia/nitrite/nitrate thingy). Took me several months. I thought it was my fault and not being knowledgeable enough. The staff educated me, encouraging me every step of the way. We celebrated when the tank finally cycled and big grins for all. Friendliest staff I have ever had the pleasure to deal with. I highly recommend Critter Cove in Orillia.

Grace Parkes

Very friendly staff helped my husband and I find a suitable pet for our schedule/lifestyle. Any and every question was answered thoroughly and with patience! Prices and selection are really good in comparison to other local pet shops, and all of the animals look well taken care of and happy! Will continue to shop here!

Harleigh Hesse

Great store. Always friendly staff. Lots of items. Healthy animals

Casey Terry

Lots of diversity in stock and friendly people.

Georgie Foran

Every thing I need here for my hounds

firedancerforhim

Okay but not great prices anymore

Emily Whittaker

Beat pet store in Orillia! Workers are super helpful!

Todd Tackerson

Stuff was helpful and friendly. Lots of selection in there. See ya again soon Critter Cove.

MrVelma

great fishes selection could be cheaper

Nicole Kasurak

Staff are always friendly and helpful

Bruce Middleton

Friendly and helpful staff with an excellent knowledge of their products

Fireside Inc.

These guys are great. We have a fish tank in our office and come here to get fish and fish supplies. Very helpful staff, not overbearing. They have a good selection for Orillia and you can sometimes find some unique fish. They have lots of other rodents as well who are cared for nicely.

Sam Bruner

Definitely stay away, very rude and inattentive staff members.. not to mention only selling fish on Tuesday / Thursday when the place empty majority of time. Do not shop here go to Pet Value or Barrie.

Ben R

Knowledgeable staff and plenty of inventory. Definitely will be back

Jude Williams

Most, if not all of the animals are kept in poor or par conditions. Every time I go in I feel awful for the animals :( Most of the male staff are decently friendly, but the woman there (I believe the owner) acts like everything is a chore and such a hassle to serve you. She's not very respectful and often gives off bad vibes. I really miss J&K Pets downtown, but they have closed down. They TRULY cared about the health and well being of they're animals. And even Global Pet Foods has amazing service but unfortunately no live stock. I do not recommend anybody to go to this store. If you know quite a bit about animals then you can clearly see the poor conditions they are kept in. Bring your business elsewhere. RE: The only stars given that are high, are about the fish. Clearly I am not the only one nor the first to notice about the other animals. I am always friendly when I go in. I have subjected to responding the way I am treated from the staff. What a poor passive-aggressive answer. Our animals recently bought already have signs of poor diet and health and most likely need to see a vet. Claiming the SPCA hasn't found a problem with your livestock isn't a valid excuse. They are busy and aren't in there inspecting constantly. Again, my business will be taken elsewhere. RE:RE I was at group tonight and EVERY. SINGLE. PERSON. Agreed that your staff are all nasty and the animals are VERY ill taken care of. I heard from two people that your frogs were all DEAD and floating at the top when they went in each time. They also said it felt like you stalked and watched them everywhere they went. Our balding rats and their white teeth wouldn't happen by walking them home. It's from stress and poor diet. And there are more health issues. You wanna educated me? Maybe you should go school first :/ And you don't know me personally. What's my favourite colour? How many animals do I have? What brands of cat food do I buy constantly? That's what I thought. Keep blaming customers. Your doing great. EDIT: Also the brand of food you feed them doesn't even MAKE rat food. Are you guys feeding them hamster/rabbit food?!?! Holy crap, pay the extra and feed them rat food ALONG WITH DAILY SERVINGS OF VEGETABLES, FRUITS AND GRAINS. A standard bag of RAT food is not enough. If you'd like I'd be more then happy to come over and educate YOU. And YOU RECOMMENED it would be safe to walk the rats up the street to my house? All you guys have to do is apologize, take my concerns and others concerns into consideration and be nice about it, I don't know why it's such struggle for you? :/ This is bad way to run a business guys.. Come on. I just care about the animals well being and the way me and my partner are treated. I can't understand WHY you reply so rude and only blame the customers?? I'm 21. I shouldn't be telling ADULTS how to run a business and take care of animals when it's your job :/

Section 8 Comercial Free Music

This is a great store for all your pet needs.

Erin Dee

Probably one of the best stores for aquarium stuff in orillia. They have other animals as well and a good assortment of stuff. Prices are a bit high for some things but mostly reasonable.

Cookies_Coffee

Depends on who's working. Some staff are very friendly

Joe Mcleod

Great place love the critters and the 9wner was very helpful ..

Jennifer Ladouceur

I have been going for years here and have gotten lots of stuff and if I've never ever had a problem they always help fix it

Karma Sucks

My two Sons and I paid the Critter Cove a visit twice in less than a week , so granted it being so close to closing I chalked up the lack of interest in a family of three that couldn't be any more obnoxious on wanting to bond with and get to know more about the little ferret that was featured on the octagonal shaped glass aquarium two feet away from the staff. So because we were being ignored I made the first ditch attempt on wanting to know more about the lil guy as far as the sex goes , so I asked the kady is the ferret male or female she rudely says IDK but doesn't ask anyone else standing there i had to sy oh u don't know if its Male or female? So the one guy could hear he didn't know so he checked its F then i asked its age i guess Four months he said ya around there. Ok so we held her and i even said for my son to hold her if your wanting one for your Birthday so we did that and left we said bye and thank you ...and nobody said a word back. Like what a way to make my kids feel like there manners needs no acknowledgment when the adults don't recognize there own...Now today was day two of going in to see ferret and inquire also my son inquired well before she gave me the news and they never replied. I see they reply on here when it means any ill feeling toward there business but not reply to just an innocent question..... you see we go back in today take videos of the ferret we're thinking of names were asking flauto if they got cages for ferrets their everything not yet anybody telling us anything about the ferret being sold it doesn't say that on the cage or the aquarium but it says it on all the other aquariums of animals that have been sold I asked her if it was a possibility that he'd still be there if I were the 20th and she said no because it's salt me not to use it for that she had no clue what it was a male or a female her how old was how did you know to tell the person that bought it so my son went on that night after looking at him the first time thinking he was still available because there was no indication that he was sold and did all kinds of research on taking care of a ferret property aging my dad all the ins and outs making sure there is a Baton Rouge that takes care of ferrets he's very smart before getting an animal he wants to educate himself as best as possible he did all that and he was very excited he saw it on the floor for an hour Bonding with that ferret not one day but to how could they not know that we showed any interest at all did they just look down on us thinking that we had nothing better to do but hang on in there pet store is that why they never talk to us is that why they never asked how you're doing if we needed any help I'm feeling that we got discriminated I'm feeling like they don't even have that ferret sold it's too bad because my son takes pride in caring anything that he has and he's been wanting to cut for a very long time has been doing a lot of research on what fixed rate this personality first one he laid his eyes on he wanted you don't care about price didn't save this money everything but you know we'll go back to where we always got the best service the staff are young and hip. Dave's pet store on Main Street they instantly focus on the children if they want to hold an animal they want to pet an animal information any animals but they have in there are also aware of you coming in and leaving the hear you say goodbye thank you and you feel welcome when you're there and you feel content when you leave

V Snache

Knowledgeable staff

Tanya Robertson

Well you can get pet food at an ok price and the pet selection is hit or miss and prices could use an adjustment. Some staff are friendly

Jen Fisher

The staff at critter cove are super knowledgeable and are very helpful. They have spent tireless hours helping me with my tank. Provided solutions and services which aren't normally offered while I fixed and recirculated my tank to ensure my fish stayed happy, healthy and unharmed. 100% recommend these guys for all of your pets needs. Top notch professionalism, top notch compassion, top notch service. If you are used to having subpar experiences and want to continue below adequate service then dont come here...this place is for those seeking the greatest! ????????

Melissa Y.

I dont recommend buying pets here as every pet I have got here has been sick and died even years later when I tried to give it another shot , bought elsewhere and no issues. But they're pretty good for pricing on supplies, definitely a great place to shop for pet food and accessories. Stuff is friendly and helpful when searching for a product. Just a note, check fish tanks daily, last time I visited there was dead fish in almost all the tanks (more than one in each tank)

Silvi E

Lots of goodies for your furry and feathered friends. Good selection at reasonable prices

Justin Rego

Staff knows quite a bit about every pet they have in there. Staff is also friendly to talk to and helpful with things needed been going there for 20 years and will always go back.

Meagan

Lots of selection and a nice clean store. A good go to place for any pet supplies you need!

Harry Vyn

We tried to purchase blue Cray fish from others store. The staff at the other stores told us they were blue when they were actually brown. I walked into Critters and the staff immediately asked if they could be of assistance. I told them I wanted a blue Cray fish which they had in stock. Indeed upon viewing it was blue and also better priced than the "brown" ones people had been trying to sell me. Store staff was aware of the brown ones making the rounds and refused to stock them in his store. Was my first visit to Critters and it won't be my last.

Randy F

Live Pets not looked after. A large ferret was totally beating up a much smaller one in a glass cage and the smaller one was looking very roughed up, when I mentioned it to the lady she just laughed. Will never go there again

Krystina Simpson

The employees there are very helpful and professional.

K HM

I’m not sure where all these positive reviews come from? The ‘store’ is absolutely disgusting. Always plenty of staff standing around gossiping, no excuse for such filth. The floors, shelves, products and enclosures look as though no one cleans, ever. Never mind the actual store, the poor animals are kept in filth, no food/water or just dead.

Tanya Marie

Some of the staff are really polite there and their stock is hit or miss. Edit… they just redone the store it’s a bit smaller and looks full but missing a lot of stuff they use to have

Kallen Begg (TMPS)

Very helpful and knowledgeable staff, and the store itself has pretty much anything you would need for your animals. Good selection of aquarium and small mammal pets.

Michael Lock

Been trying to figure out my pond pump for a while. Mike was amazingly helpful. He listened carefully and asked good questions. He patiently walked me through my options. What a great experience!!!

서종훈

The environments for the animals were not that nice. For example, the cage for ferrets was dirty, does not have litter bin, and no where shade to hide for ferrets.

chris giasson

Great staff and great selection

Alan Villano

They offer no customer service or technical support have no contact number for anything other than the retail store. Which conveniently does not sell the same products as the website? They are rude to customers via email. I suggest you buy some place else as the price does not make up for there lack of customer service!

Debbie O

I have been to this store a few times in the hopes of finding at least one staff member that doesn't act like you are bothering them. I try to support small business whenever possible even though the prices are a bit higher. This is usually balanced out by good customer service. Not so here, there is plenty of staff but they remain huddled at the front counter chatting and seem to dislike being pulled away to serve you.They will answer a question but it feels a bit like pulling teeth to get them to share any knowledge they have. I have given up on the store and now give my business to the big name store where the staff are always pleasant and the prices lower. Sorry Critter Cove I gave you a fair shot.

Timr

Great prices! Cool store and great customer service.

graeme thomas

They are very helpful and knowledgeable of the products they sell. I go there for all my aquarium supplies and fish. They do a great job and good prices! I hope they make it through covid.

Tim Watters

Great local business

Caryn Hollinshead

I buy food for my bearded dragons here and the staff are very knowledgeable and friendly!

Angie Leigh

Mike is amazing. Always buy my fish from there.

Andi Cooper

We recently purchased a fish tank from them....they have helped us every step of the way as we are beginners. I definitely would recommend

Bill Graham

Lot of variety of fish ,equipment,tanks food filters etc!

Irene Kask

Great place. Staff is friendly.

Jason Bristow

Nice place lots of selection

Nancy Skyba

Fish tanks are disgusting and full of dirt and dead fish. Always gross in there, covid is no excuse for improper animal care. At least the staff was friendly

dougie for the win

Stopped in on the 23rd on March looking for aquarium decorations. I found a decoration that was unique and fair priced. I started to look at the fish and decided i felt comfortable buying from this store. I was pleased with the way I was served. They were not on my ass when I walked in, they allowed me to look without being crowded. I bought 2 sliver Molly’s and 2 neon danios. Took them home aquamated them, everything seemed fine, next morning one sliver molly was dead. I drove the 30 mins to the store and asked what could be done, they gave me a another fish and sent me on my way, 3 days later the new molly that was exchanged died. The other 2 danios and original molly are so far still kicking around. Little upset about the fish thing, but no big deal. Overall the place was pretty good, Customer service was good.

Lil Anglin

Service was great very quick and the prices can't be beat.

Lila G

Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. The best pet store in town :)

John Drake

Very friendly always there for their customers always great live food for our snake love going there even to see the reptiles

Dave Harpell

Helpful service

chantal smith

Very friendly staff. Had the items needed. Animals in their care appear to be well taken care of. Staff are knowledgeable.

syed hassan

I have ordered twice with them, and both time received my orders shipped in 2 days. I liked their quick parcel service. I ordered LED lights (Evergrow D2120) and power heads (J40 with controller), both items have great quality. They really provide great products & nice customer service!!!!!!!. The prices are very reasonable compared to big als and other local stores.

Stefany Schmidt

Awesome, knowledgeable staff!

Rob S

I have always loved Critter Cove! The staff there have always provided me with honest, and experienced information and suggestions. Their selection of supplies and critters are fantastic, and they often go above and beyond to help me when they do not have something in stock. The staff are very experienced with a wider variety of critters, aquariums, and reptiles. I will definitely return to them whenever I need something for my pets! I don't know where all the negative flak has come from, they are a great pet store with tons of experience and great staff members!

Jess R

The staff here are amazing, the truly know what they're talking about, If you need supplies or guidance I recommend stopping in!

Norm Neilson

Cool place it has a lot of criters

Randal Coutts

I have been a supporter of Jason's business since he opened on Barrie Road. (remember that tiny place with the uneven floors lol) I have had so many types of 'pets' over the years, and they have always had the knowledge to help me. I go there now mainly for the dog food, but the staff there have specialized knowledge from fish to small 'furries' to reptiles still. My go to place for customer service.

Anthony Hernandez

Seriously, sounds like you have some anger issues. Should not be working in retail if you can't be professional. Clearly based on reading all the other poor reviews, everyone can see how awful you are, learn to treat people with more respect. And I only have one review in total and it's for this place, if you have other companies then sorry to those people who have to deal with them as well.

Joe Hammertime

Friendly knowledgeable staff. Prices are reasonable.

Joe Ranger

This is what happens to a package when you leave it with a 100 lbs pig good job ups thx pets and ponds for replacing my package

jmax80

Awesome pet shop they have everything and very experienced there isn't a question you have they can't answer, great place. Awesome atmosphere and very friendly

carl costa

As a former employee of another local pet store I can verify that some of the 1 star reviews of Critter Cove were written by other pet stores in Orillia. Critter Cove is a wonderful store and the staff are very helpful.

Brittney S

Super cute and good selection. I'm always happy to see a place that sells good quality foods unlike iams and puppy chow. Merrick and Acana are available here.

David Belcredi (TrickOrTreat 9)

Cool little pet shop

Haley Paquette

My favourite fish store! As an anxious goldfish owner, I often need the reassurance of professionals so that I know I am properly caring for my friends. Critter Cove is always happy to help! I call them like, once a week for help :)

Ellis Lahey

Stopped by to pick up some aquatic plants as my regular LFS was out of the specific species I was looking for... I was rather disappointed by what I saw. Aquariums had multiple dead fish floating on the surface as well as a couple decaying fish throughout the tanks. I can’t comment on the rest of the lifestock as I didn’t stick around to look, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they were also in poor condition based on the state of the fish section. Good selection of aquarium supplies and friendly staff, but I most likely will not be returning.

Mini Rat

Always have what I need! Staff always help me out if I have questions and I've never had a problem with anything I get from the shop ????❤️

Winston F

Best prices around for our dog's brand of food. Love the frequent buyer program. Laurie really knows what is best for my dog's nutritional needs. Thanks!

shaun ferguson

Great curbside experience

Megan

Super helpful with information about fish care! Lots of great products available for all sorts of pets!

Keith Milton

It was ok

Craig Wiseman

I have shopped online here for many years and have always received top-notch service and quality products. Prices here are usually the lowest available in Canada on nearly all aquarium related products. Shipping rates are also very reasonable. In the many orders I have placed, there has only ever been a couple minor issues (e.g. item broken in transit) - these issues were promptly responded to by this company and professionally handled. I highly recommend.

David Wynn

Bought fish and 2 budgies. Great service and friendly staff .

B B

Thanks so much for helping us with the purchase of our first bird. ! Our daughter will love it !

L b

I went and bought a betta a while ago and he was doing fine. bought some other fish to add to the tank and 3 days later they died my aquarium has perfect water parameters and is kept clean now all my fish are dying and sick. I will not be buying fish from here again.. if you do plan on buying fish here and adding them to a community tank please quarantine them first...

Tina Dillan

Your competition told me Acana was a middle of the road quality food and tried to sell me their own brad - Performatrin. I went home and researched only to find out that Acana is rated 5 star on the pet food advisory websites while the food they tried to sell me was only 3 star. Thanks Critter Cove for the advice to feed by puppy Acana! You guys are the best.

mitch owens

I've been in the aquarium hobby for years and Critter cove is the store I shop at the most. I find they are the most helpful and honest. They will help me choose what I need without seeming like they are just trying to make the sale. If they dont think I need something they wont sell it to me. The fish do better than any other fish I've bought elsewhere but If I have a problem they are helpful and easy to deal with. They also have good prices on dog food and they carry good brands. Every time my dog sees me come home with the blue shopping bag he goes nuts because he knows theres something there for him!