The way this locations cares for Bettas is inhumane. I, personally, have pulled three deceased fish off the shelf, as a shopper, and DELIVERED them to the counter to alert them. Like belly up, shock yellow water amid otherwise clear cups, rigor that takes days, easy to see yet they are still on the shelf amid the sea of cups. Who is caring for these fish? Not every Petsmart location is like this, it is Ocean store specific and has been going on for a year. The fish develop diseases that are a direct result of the water quality this location provides for the . The lack of upkeep also shows from how emaciated and sick the fish are, a direct result of being underfed and observably neglected. That all is bad enough IMO. But when these fish die from the neglect, the workers can't even be bothered to remove the evidence from the overstocked, dusty shelf. Why leave the dead shell of a once alive creature on display for customers and their children to encounter as part of their pet shopping experience? Because they don't want to deal with these fish. Last time, the guy was at the desk on his smart phone when I approached with the fish. My son is 13 and autistic and is all about fish. He won't go in to this store without 'checking' on the bettas, and bringing his observations to the workers. We have taken to buying the sickest ones, caring for them and then donating them to local senior communities and DV shelters.
This is where to go you can save a life, but sadly the Petsmart brand makes betta purchase here appear casual. I treat this location as a betta rescue opportunity, going elsewhere for heathy fish purchases. I've bought bettas solely to save them bc they are dying of easily preventable and easily treatable common conditions brought on by sheer neglect. But it's getting worse over time I have noticed.
I just rescued one that I immediately took for evaluation bc I could tell he was unique. He was obviously gravely sick, in yellow water sideways- but still alive. Barely. He had open sores, emaciated to the point of seeing every curve of his skeleton, was missing scales and could not swim. He was diagnosed with extensive fin rot, pop eye, swim bladder disease, septicemia, ick AND velvet! Any of these on their own can deteriorate the fish to death if ignored, but are very treatable (and very preventable!) but all together says something about the place. And he was still on the shelf! Most scary, there were at least DOUBLE the usual stock. Most having naked eye observable disease. Cups upon cups, three deep! Its disturbing and it was time to speak up here. They have failed to address the concerns when brought to their attention repeatedly.
It's been a week, and I'm glad to report he is extremely improved, but by no means out of the woods yet. I'm hopeful. He already has an adoptive friend of mine if he makes it. The vet confirmed him as to a juvenile crown tail albino male, one of the most rare finds. I suspect even if they knew as much (which they didn't since he was inappropriately labeled for sale as a *half moon* male) they still wouldn't have cared for him any better. It's troubling and most folks but bettas for their 'easy' and 'low maintenance' care. That can be true, *of healthy Betta fish*. Sick bettas, however, are a time and financial commitment in order to return to them to the level of health needed to enjoy those benefits of their ownership, and give the fish themselves some sort of quality of life beyond a few months. It's unfair for unsuspecting customers and these fish. Buyer beware. Until they improve their long standing practices, or alternately get out of the betta business at this location, only experienced and willing owners willing to buy these pets as a RESCUE and incur the aquatic vet bills and medicine required, should shop here for their new pet betta. read more