Winchester Aquarium & Pet Center

190 Costello Dr, Winchester, VA 22602, USA

Address:	190 Costello Dr, Winchester, VA 22602, USA
Phone:	+1 540-667-8198
Site:	petcenteronline.com
Rating:	4.4
Working:	10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–7PM 11AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 6

Melanie Williams

While the staff are usualy friendly and helpful, my most recent experience was not a great one. I purchased a 10 wk old male ferret to comfort my older ferret (2 yr old) who had just lost her brother in a freak accident. While discussing the baby ferrets needs with one of the employees, I asked about the likeliness of him having ECE. He assured me multiple times that "That should not be a concern" and the baby could "meet the other ferret within a week." He followed up with, "Path Valley Farms breeds for health. It is a super controlled and cautious farm. You should not be worried at all." Of course, my older ferret contracted ECE after a couple of days and was rushed to the vet. If you dont know what it is, look it up. Its awful. I called to warn the store employees that the other babies may be carrying it as well. Instead of getting apologies or gratitude, Jeff continuously "mansplained." He tried to convince me that she got the infection from stress. (FYI: He is not a veterinarian.) I continuously told him that the vet diagnosed her with ECE and said it was NOT from stress but from the baby ferret, as ECE is a highly contagious viral INFECTION. The phone conversation ended with him saying "Well, thanks for calling to let us know. Bye." He didnt say it with a tone (unlike many parts of the conversation). I expected some sort of compensation because a ferret he sold me made my older ferret VERY ill. (Luckily the vet bill was only $130) Instead, he tried convinced me that she magically contracted the virus all on her own. Sorry, but that guy is clueless. The first woman I spoke to said she had "no idea that could even happen." Heres a tip for the store: EDUCATE yourselves. DONT pretend to be a vet. BE FAIR to your customers. WARN customers on these issues. I will not be going to this store for any more animals.

A Private User

The customer service is terrible and I dont believe the animals receive good care. The gentleman, whom I presume is the owner, is very nice and seems knowledgeable. However, I placed a special order a 30 gallon fish tank, and after more than three weeks of waiting, it still had not been ordered by the store. I visit the store once every few weeks looking for supplies for my aquatic turtles. During those visits, I have seen rabbits in cages so dirty, their fur is dirty and discolored. Today I was in there and saw two floppy earred rabbits. At least one had fur so badly matted the rabbit was biting its own fur off and had large bald patches all over its body. The other was laying half in/half out of a plastic dome shelter and didnt react at all when I touched it. The beta fish are kept in terrible conditions. Half of them are dead, most dont even have enough water in the little cups to fully cover their fins, and many of the cups dont have an opening in the top for air or to make feeding easier...which makes me wonder if they are fed regularly. Its easy to say theyre only beta fish, but if they staff is too lazy to fed and provide water for beta fish, what does that say about the care the provide to animals that require a little more?

John Fortier

I have bought massive amounts of things from here. From mice to feed our 9 snakes, to marine equipment and fish... However, it never ceases to amaze me how horrible the service here is. My last visit I spent over 30 minutes waiting after the guy said he "would be right back." I found him helping other customers that had just arrived... I made a complaint via e-mail from the contact info on their website, just to be ignored... Oh well, I have since found a new place to buy everything I need, and no longer "have" to buy there as they are no longer the only place that has what I need. *****Update***** There were some technical difficulties that prevented me from receiving the response that was made by WPAC the same evening of the incident. I was pleasantly surprised to see the response in my inbox and the information it included. The problem was brought up to the employees and the problem was resolved. All persons involved were very professional and honest with me and themselves of how and why things happened, and I am proud to say that my family and I will be returning again because of the professionalism and dedication to customer service that were shown to me and my family.

Tona Smith

Every time I go here, I always leave happy and satisfied. I purchased my two beautiful, loving male rats from these people. Granted, Samson ended up getting an ear infection, but its fairly common with rats at a young age (it had nothing to do with the store, it just happens) Im a rat fanatic, and this business has won my heart when it comes to rodents. Not only are my rats healthy, theyre beautiful as well! Im positive they handle the animals regularly as my boys were quite content with being held once I had them for a few days. This is odd, because they werent more than three inches long from head to tail; every young rat Ive gotten this small were scared as hell of me. Now my boys are almost a year old, and close to a foot and a half long from head to tail! Their animals are well fed, live in clean cages, and are very friendly. (Just dont expect to pick up an animal that has never met you before and man-handle it. Be Respectful!!!)

Jess Kiracofe

I have been going to Winchester Aquarium long before it moved to Costello Drive, and for years before that! I can remember shopping there with my mom when I was very young, and have continued to be a frequent costumer now that I am an adult. I have gotten all of my small animals there, from gerbils to snakes to ferrets, and always had healthy animals. I have never seen any sick animals and know that they take excellent care of all the creatures pre-sale. Service is top of the line, any questions that you have can be answered, even if they have to find the correct answer they will get back to you. The products are great and always fresh and undamaged. The staff is knowledgeable on all of the products they sell. All in all, it is 100 times better than any big company owned pet store, and you will always leave feeling like they were helping you as an individual and not just another customer.

Adam Leatherman

I walked into Winchester Aquarium & Pet Center with the hopes of finding the ideal pet. I really didnt know exactly what pet would be suitable for me. Entering the facility I was greeted by friendly staff and I knew I would have a positive experience. Chelsea asked me some questions to clarify what type of pet would be good for me and a week later I decided on two sugar gliders. She explained everything about these cute critters and gave me the confidence necessary that I would be a good pet owner for them. I must have asked a million questions and she continued to give me her undivided attention throughout. I am very satisfied with my experience at Winchester Aquarium & Pet Center and will continue to go there for my sugar glider needs. I highly recommend this pet store and you couldnt ask for a more friendly staff.