As an aquarium enthusiast, there are few experiences more exciting than perusing row upon row of glimmering tanks filled with colorful fish at your local PetSmart store. With a dizzying array of freshwater species from neon tetras to majestic angelfish to striking bettas, these one-stop shops for fishkeepers always seem to have something new and interesting in stock.
But for a fish fanatic on a mission to find that perfect scaly specimen, timing is everything. There‘s nothing more disappointing than rushing to PetSmart with your heart set on a certain fish, only to find it out of stock.
So when exactly does PetSmart restock its aquariums with shimmering new aquatic arrivals? And how can you maximize your chances of finding your dream fish? We talked to industry experts and got the inside scoop on PetSmart‘s fish delivery schedule and stocking practices.
Whether you‘re a seasoned pro looking to add to your impressive collection or a first-time fish parent in need of some guidance, read on for our ultimate guide to navigating the wonderful world of PetSmart‘s fish department.
Understanding PetSmart‘s Fish Stocking Strategy
First, let‘s dive into some background on how a major retailer like PetSmart keeps its shelves and tanks fully stocked for the 12.5 million U.S. households who keep freshwater fish as pets (per the American Pet Products Association).
With over 1,500 stores across the country, PetSmart is the largest specialty pet retailer in North America. And while furry friends like dogs and cats make up the lion‘s share of their sales, fish and aquatic life are still big business.
According to data from IBISWorld, aquarium fish and supplies make up a $369.9 million industry in the U.S. Fish themselves account for around 4% of PetSmart‘s annual revenue, or roughly $180 million based on their 2020 fiscal report.
To keep up with consumer demand, the retail giant works with a network of reputable fish farms, hatcheries, and distributors both domestically and abroad. "PetSmart has great relationships with vendors across the globe to bring a variety of fish to our customers on a regular basis," said Danielle Hinton, an Aquatics Specialist who has worked at PetSmart for 7 years.
These partner suppliers ship tens of thousands of fish to PetSmart‘s distribution centers each week, where they undergo a thorough intake process before being sent out to individual stores. "All incoming fish are quarantined and observed for any signs of disease or stress," explained Colin Fogarty, a former PetSmart department manager. "Only the healthiest fish make it to our store aquariums."
PetSmart‘s team of marine biologists, veterinarians, and industry experts use a combination of sales data, national stocking guidelines, and knowledge of aquarium keeping trends to determine what fish to stock and in what quantities.
The goal is to provide a diverse selection appropriate for the typical home aquarium setup, with the most popular fish always in steady supply. According to the APPA, the average home aquarium is around 10 gallons – although PetSmart does sell tanks up to 75 gallons for those looking to build a larger undersea utopia.
"Species that are ideal for a beginner level 10 or 20 gallon tropical freshwater community tank are going to be consistently restocked week after week," said Hinton. "We‘re talking your neon tetras, zebra danios, mollys, platys – the bread and butter of fishkeeping."
However, PetSmart‘s team also likes to sprinkle in some exciting featured fish to inspire more advanced hobbyists and appeal to current aquascaping design trends. "For example, we might bring in a shipment of red neon blue eyed cichlids because they‘re a hot new species making waves in the aquarium world right now," said Fogarty.
By offering a thoughtful balance of staple species and buzz-worthy new arrivals, PetSmart aims to position itself as a one-stop destination for fishkeepers of all levels and interests – from kids with their first betta bowl to aquarium artisans creating living masterpieces.
But even the best-laid stocking plans can have some gaps, especially when dealing with live animals subject to seasonal breeding cycles and supply chain disruptions. So when exactly can you count on your local PetSmart having a fresh batch of little swimmers to choose from? Let‘s take a closer look.
When Do New Fish Arrive at PetSmart?
According to Christy Fernandez, a PetSmart employee who has worked in the aquatics and reptile department for 5 years, most PetSmart stores receive fish shipments on a weekly basis.
"While it can vary a bit by location and time of year, we typically get our fish truck in on Wednesday or Thursday each week," she said. "The new arrivals are usually swimming in the tanks by Thursday afternoon or first thing Friday morning at the latest."
These regular weekly deliveries ensure the fish department can be fully restocked ahead of busy weekend shopping traffic. It‘s also an important animal welfare practice to give new fish time to settle in and destress from the journey before being introduced to eager customers.
"It‘s amazing how resilient fish are, but transport can still be tough on them," said Dr. Chris Whipps, professor of aquatic animal health at SUNY-ESF and consultant for the pet industry. "Even with the best handling practices, you‘re looking at an average of 5-10% transit loss by the time they reach store aquariums."
Receiving fish shipments early in the week gives the aquatics team a chance to monitor for any signs of disease or distress in new arrivals before stocking them for sale. It also allows the store to address any DOAs (dead on arrival fish) with suppliers and adjust inventory numbers as needed.
If you‘re eager to scope out the newest denizens of your store‘s aquatic section, Fernandez recommends stopping by on Thursday afternoon or Friday morning. "That‘s going to be your best bet for getting first pick of our new fish friends," she said. "Weekends can get pretty crazy, so coming earlier in the day is also a good strategy."
Keep in mind that while weekly deliveries are the goal, there can be some natural variation week to week depending on weather, transit delays, holidays, and seasonal availability of certain species. "It‘s not an exact science since we‘re dealing with live animals coming from all over," said Fogarty. "But we do our absolute best to stay fully stocked as much as possible."
What If They‘re Out of the Fish I Want?
It‘s every fishkeeper‘s worst fear – you‘ve spent hours researching the perfect specimen for your painstakingly aquascaped tank, only to find your local PetSmart sold out of the species. While disappointing, it‘s certainly not uncommon given the many variables involved in keeping live fish.
The good news is, there are a number of steps you can take to track down those elusive fish on your wish list:
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Talk to a store employee. The aquatics team are your best resource for getting the scoop on when they expect a certain species back in stock. "If it‘s a fish we regularly carry, we can usually give you a good idea of when we‘ll see it again based on our order schedule and supplier availability," said Fernandez.
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Try another PetSmart location. Fish stocks can vary quite a bit between individual stores. If your usual spot is out of what you‘re looking for, it‘s worth calling around to other PetSmart locations in your area. Many stores will even offer to call around for you or arrange a transfer from another location that has the fish in stock.
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Look into special ordering. Did you have your heart set on a more uncommon species? PetSmart may be able to special order certain fish upon request. "It really depends on our vendor relationships and the specifics of the fish, but it never hurts to ask," said Hinton. "We always aim to go above and beyond for our customers."
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Check online availability. Did you know you can actually buy live fish on PetSmart‘s website? If your local store is out of stock, you may be able to find what you‘re looking for online and have it shipped right to your door. Just make sure you feel confident providing appropriate care during transit.
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Be open to substitutes. Maybe you had your mind made up on one specific species, but try to keep an open mind. Seek out recommendations from knowledgeable PetSmart staff on fish with similar attributes and care requirements that would work well in your setup. "We‘re here to guide you to the right fish for your tank, even if it‘s not the exact one you came in for," said Fernandez.
And if all else fails – just keep swimming! New fish are always on the way. Plus, there‘s something to be said for the thrill of the hunt and the gratification of finally encountering that perfect scaly soulmate.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, PetSmart‘s goal is to be an indispensable resource and ally for aquarium aficionados. That means maintaining a steady supply of healthy, high-quality fish and making every effort to help customers find exactly what they‘re looking for to create their ideal undersea ecosystem.
By receiving fish shipments and restocking on a weekly basis, providing a range of species suitable for both freshwater and saltwater setups, offering expert guidance from knowledgeable staff, and accommodating special requests whenever possible, PetSmart continues to lead the school when it comes to keeping fishkeepers‘ tanks full and imaginations inspired.
So the next time you feel compelled to answer the siren song of bubbling filters and ethereal tank lighting, you‘ll know just when to head to your local PetSmart to find some new finned friends. From humble guppies to resplendent rainbowfish and every gill-bearing beauty in between, an ocean‘s worth of possibilities await right there in the glimmering aisles of the fish department.
