Gittler's Aquarium & Aviary

For local users in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, searching under the category "Pet Store Near Me," Gittler's Aquarium & Aviary, located at 175 Ohio St, presents a somewhat contradictory picture based on the limited customer reviews available online. The name suggests a specialization in both aquatic life and birds, implying a diverse inventory catering to different types of pet owners. However, the two available reviews offer drastically different perspectives on the store's environment and the quality of care provided to the animals. One review highlights positive customer service and helpful advice, particularly in contrast to a negative experience at a larger chain store. Conversely, the other review paints a very negative picture, citing unpleasant conditions and concerns about animal welfare. Potential customers should carefully consider both of these viewpoints when evaluating whether Gittler's Aquarium & Aviary meets their needs.

One reviewer recounts a positive experience seeking guidance after a negative purchase from a Petco store where fish died within 24 hours. This customer turned to Gittler's Aquarium & Aviary after their tank was re-established. They specifically mention that the staff at Gittler's were "the best to talk to when having problem with your animals." This suggests that the store provides knowledgeable and helpful customer service, particularly in troubleshooting issues related to pet care. The reviewer further notes that the staff provided valuable advice on which fish to start with to ensure the aquarium's stability, indicating a proactive and responsible approach to selling live animals. The fact that "Everything was fine" after following this advice led to the reviewer's son successfully acquiring fish he liked from Gittler's. This positive anecdote suggests that the store has knowledgeable staff who can provide guidance to both novice and experienced aquarium keepers, potentially offering a level of personalized advice that might be lacking in larger retail chains.

In stark contrast, the second review expresses extreme disappointment with the store upon a long-anticipated visit. The reviewer describes the store as smelling "horrendous" and expresses concern about the welfare of the animals, stating that they "look in distress and depressed." This is a serious accusation, suggesting potentially inadequate living conditions or a lack of proper care. The reviewer further elaborates that it did "not look like anyone can be properly caring for these animals whatsoever, just the bare minimum if that." This paints a concerning picture of the store's environment and the attention given to the animals housed there. The smell was reportedly so overpowering that the reviewer had to hold their breath while trying to see what the store offered, and their overall impression was "not pretty," leading to feelings of "pity for those animals." This highly negative account raises significant ethical concerns about the store's standards of animal care and the overall shopping experience for potential customers.

Based on these two reviews, the environment of Gittler's Aquarium & Aviary in Johnstown, PA, is subject to drastically different interpretations. One customer found the staff helpful and knowledgeable, implying a potentially positive and supportive environment for customers seeking advice. However, the other review describes a "horrendous" smell and expresses serious concerns about the apparent distress and lack of proper care for the animals, suggesting a potentially unsanitary and ethically questionable environment. These conflicting descriptions make it difficult to form a definitive picture of the store's atmosphere, but the strong negative feedback regarding animal welfare should be a significant consideration for potential visitors.

The services offered by Gittler's Aquarium & Aviary likely include the sale of live animals, specifically fish and birds, as indicated by the store's name. They may also sell related pet supplies, such as tanks, cages, food, and accessories. The positive review suggests that the store provides customer advice and guidance on animal care, particularly for aquarium setups. However, the negative review raises concerns about the quality of care provided to the animals within the store, which could indirectly impact the quality and health of the animals sold. It is unclear from these reviews whether Gittler's Aquarium & Aviary offers additional services such as grooming or boarding.

The features of Gittler's Aquarium & Aviary are also difficult to ascertain definitively due to the conflicting reviews. The potential for knowledgeable staff who can offer helpful advice, especially regarding aquarium setups and troubleshooting, could be considered a positive feature. The apparent specialization in both aquariums and birds might offer a unique selection for enthusiasts of these types of pets. However, the serious allegations of poor animal welfare and a foul-smelling environment, if accurate, would be significant negative features that would likely deter many potential customers. The fact that it is a local, non-chain store might appeal to some customers who prefer to support small businesses, but this would need to be weighed against the reported negative conditions.

The provided reviews do not contain any information regarding promotional offers or special programs at Gittler's Aquarium & Aviary. Local pet stores sometimes have sales on specific items or offer loyalty programs for regular customers. To inquire about any potential promotions or special deals, local users would need to contact the store directly at (814) 536-2525 or visit their location at 175 Ohio St, Johnstown, PA 15902. Given the starkly contrasting reviews, it would be prudent for potential customers to perhaps visit the store themselves to assess the environment and the condition of the animals before making any purchases.

In conclusion, Gittler's Aquarium & Aviary in Johnstown, PA, located at 175 Ohio St, is a local pet store that appears to specialize in fish and birds. While one customer review praises the helpful and knowledgeable staff, particularly in resolving aquarium issues, another review raises serious concerns about the store's smell and the apparent distress and inadequate care of the animals. These conflicting accounts make it challenging to provide a definitive introduction. Local users searching for a "Pet Store Near Me" should be aware of these contrasting experiences and may want to exercise caution and potentially visit the store to form their own opinion before making any purchases, especially of live animals.