Petco Hickory NC - Your Comprehensive Pet Care Destination

Petco Introduce

Introduction / Overview

For pet parents across North Carolina, finding a reliable and extensive pet store that caters to all aspects of their beloved companions' lives is a top priority. Petco in Hickory, NC, stands out as a prominent and comprehensive destination for pet care, distinguishing itself among big chain pet stores. More than just a place to pick up pet food, this Petco location is recognized for its broad inventory and services designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of pet owners, from beginners to experienced hobbyists. Whether you have a furry dog or cat, a scaly reptile, or an intricate aquatic setup, Petco in Hickory aims to provide the products, animals, and expertise to support healthy and happy pets. This store strives to be a one-stop-shop for everything from daily essentials to specialized items, making it a valuable resource for the local North Carolina community.

What sets this particular Petco apart, according to local customers, is its unusually robust selection, especially in areas often overlooked by other large pet retailers. Unlike some stores that may have limited offerings for more advanced hobbyists, this Petco location in Hickory is praised for its diverse range of animals and products suitable for complex needs, such as those of reptile and amphibian enthusiasts or aquaria keepers. Beyond the extensive product lines, Petco in Hickory is committed to offering a variety of services, including professional grooming and dog training, aimed at enhancing the bond between pets and their owners. With a focus on providing helpful staff and a wide array of options, this Petco location endeavors to create a fulfilling experience for every pet owner in North Carolina, solidifying its reputation as a go-to pet care destination.

Location and Accessibility

Petco in Hickory, NC, is conveniently located at 2239 US Hwy 70 SE, 28602, USA, making it highly accessible for pet owners throughout Hickory and the surrounding communities in North Carolina. This strategic placement on a major highway ensures that the store is easy to find and reach, whether you're traveling from within the city or from nearby towns. The prominent location on US Highway 70 SE typically means excellent road access and ample parking, which is a significant advantage when you're making a trip to pick up large bags of pet food, carry new aquariums, or bring your pet for grooming or training services. The ease of navigation contributes to a hassle-free shopping experience, allowing customers to efficiently manage their pet care errands.

The accessibility of this Petco location is a key benefit for the busy pet parents of North Carolina. Its presence on a well-trafficked route makes it a familiar landmark and a straightforward destination. For those utilizing GPS, simply inputting the address 2239 US Hwy 70 SE, Hickory, NC 28602, USA, will direct them right to the store’s doorstep. This prime location underscores Petco's commitment to serving the local community effectively, ensuring that quality pet products, live animals, and essential services are within convenient reach for a wide demographic of pet owners. The accessibility of this store makes it a reliable and central hub for all pet-related needs in the Hickory area and beyond.

Services Offered

Extensive Pet Supply Retail: Petco offers a vast inventory of pet products for a wide range of animals, including:
- Food & Treats: A diverse selection of pet food for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, including specialized diets and premium brands.
- Toys & Accessories: A broad array of toys for various species, along with essential accessories like collars, leashes, beds, crates, and habitats.
- Grooming Supplies: Shampoos, conditioners, brushes, and other tools for at-home pet grooming.
- Health & Wellness Products: Supplements, dental care items, flea and tick prevention, and other health-related aids.
Live Animals: This Petco location is noted for its wide selection of live animals, which includes:
- Reptiles & Amphibians: A good range for both beginner and advanced hobbyists, which is a significant highlight according to customer reviews.
- Fish & Aquatics: Supplies and live fish for diverse aquaria, catering to various levels of expertise.
- Small Animals: Such as hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits.
- Birds: Various bird species and their specific care items.
Professional Dog Grooming: The store offers full-service dog grooming by professionals, helping pets look and feel their best. This includes services like baths, haircuts, nail trims, and more.
Dog Training: Petco provides expert dog training programs, including obedience classes, puppy training, and specialized behavior modification to help strengthen the bond between pets and their owners.
Vaccination Clinics (Vetco Clinics): Petco locations often host Vetco Vaccination Clinics, providing accessible and affordable preventative veterinary care, including vaccinations, deworming, and microchipping. (Note: Specific schedules vary and should be confirmed with the store).
Pet Photography: Some Petco locations offer pet photography services, allowing owners to capture cherished memories with their companions. (Confirm availability at this specific location).
Pet Adoptions: Petco frequently partners with local animal shelters and rescue organizations to host in-store adoption events, providing an opportunity for homeless animals to find loving homes.
Curbside Pickup & Delivery: Petco often offers convenient options like online ordering for in-store pickup or home delivery, streamlining the shopping process for busy customers.

Features / Highlights

Superior Inventory for Advanced Hobbyists: A standout feature, as highlighted by a customer, is that this Petco location significantly surpasses other big-chain pet stores in its inventory for "advanced reptile & amphibian or fish/aquaria hobbyists, keepers and breeders." This makes it an exceptional resource for specialized pet owners in North Carolina.
Wide Selection of Live Animals: Customers consistently praise the "very wide selection of animals" available, which goes beyond typical offerings and includes diverse species for various pet keeping interests. This makes it a primary destination for those looking to expand their pet family.
Helpful and Nice Staff: Customer reviews repeatedly mention the staff being "pretty helpful and nice." This friendly and approachable demeanor enhances the shopping experience, making customers feel welcome and supported in their pet care endeavors.
Comprehensive Services Under One Roof: This Petco offers a suite of services, including professional dog grooming and expert dog training, alongside its retail offerings. This integrated approach provides convenience for North Carolina pet owners, allowing them to address multiple pet needs in one visit.
Better Animal Selection Than Competitors: One customer explicitly stated that the animal selection is "Definitely better than the Petsmart down the road," indicating a clear competitive advantage in this crucial area for many pet parents.
Caters to All Experience Levels: The store is praised for having "something here for everyone," from "beginners looking to get into the hobby to expert keepers and breeders with years of experience." This inclusivity ensures that all pet owners in North Carolina can find relevant products and animals.
Regular Product Rotation/Updates: While one review noted "a few empty tanks/cages" and "bare spots in the shelves," this can also be interpreted as a sign of high demand and regular inventory turnover, suggesting fresh stock and a dynamic environment.

Contact Information

Address: 2239 US Hwy 70 SE, Hickory, NC 28602, USA

Phone: (828) 322-4590

Mobile Phone: +1 828-322-4590

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For pet owners residing in Hickory and throughout the broader North Carolina region, Petco at 2239 US Hwy 70 SE stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly valuable local resource. Its comprehensive offerings, coupled with a notable emphasis on specialized pet needs, make it a premier destination for diverse pet care requirements. Firstly, the store's location on a major highway ensures optimal accessibility, providing easy and convenient access for residents from across the area. This logistical advantage means less travel time and more efficiency for busy pet parents looking to pick up essentials or bring their pets for services, solidifying its role as a practical hub for the North Carolina community.

What truly sets this Petco apart and makes it particularly suitable for locals is its remarkably robust and diverse inventory, especially for niche hobbyists. Unlike many general big-chain pet stores that might have limited offerings for specialized animals, this Hickory location is lauded for its extensive selection of animals and products catering to advanced reptile, amphibian, and aquaria enthusiasts. This means that whether a local is a seasoned breeder or just starting in a complex hobby, they can find the specific animals and high-quality products they need without having to travel far. This comprehensive approach ensures that all segments of the pet-owning community in North Carolina are well-served.

Furthermore, the combination of extensive retail options with a suite of essential services, including professional dog grooming and expert dog training, adds immense value for local pet owners. This allows for a streamlined experience, where multiple pet care needs can be addressed in a single visit. The consistently positive feedback regarding the staff's helpfulness and friendliness further enhances the store's appeal, creating a welcoming and supportive environment where customers feel understood and assisted. For North Carolina residents seeking a pet store that offers not just a wide array of products and services, but also a particularly strong selection for specialized pet care and genuinely helpful staff, Petco in Hickory is an ideal choice, fostering a strong connection with the local pet community.

Petco Photos

Petco Location

Petco

North Carolina Catawba County Hickory US Highway 70 Southeast

2239 US Hwy 70 SE, Hickory, NC 28602, USA

Petco Reviews

By far the best big chain pet store I’ve seen. Most PetSmarts, PetSupermarkets, PetSenses, Petcos, etc. are underwhelming and have mediocre products/inventory, usually lacking animals/products for more advanced reptile & amphibian or fish/aquaria hobbyists, keepers and breeders. This is not the case with this store. From beginners looking to get into the hobby to expert keepers and breeders with years of experience, there is something here for everyone.
Dec 15, 2024 · CG Dav
A very wide selection of animals I would say, a few empty tanks/cages though. The staff were pretty helpful and nice. I'm not a pet expert so I can't gage the prices and things for you too well. Definitely better than the Petsmart down the road as far as the animals go, however there were a few bare spots in the shelves. The staff were pretty helpful and generally nice.
Jul 01, 2023 · Troy Westmoreland
Store seems unkept and dirty, pee stains on the floor and everything was covered in dust. Went in looking for reptile supplies and they did not have a wide selection. Lastly, the girl running the register was wearing a tank top and sandals.
Jun 27, 2025 · Jon Smith
I have tried 3 times to order from petco, and all 3 times ill put my order in online with it showing avaliable stock, however I have yet to actually get my full order because something is not in stock, even tho it was when I paid for it.So I canceled my last order, and contacted "chat" with the issue. And after looking up my order I was told that after I put my order in they had a number of orders come in and the items I ordered was no longer in stock.My order was put in before the other orders, and yet they got the items where I did not.That is crappy to say the least.I'll not be doing any more business with this company, petsmart is just down the road from them and they will get my orders from now on, even if I have to pay more.
Jun 06, 2025 · Phillip Hamby
The staff are friendly, theyre sometimes understaffed. The issue is mainly in aquatics, and the employees know - their saltwater selection is slim, their livestock would survive better if their employees had the ability to put appropriate lighting in their marine systems or have a frag display (which corporate had them take down, when the coral was actually healthy). They also don't have the ability to use frozen fish food, which is vastly superior to flake food and increases survivability for buyers when fish are already eating a diverse pallete of food types. Their vendors also sometimes send fish in rather malnourished, and there's no discount for fish that are. This company has put family owned businesses out of businesses, and what we are left with is low to subpar livestock at the fault of corporate. The employees managing the aquatics department have the intelligence and skill to properly care for them, but their hands are tied, it's sad to see. It let's me know that their corporate side is preying on the death of livestock to keep customers buying, and then customers continue to unknowingly buy low quality livestock - it's not fair to the coral and fish, and it's not fair to us.I hope someday that these employees who have more skill than corporate in caring for animals, can fulfill their capacity and drive. Because right now, corporate is holding them back and making them and customers pay for it.
Apr 17, 2025 · Adam Barber