Bill's Pet Shop - New Bern, North Carolina

John H.

I frequently visit Bill’s Pet Shop with my family, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much they offer for so many types of pets. This is a truly locally owned shop that feels welcoming and full of character, it’s not just another chain.

From the moment we walked in, you can tell they cater to all kinds of pet lovers. Their selection is impressively wide: for furry pets (dogs, cats, small mammals) there are food, treats, bedding, toys, and accessories galore. They also have a robust aquarium / fish section with tanks, filters, live fish, and supplies. And for reptile enthusiasts, they carry cages, heat lamps, substrate, and a solid assortment of reptiles and reptiles’ supplies.

One thing I hadn’t expected was some of the “other” animals that pop up from time to time: Mice, Rats, Hamsters Chinchillas, Rabbits. All kinds of birds. I've seen tarantulas, skinks, and snakes in display enclosures. If you’re into more exotic pets, this place does occasionally stock them so it’s fun to check back often.

They also keep feeder crickets, roaches, and mealworms on hand.

One of the sweetest touches: there’s a free-roaming tortoise inside that likes to wander around and meet people. My child was captivated by it as it strolled over, and the staff seemed accustomed to its little “walkabouts.” It adds a personal, homey feel to the store that you don’t get in big box pet stores.

The staff were always helpful and seemed knowledgeable; they answered our questions about reptile care and fish water parameters without rolling their eyes or rushing us. Because the store is often busy (which is a good sign), you might occasionally wait a minute or two for help, but the atmosphere is lively and friendly, not chaotic.

If I had to point to anything to improve, it would be the organization in a few of the displays (some enclosures were tucked in corners and harder to see) but honestly, that’s a minor thing compared to all the positives.

All in all, Bill’s Pet Shop is a gem. Wide variety, genuine local charm, and that tortoise strolling through the aisles? You won’t easily forget it. Definitely a go-to spot for pet lovers of all stripes, feathers, furs, or scales.

Brandi W.

Great place to get your pet supplies but they sell kittens, Puppies, birds, and other sweet little critters but I wouldn’t buy one from there. My daughter bought a sweet little kitten from there and within like 2 days he passed away due to an infection in his lungs. When we call the pet shop they said that hey don’t know where a lot of the pets come from or what condition they were living in. They wouldn’t refund her money or anything. Some of the employees are nice but they don’t really have any personality or anything.

Peter R.

Great people down there. Very nice mom and pop pet shop. Nice variety, even saltwater fish and corals. Seems like they're willing to order in anything they don't have. Definitely the best place around. Love the giant tortoise walking around the store.

Sue L.

Some items may be a bit pricey. The regular staff has always been friendly and helpful. I bought a wonderful happy, healthy Yorkie puppy from Bill's and the price was very reasonable compared to what I saw online. The advice and supplies I got there with him was so helpful and appreciated.

kristen W.

Absolutely horrendous treatment of Butterscotch the python. I’d hate to know how much the other animals suffer here. She’s been suffering for over TWO DECADES. Do better. Don’t get animals if you refuse to take care of them and definitely don’t open a store selling them if you’re not able to care for them properly. This lack of basic necessities leads to customers that do the same things to the animals they buy from you. Do better Bill’s. I’ll take butterscotch in a heartbeat. If you’re willing to do the right thing and relinquish her care since you’re doing such an awful job, let me know.

Grace H.

Couldn't find help to get fish. When I did find help they acted as if I was bothering them. They then told me when I paid that we had a 48 hour policy for fish that die. I would need to being the fish back for refund or exchange. They never said I had to bring water samples for fish. After driving all the way to Bills to exchange to 2 if rhe 8 fish I bought thay dis not make it. I was informed I needed water samples to exchange fish. This is ridiculous 😒 I will not longer be shopping at Bills. They are over priced and rude as it is abd then they make it hard to exchange fish when they do not tell you the whole policy the first time. 🙄

Kendall H.

Curious about this snake as all the pictures I've seen of it are in a nearly bare enclosure. Is this just the display tank for this snake? It would be unacceptable to house this snake like this full time, with no enrichment or hiding spots.

Ryan B.

Love this local shop - it’s not everywhere you can find helpful people who know about fish and reptile care and are willing to go the extra mile to help you find what you’re looking for! Adrienne, Hailey and Emily are all amazing and super helpful!