Whether you’ve suddenly realized your "baby" oscar is outgrowing its tank or you’ve successfully bred a batch of guppies , you might be looking for a place to offload your aquatic friends. If you’re wondering, the short answer is no, but they might still be able to help. The Short Answer: No, They Don't "Buy"
If you recently bought a fish from Petco and it isn't working out (or it unfortunately passed away), you can return it within 30 days for a refund or exchange, provided you have your receipt. Freshwater: Typically covered by a 30-day life guarantee. does petco buy fish
Usually considered final sale and cannot be returned. "Think Adoption First": The Surrender Policy Whether you’ve suddenly realized your "baby" oscar is
Petco does not buy fish from individuals or local breeders. They work with large, corporate-approved wholesale vendors and cannot legally or logistically pay you for your fish—even if they are high-quality or rare. Can You Trade or Get Store Credit? Freshwater: Typically covered by a 30-day life guarantee
Generally, no. Because Petco operates under strict corporate policies, most locations cannot offer store credit for "walk-in" fish.
Surrendered fish are often placed in a separate "adoption tank" and re-homed to new owners for a very small fee (often around $1).