Valparaiso Pet & Hobby Shop

I have been going to the Valparaiso Pet department for years and I have never had any problems. Sometimes when the staff is busy you just have to wait a minute. Some people just have no patience. By far it is the best pet shop in town!! more

i have bought 8 fish from Valparaiso pet and hobbie and now five days later they are developing black spots and infecting my whole tank. i called pet and hobbie and was rudly told there was nothing they could do and that it was my own fault. i want to mwake it clear that the tank and everything in it were brand new purchashed from pet and hobbie. the water was also tested by them there is no possible way the disease came from my tank. thank u and please keep this in mind unless u domt mind throwing away ur hard earned money. more

I have been shopping at Valpo Pet and Hobby for about 3yrs. now for both pet and hobby supplies. Yes their prices are MSRP but the help is great. I have about 15 fish that I have purchased from them. Their knowledge about fish is great. They even warned about fish that may not get along well. This is my first large tank and I couldn't have done it without the help of the staff at Valpo Pet and Hobby. I also have quite a few R/C cars and trucks. Their parts supply for the cars and trucks that I have is great. Sure I could probably find some parts cheaper online but I like to support my local businesses as should everyone else. I also enjoy the small personal feel of the shop. I will be shopping at this shop atleast once a month for as long as this shop is in business which I hope will be for a very long time. more

Glad the fish ladies are gone, they were not helpfull at all. Stock sucks in the rc section also. They say they can order stuff and have it in two days or so, but it usually takes 2 weeks. Why order there when you can order at amainhobbies or towerhobbies and get it in 2-3 days. Employees are rude. They treat you like a retard when you come in and ask questions. Will not be going back... more

This store has a decent selection of saltwater aquarium fish and supplies. Just dont ask for any assistance. Every person you run into in the ""pet"" section of the store will act as if they are having a bad day. Very short with you and incredibly rude. If you ask for advice about remedying a problem with your home tank they will do little except blame you. If you know what you want in this store and limit your exposure to the employees to the checkout line then you will in good shape. Dont bother with assistance unless you want to be belittled. Pros: Good selection of saltwater fish and accesories Cons: All employees in the back half of the store are evil more

I've purchased several fish and one model rocket there. I only go there when my kid is going with me because we live close enough to walk the 4 blocks, pulling her in her wagon. Or it is an extremely quick drive if we don't have much time. The selection is ok or average - I've seen better and I've seen worse. The fish seem reasonably healthy and the tanks seem reasonably clean (they're not spotless or beautifully decorated like other stores though). It is pretty cramped and hard to navigate if there are several other customers in there. The people who work there are definitely rude and not helpful. It is always very difficult to get waited on, especially when we're wanting to buy fish. There's been several times that I would have walked out, but stayed to get waited on only because my kid was with me she an REALLY wanted a new fish. So you'd better be knowledgable about fish and be willing to wait a long time. Unfortunately, I think this place is family owned and run so I don't see the employees or customer service improving. I'm not sure about the other pet selection/supplies except that they don't carry the dog food we buy. Like I said before, I usually go to a couple other pet stores instead - I only go here occasionally when my kid is with me because we live so close. I suspect this store has survived simply because of their location - they probably would have gone out of business long ago if they were not located very conveniently in downtown Valparaiso. If you have other good pet store options that are reasonably convenient, I'd probably suggest going somewhere else. Pros: Location. Cons: Terrible employees. more

We've gone here a few times, I don't know about the front part(with trains and cars,etc) but the back end of the store....the people are not helpful, they are rude, and if you are new to the hobby..fish..etc I definitely would not recommend. I even try and engage in conversation to get them to elaborate on certain things and to no avail. We swear I don't care how far we have to go, I'd avoid that place at all costs. Not friendly or helpful. I don't see how they keep business besides maybe it's more convenient for people around the area. We go to pet haven instead now, a lot more helpful and actually seem like they enjoy what they do. We don't feel like a buck walking in the store. Cons: If you don't mind rude people, and don't need any help then hey why not more