A giant shark head hangs over the front doors of a pet store. Inside, you can reach into a big pool and gently touch live stingrays.
That’s just the welcome. The fish room holds hundreds of tanks, packed with freshwater fish, saltwater fish, and colorful reef species.
It feels more like a public aquarium than a shopping trip.
I like how this Pennsylvania store treats browsing like an adventure. Birds, reptiles, guinea pigs, and chinchillas all share the building with aisles of dog and cat supplies.
There’s even a room where adoptable cats wait for new homes.
I can imagine someone stopping in for a single bag of pet food, only to spend the next hour watching colorful fish and curious stingrays. With so many animals to see, even a routine shopping trip could easily turn into an afternoon the whole family remembers.
That Giant Shark Head Is Your First Clue This Trip Will Be Different
Most pet stores greet you with a sliding door and a sale sign. That Fish Place – That Pet Place greets you with a giant shark head mounted right above the entrance.
It’s a fun hint about what waits inside. The store is a massive warehouse-style space, and it’s often called one of the largest pet stores on the East Coast.
The building in Lancaster, Pennsylvania has grown to around 88,000 square feet. That’s bigger than many grocery stores, and almost every inch is devoted to animals and their supplies.
Rows and rows of shelves stretch out in organized categories. Dog gear sits in one zone, cat supplies in another, and aquarium equipment fills a huge chunk of the floor.
Live animals are mixed throughout the space too. Birds chirp from the main floor, while smaller critters have their own dedicated rooms off to the side.
A tip for first-timers is simple. Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need, because quick errands rarely stay quick here.
The place works for serious hobbyists hunting for gear and for families who just want to look around. Either way, that shark head makes a pretty good photo stop before you even head inside.
Honestly, it’s hard to think of a better way for a pet store to announce itself. Subtle was never the goal.
Go Ahead, Reach In and Say Hello to a Stingray
Stingrays glide in slow circles through a shallow pool inside the store. Yes, you can actually reach in and touch them.
The stingray touch tank is one of the best-known features at That Fish Place – That Pet Place. Kids love it, but plenty of grown-ups line up just as eagerly.
Their skin feels a bit slick, thanks to a natural slime coat. That coating helps protect the rays, which is one reason gentle handling matters so much.
Here’s a smart approach for a first touch. Use two fingers, keep your hand flat, and let the ray swim under you rather than chasing it.
Never grab, poke, or try to lift a ray out of the water. If you notice anyone being rough with the animals, the store asks you to let an employee know.
Parents can turn this into a mini science lesson. Rays are close cousins of sharks, and they use their wide fins to “fly” through the water.
For many families, this pool is the main reason to make the drive. It feels like a perk you’d normally find at a big public aquarium.
Wash your hands afterward, snap a picture or two, and give the next kid a turn. The rays will happily keep circling.
Hundreds of Tanks Make the Fish Room Feel Like a Free Aquarium
Blue tangs, angelfish, clownfish, and bannerfish all compete for your attention here. The fish room is where the aquarium comparison really earns its keep.
Hundreds of tanks line the space in long glowing rows. Freshwater species fill some sections, while saltwater fish and reef creatures shine in others.
It’s easy to spend an hour just looking. You might spot rare species you’ve only seen in documentaries, sitting a few inches from your nose.
The big difference from a real aquarium? Nearly everything here can go home with you, if you have the right setup waiting.
Shopping carts stay outside the fish room. The store asks for this to keep carts from bumping into tanks and cracking the glass.
Timing matters too. Fridays and weekends tend to be the busiest days in this area, so weekday visits usually mean shorter waits for help.
If you’re planning a new tank, bring questions about tank size and water conditions. The fish team can help you match species that actually get along.
And if you’re only browsing, that’s completely fine. Kids especially love playing “find Nemo” among the clownfish tanks, and it never seems to get old.
Building a Tank? The Aquarium Aisles Have You Covered
Filters, heaters, lights, gravel, test kits, and more fill shelf after shelf. The aquatics supply section is huge, and it makes sense given the store’s name.
That Fish Place started with fish, and the hobby still sits at the heart of the business. You’ll find gear for small beginner tanks and for much bigger setups.
Bulk packaging is a handy option for people who go through lots of food or supplies. It can save repeat trips and keep your stash stocked longer.
New to fishkeeping? A good rule is to buy your tank and equipment first, then let the water cycle before adding fish.
That patience pays off. Healthy water is the biggest factor in keeping fish happy, and the right test kit helps you track it.
The store also runs a large online shop under the That Pet Place name. Still, seeing products in person helps when you’re comparing sizes or styles.
Hobbyists often drive in from other states just to stock up here. If you’re already in Pennsylvania, you’re in luck, because the trip is much shorter.
Make a list before you go. With this much selection, it’s very easy to leave with three extra gadgets you never planned to buy.
Bunnies, Chinchillas, and Guinea Pigs Get a Room of Their Own
Tiny noses twitch behind clean glass and wire. The small animal room is a cozy corner of the store, and it’s full of fluffy residents.
Rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, mice, and gerbils often share this space. Each species has its own enclosure, with bedding, food, and hiding spots.
Guinea pigs are a popular pick for families. They’re social, chatty, and usually happier living with a buddy than alone.
Chinchillas are a different story. They’re active at night, love dust baths, and need cooler temperatures than many people expect.
Before choosing any small pet, think about daily care. Cages need regular cleaning, and many of these animals can live for several years.
The staff in this room handle feeding, care, and new arrivals. They can explain what each animal needs, from hay to cage size.
Right nearby, you’ll also find supplies for these little critters. Hay, chew toys, hideouts, and bedding make it easy to grab everything in one visit.
Even if you’re not ready to adopt, this room is a sweet stop. Watching a chinchilla bounce around beats scrolling cute videos on your phone.
Scales, Feathers, and a Few Surprises Around Every Corner
Snakes, lizards, and other scaly creatures live in their own section of the store. Reptile fans can easily lose track of time here.
Terrariums show off different species, each with heat lamps and habitats suited to their needs. Supplies like lighting, substrate, and feeders sit close by.
Thinking about a first reptile? Start by learning about heat and lighting needs, since they matter just as much as food.
Some species also live a very long time. A small lizard today could still be your roommate many years from now.
Birds bring another burst of color and noise to the main floor. Their cages sit out in the open, so you’ll likely hear them before you see them.
On some visits, the store has also held reptile meet-and-greets. These give kids a chance to get close to animals they normally only see behind glass.
The birds and reptiles show just how wide this store’s reach goes. It’s not only a fish place or a dog and cat shop.
Bring curious kids and let them ask questions. Learning how a snake sheds its skin is way more fun in person than in a textbook.
Your Dog Is Invited, and So Is a Brand-New Toy
Leashed pets are welcome to shop alongside you. That makes this one of the more fun errands your dog will ever tag along on.
The dog section stretches across multiple aisles. Toys, treats, food, beds, leashes, and grooming supplies all have their own spots.
Letting your pup sniff out a new toy is half the fun. Just keep the leash short around other animals and busy displays.
Cat owners have plenty to browse too. Food, litter, scratchers, and toys round out the feline side of the store.
Need a trim for your dog? That Groom Room operates on site and offers grooming by appointment, so you can shop while your pup gets pampered.
Here’s a good routine for grooming day. Drop off your dog, wander the fish room, then pick up a freshly fluffed friend.
The store also hosts events throughout the year. Past events have included dog activities like obstacle courses that are fun to watch.
Check the store’s event calendar before you visit. You might time your trip with something special, and your dog may get a little extra attention.
Plan Smart and Make a Whole Day of Lancaster
Getting there is the easy part. You’ll find the store at 237 Centerville Rd, Lancaster, PA 17603, just outside the city.
That Fish Place – That Pet Place is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday hours run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Weekends and Fridays can get busy, especially in the fish room. Parking may also feel tight during those peak times.
For a calmer trip, aim for a weekday morning after 10 a.m. The main store opens at 9 a.m., but the fish, bird, reptile, and small-pet areas open at 10 a.m. on weekdays.
Plan on at least an hour or two here. Between the stingrays, the tanks, and the small animals, time moves fast.
The store sits in Lancaster County, one of the best-loved spots in Pennsylvania for a day trip. Farmland, markets, and family attractions are all within an easy drive.
Pair your visit with a stroll through downtown Lancaster or a scenic country drive. It turns a simple shopping run into a full outing.
Bring a list, a camera, and maybe a cooler for any fish you take home. You’ll leave with supplies, a few memories, and probably a brand-new favorite store.
