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The Daily Insight

Does Petco take back fish

Author

Mia Morrison

Published Mar 01, 2026

Yes, most Petco locations take “donated” fish and other small animals.

Can you return a fish to PetSmart?

PetSmart will accept the return of fish within 14 days of the initial purchase for exchanges or refunds. … You can return both sick and dead fish to PetSmart by bringing them in a safe container along with a sample of the water for PetSmart to analyze.

What can I do with unwanted pet fish?

Several alternatives exist for getting rid of an unwanted fish. Individuals should consider returning it to a local pet shop for resale or trade, or giving it to another hobbyist including an aquarium in a professional office, museum, school, nursing home or to a public aquarium or zoological park.

Will PetSmart take unwanted fish?

If you bought the specific fish at a PetSmart within 14 days ago, they will take the fish for you. If it has passed 14 days, they may or may not take in the fish. If you didn’t buy it at PetSmart, they won’t take your fish.

What can I do with unwanted fish fry?

Once they’re large enough, you can put them back into the main tank. In a couple of weeks, they’re large enough to be put back into the tank with the adults. As long as they no longer fit into the mouths of your adult guppies, you can make the transfer from the grow-out tank to the main aquarium.

Does Petco take back dead fish?

It’s a fish. If you return it alive within 30 days, we’ll give you a refund and put it back out for sale. If you return it dead within 30 days we’ll give you a refund or exchange and dispose of it for you.

Will Petco take animals back?

Should the need arise, Petco will gladly assist you in finding a home, or may take back, any companion animal in good health regardless of the length of ownership, as part of our “Think Adoption First” program to find a loving home for every animal. You can find the number to your local Petco store at this link.

Do fish stores take fish back?

Many independent aquarium stores will accept unwanted fish. Be sure to call first and ask about the fish you need to get rid of. Some fish such as iridescent sharks, red tail catfish, tiger shovelnose catfish, pacus, Arapaima, some lungfish and Tigerfish (Hydrocynus sp.) get too big for all but the largest aquaria.

Can you return a dead guinea pig to Petco?

Yes, you can return; however, we recommend calling ahead. Thank you. We are sorry to hear about your bird. We have a 30-day guarantee on companion animals, please contact your local Petco about a return.

Can you return bad fish?

If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may return merchandise for a full refund within 30 days of purchase. We cannot accept any returns if the product was used and does not have its original tags or is not in its original packaging. We do not offer free returns.

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Can I return my hamster to Petco?

Purchase animals have a 30 day guarantee (except saltwater) with your receipt and signed paperwork. If past that 30 says your animal can be surrendered and depending on space will take in. They don’t take returns. Petco sells off-brand products with name brand labels slapped on them as a scam for your money.

Can you flush a live fish down the toilet?

It Could Damage the Local Habitat Fish that survive flushing can make their way to waterways and wreak havoc on the local habitat. They may compete with native species for food and resources, kill local fish and wildlife and destroy vegetation.

How do you humanely euthanize a pet fish?

Freezing is a commonly used method for euthanizing warm water fish. To freeze your fish, freeze water in a small bag until it becomes slushy. Next, place your fish in the water and continue to freeze it.

How do you rehome a goldfish?

Fish adoption is a real thing! Donate your fish to a pet store, school or learning institution, or advertise that you will give your fish away for free. You can also check out online forums dedicated to the adoption of unwanted pets. Some of them include fish.

Why flushing fish is bad?

When flushed, there is always a chance that the parasite will be passed on to. While there aren’t a whole lot of parasites that can be passed from fish to humans, these nasty critters can thrive in wild waters and cause detrimental damage to the species that live there.

Is flushing a fish humane?

Is it humane? No. Carbon dioxide when injected into the water can cause fish to suffocate. However, the process is not instant, and fish are aware that there is not enough oxygen in the water and spend their final moments stressed.

Do fish have feelings?

More than all of this, fish are sentient (they have feelings!) It’s clear to us that fishes are sentient beings, meaning that they’re individuals, capable of experiencing pain and feeling emotions such as fear.

Are fish pregnant?

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Will Molly fish eat their babies?

It is because the mollies are very nippy and tend to become very aggressive eater. They will eat almost anything that fits in their mouth. The new born babies are very small just about the size of a pellet food which is why molly are seen eating their own babies after giving birth.

Why do guppies eat their babies?

After giving birth to their offspring, guppy fish will not exhibit any parental care and if left in the same aquarium with the fry, they will mistake them for food and eat them. … A further explanation is that by eating her own fry, the female guppy is replenishing her fat storage.

WHAT DOES Petco do with returned animals?

Petco and Petsmart have relationships with local shelters and rescues (generally for cats, dogs and sometimes small pets like rabbits); if a pet is returned to the store, it will be sent back to the originating organization, which will determine the next best avenue to get the pet adopted.

Is PetSmart owned by Petco?

FormerlyPetFood Warehouse, PETsMARTWebsitewww.petsmart.com

Can you surrender a pet to PetSmart?

Can You Surrender Animals To PetSmart? There are a variety of reasons that a pet might need to be rehomed or surrendered, but unfortunately, owners cannot take their animals to PetSmart to be surrendered. … PetSmart does not accept pets for rehoming, even if the animal has been adopted from a PetSmart location.

Can you return fish to the pet store?

Pretty much free money for the petstore. Petsmart however, will not take fish back unless it’s on thier like, gaurentee or something. However, if something goes wrong with my fish, I like to take them back to Petco, because they don’t ask questions, they just give you new.

Where do you put a dead fish?

Where should you bury your dead fish? It’s totally up to you (so long as it is on your property). A popular choice is in a garden beside the flowering plants or shrubs, or under a tree. (Interestingly enough, the decomposing fish actually becomes fertilizer for the plants.)

WHAT DOES Petco do with returned food?

Even if the product is open Petco will refund your purchase. Make sure to bring your receipt. If you can not find it they can look it up based on your PALS account. The refund will go back to whatever method you paid.

Can I return my parakeet to Petco?

Returning a purchased animal must be within the first 30 days of purchase with receipt and signed paperwork. The bird is then on a 72 hour monitor off of the sales floor to make sure it is eating, drinking, having bowel movements, overall healthy.

Can I return fish to Costco?

Yes. You can return produce, food (opened or unopened), and anything else you’d put in your mouth, to your local Costco.

Can I return bread to Costco?

With few exceptions, Costco has a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Simply bring the product to any Costco warehouse and our Member Services Team will be happy to assist you*. It helps if you have the receipt or original product packaging, but it may not be necessary to process your return.

Can I return at Whole Foods?

Whole Foods Market accepts returns for products with a receipt within 90 days of purchase. With a few exceptions, we will reimburse you for your returned items in the same way you paid for them. … Items that are damaged, or do not have a receipt may be denied a refund or exchange.

Can I return a dog I bought?

Generally, the buyer can return the dog and get a refund, return the dog and select a new dog, or keep the dog and get some compensation for veterinary expenses. The time frame and remedies available depend on the specific state’s law (ten to fourteen days is the usual).