By Amanda Haggard on September 7, 2026 Verified by Google

Extremely disappointing experience.
Ghentry, at the 825 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC 28806 location, was incredibly rude and unprofessional. Instead of simply helping me purchase fish, he asked an excessive number of personal questions about my fishkeeping. When I declined to answer questions that I felt were unnecessary, he told me I could leave and that he would not sell me any fish.

This was especially frustrating because I had already explained that I have five large aquariums at home. I am not a novice fish keeper walking into the store with no experience. I know how to care for fish, and I certainly don’t need to be interrogated before being allowed to make a purchase.

What made the situation even more ironic was the condition of the fish department. There were multiple fish showing obvious signs of ich, as well as several dead fish in the tanks. So being lectured about whether I was capable of keeping a fish was particularly insulting.

I also witnessed Ghentry complaining about having to help the customer who was ahead of us, which certainly did not create the impression that customer service was a priority.

Who exactly gave one employee the authority to decide which customers are “qualified” to purchase fish based on whether they answer his personal questions? If there are legitimate animal-welfare concerns, there are professional and respectful ways to address them. Telling a customer to leave because they won’t answer intrusive questions is not one of them.

I came into Petco intending to purchase fish and left feeling insulted and unwelcome instead. Petco should seriously reconsider how this employee is treating customers and whether this is the level of customer service they want representing their store.

I have photos documenting the condition of the fish department at the time of my visit.

By Heather Wilson on May 30, 2026 Verified by Google

Great staff interaction.

U helped without a questionable doubt that I was purchasing the best fit for our pawsome pets.

Thanks for the kindness , care and concern.

We all appreciate it🐇🙌🐟🐠🐾

By Just Jessie on April 2, 2026 Verified by Google

An employee there that had the same breed(mini schnauzer) as me was was extremely kind, compassionate, and helpful during our visit from out of town. It was my babies first rode trip and he was slightly uneasy and nervous. The gentlemen gave suggestions and seemed sympathetic to this dog mom. I wanted to personally thank him again and hope he sees this post.

By Seri Skinner on March 30, 2026 Verified by Google

Terrible store staff is snarky and rude and miss treat there a mild plz go literally anywhere else plz get from ethical breeders, sanctuary’s or shelters. In the photo is a name they had there with severe neurological issues that has passed away now

By Billy LaMore on March 23, 2026 Verified by Google

The people that work at this store, I consider friends. Most of them know me by name. They ask me how many crickets I need when I walk through the door. They also care about the animals they have there, and some are very knowledgeable about proper care for them as well.

So if you're buying something for your pet, or buying a pet, this is the best place to do it!