Finding the right pet shop makes all the difference when caring for your companion.

Whether you need quality dog food, specialised aquarium supplies, or expert advice on exotic pets, Durban’s top pet retailers offer everything from everyday essentials to niche products. 

This guide highlights the best & most reliable pet shops in Durban & around the North Coast. 

From standard vet checkups to unexpected medical bills, MediPet is SA’s leading pet insurance broker offering pet insurance plans that provide genuine, comprehensive cover. Get an obligation-free quote online in seconds today.

Key Takeaways:

  • Durban offers a diverse array of pet shops, from established franchises with premium ranges to independent stores specialising in niche animal care.
  • Absolute Pets & Canine & Co. are larger commercial stores that provide a wide selection of vet-approved foods, high-end accessories, and expert nutritional advice.
  • BestPetz™ & Tailsup stand out for their focus on wellness & local products, offering eco-friendly accessories & affordable, all-natural nutritional solutions produced in KZN.

Your Local Guide to Durban’s Top 9 Pet Shops

Whether you’re looking for expert staff, unique inventory, or exceptional service, use this guide to quickly compare options & find a pet shop in Durban that best matches your needs.

Each listing below includes key details such as location, operating hours, product specialities, & what makes each shop stand out.

Explore the best pet shops in Durban below.

1. Canine & Co.

Address: Shop 106, The Crescent Shopping Centre, 1 Sunset Cres, Umhlanga Ridge, Durban, 4319

Canine & Co. is a retail store that offers a well-known product range and is deeply committed to initiatives in the pet community, a bespoke touch that sets it apart from larger franchises. 

With multiple locations across the Durban area, including popular spots like The Crescent at Umhlanga Ridge, the store franchise specialises in products for a wide range of animals. 

Whether you need medicine for sensitive stomachs or are looking for high-end accessories, their team offers a tailored approach to pet care.

Shop their products online for delivery or find a physical store near you.

Product Range

Their stock features everything from award-winning natural pet food brands like Acana & Orijen to bespoke, vet-recommended supplements & remedies. They provide a “Shop By Solution” service that helps owners find specific products for boredom, anxiety, or dental health.

Beyond the standard dog & cat supplies, they also stock essentials for birds, fish, & small pets, ensuring that all companions are equally cared for.

Location & Reviews

Canine & Co. has multiple branches, with four spread across Umhlanga & the North Coast, & another in Pietermaritzburg. Customers frequently praise the friendly & helpful staff at their Durban stores, with added praise for the extensive range of high-quality pet products & specialised collections. 

You can read more customer reviews on Google Business Profile or follow their latest updates on their Facebook page.

Operating Hours

Operating hours can vary slightly by location, but most Durban branches are typically open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Saturdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, & from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sundays & public holidays. To confirm the exact times for your nearest branch, it is best to check their website or contact the store directly.

2. Absolute Pets

Address:Shop 11, Lifestyle Centre, Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, 4000, South Africa

Absolute Pets is a well-known pet shop franchise that provides a premium shopping experience for pet parents. Their branches offer a modern layout & high standards of service, focusing on holistic pet well-being through expert advice & curated pet products. 

Whether you’re seeking nutrient-packed snacks or the latest in pet fashion for your furry friend, this store franchise delivers a convenient & professional retail experience. 

Find a store near you or browse their full range of products online, often with free delivery via their app.

Product Range

The store offers an extensive collection of vet-recommended & premium pet food brands, alongside a variety of high-quality treats, health supplements, & hygiene products. 

Their lifestyle range includes stylish accessories such as durable leashes, comfortable bedding, & interactive toys for both dogs & cats. In addition to in-store purchases, customers can access their convenient “Go Fetch!” on-demand delivery service via their app for local orders.

Location & Reviews

The franchise has numerous branches across KwaZulu-Natal. 

Their Lifestyle & Ballito Junction Regional Mall stores offer convenient shopping for mall visitors. The Lifestyle branch is frequently praised for its clean, organised environments & the consistent stock availability. It also has friendly, helpful staff who are knowledgeable about pet nutrition. 

You can read more customer reviews on the store’s Google Business Profile or explore the latest news about the franchise on their Facebook page.

Operating Hours

Absolute Pets’ Lifestyle branch is open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, & on Sundays & Public Holidays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

To see the opening hours of other branches, contact the store directly or browse the store locator information on Absolute Pets’ website.

3. Durban Pets & Aquarium

Address: 60 Berea Rd, Berea, Durban, 4001

Durban Pets & Aquarium is a well-established pet store in the Berea area, catering to everyone from casual owners looking for general pet products to dedicated aquarists & bird breeders. 

Their staff’s expertise, range of additional on-site services, such as avian grooming & care, & high-quality supplies have made them a trusted household name for over 60 years. 

Visit the Berea store or contact the team directly for pet-related enquiries.

Product Range

The store specialises in a range of fish supplies, including tanks, pumps, filters, & gravel, alongside species like goldfish & koi.

For bird enthusiasts, they offer cages, feeders, & a variety of birds, including parakeets, finches, & canaries. They also cater to small animals like rabbits & hamsters, & provide essential dog & cat food, toys, treats, & accessories.

Additionally, they offer bespoke services such as bird grooming (wing clipping & nail filing) & quarterly avian vet visits.

Location & Reviews

Located on Berea Road, the store is frequently praised by long-term customers for its welcoming & knowledgeable staff, highlighting the team’s willingness to go the extra mile. 

Customers also praise the store for its fair prices & the professional atmosphere this family-run business maintains. You can read more customer reviews on Facebook or the store’s Google Business Profile.

Operating Hours

Durban Pets & Aquarium is open Monday to Friday from 7:45 am to 4:45 pm, on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. The store is closed on Sundays. Please contact the team directly for information about the store’s operating hours on public holidays.

4. Something Exotic Pets & Aquatics

Address: Shop 214S, Hillcrest Oxford Village, 9 Old Main Rd, Hillcrest, Durban, 3650

Something Exotic Pets & Aquatics is an independent store in Hillcrest that offers a refreshing alternative to standard pet retailers. 

Their shop is a haven for enthusiasts of more unique creatures, standing out for its impressive variety of exotic animals & hardware for specialised habitats. Their team focuses on providing high-level advice, ensuring that owners of both traditional & “non-traditional” pets are equipped with the best possible care. 

Visit their Hillcrest store to explore their latest arrivals & find the perfect products for your furry friends.

Product Range

While they carry a small section of essential supplies for dogs & cats, their expertise lies in the “exotic” & aquatic realms. They stock a vibrant selection of tropical & marine fish, corals, & invertebrates, alongside specialised reptile species & arachnids.

They also offer high-tech filtration systems, custom terrariums, & a variety of specialised live & frozen feeds. They also provide a range of bird supplies & small animal essentials, making them a diverse choice for any local hobbyist.

Location & Reviews

Situated in the Oxford Village centre in Hillcrest, the store is highly regarded for its vibrant & clean displays & the sheer variety of animals. 

Customers frequently praise the staff for being extremely knowledgeable & patient, especially when attending to the complex needs of marine tanks or reptile enclosures. You can read more customer reviews on Google Business Profile & learn more about their business & stock via their Facebook page.

Operating Hours

Something Exotic Pets & Aquatics is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, on Saturdays from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm, & on Sundays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

5. Salt Rock Pet Shop

Address: 61 Basil Hulett Dr, Umhlali Beach, Ballito, 4420

Salt Rock Pet Shop is a local pet paradise situated in the heart of the Salt Rock community. 

Formerly known as the Ballito Pet Shoppe, this store has built a strong reputation for its welcoming atmosphere & the personal care it provides to every customer. It is a convenient option for residents who prefer a more intimate, casual shopping experience over larger retail chains. 

While they don’t have a dedicated website, customers can visit their Salt Rock store to browse their unique selection or chat with their friendly team.

Product Range

Despite its cosy size, the shop stocks a variety of essential food & toys for cats & dogs. They are also a key destination for bird lovers & fish enthusiasts, offering a selection of feathered friends & aquatic livestock.

Notably, they are a primary local supplier for live food, including crickets, roaches, & mealworms. As a unique bonus for the coastal community, they stock fishing tackle & fresh bait alongside beach accessories like bodyboards & snorkelling gear.

Location & Reviews

Conveniently located at the Salt Rock Centre next to the Salt Rock Hotel, the shop is a staple for locals & holidaymakers alike. Customers frequently praise the friendly & efficient service & appreciate having such a well-stocked, specialised shop in the immediate Salt Rock area.

You can read more customer reviews on Google Business Profile or stay updated on their latest arrivals via their Facebook page.

Operating Hours

Salt Rock Pet Shop is generally open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturdays, & from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on Sundays.

6. BestPetz

Address: 27 Ronan Rd, La Lucia, uMhlanga, 4051

BestPetz™ is a boutique pet wellness brand that prioritises environmentally-friendly, natural health products for dogs & cats.

Although they don’t have a physical store, their products are distributed from their base in La Lucia. Their philosophy centres on the idea that pets deserve the best of nature, which is why they focus on using biodegradable materials & chemical-free consumables to ensure a “cleaner” lifestyle for your furry friends. 

Shop their products online for nationwide delivery.

Product Range

Their products are highly specialised, featuring the innovative AntBeater ECO bowls, a South African invention made from bamboo composite fibre that naturally repels ants from your pet’s food bowl without using toxins.

They also offer a range of premium treats, including 100% pure beef & pork liver biltong, alongside specialised health supplements like collagen packs & natural calmatives. While they focus on consumables & wellness rather than general items, every product in their range is selected for its ability to improve a pet’s vitality & quality of life.

Location & Reviews

Customers cannot visit a physical store, but their La Lucia shop serves as the headquarters for efficient national distribution, ensuring that Durban locals & pet owners across South Africa receive high-quality wellness products directly to their doors. Reviews have praised their natural treats & the effectiveness of the AntBeater bowls. You can read more customer reviews on Google Business Profile or read updates on their Facebook page

Operating Hours

As an online-focused retailer, the BestPetz™ website is live 24/7 for orders. For administrative inquiries or local support, their team is typically available Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

7. Tailsup

Address: 21 Hillhead Avenue, Mt Edgecombe

Tailsup has evolved from a local dog food supplier into a comprehensive pet health shop in Mt Edgecombe with a mission to make premium wellness affordable. They are a KZN-based manufacturer that produces its own all-natural dog food right in the province.

Their philosophy centres on being a one-stop shop for pet health, where owners can find professional-grade solutions for everyday ailments without the high costs associated with specialist care. 

Shop their products online or visit their Mt Edgecombe branch to explore their exclusive health & wellbeing ranges.

Product Range

Tailsup offers a mix of in-house manufactured goods & premium national brands. They produce their own natural dog food & specialised bird feeds under the Valemount & Westermans labels, while also serving as the official KZN agents for the Complete dog food range.

Their inventory is particularly strong in the “wellness” category, featuring exclusive natural remedies, pharmaceuticals, & treats designed to address common health issues.

Location & Reviews

Conveniently situated on Hillhead Avenue in Mt Edgecombe, the store is frequently praised for its great service & the staff’s deep knowledge of pet nutrition & pharmaceutical alternatives. Reviewers often highlight the affordability of their high-quality food products & the convenience of finding niche bird & pet supplies in one place.

You can read more customer reviews on Google Business Profile or their Facebook page.

Operating Hours

Tailsup’s website states that their opening hours are Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturdays, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sundays & from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on public holidays. 

8. Pawsome Dog Food Suppliers

Address: 336 Randles Rd, Sydenham, Berea, 4091

With over 10 years in South Africa’s pet industry, Pawsome Dog Food Suppliers focus on keeping premium dog food affordable at a great regular price. Their range of products are packed with essential vitamins & minerals, ensuring real value for pet owners who want to maintain their pet’s vitality without overextending their budget.

They aim to offer expert advice to help owners select a diet that specifically caters to their pet’s life stage & health needs. 

Shop their products online for local delivery or visit their store in person to find the perfect fit for your pet.

Product Range

As the exclusive KZN distributors for the Enerdog Economy range, they provide a scientifically formulated diet specifically designed to keep South African dogs in peak physical condition.

Their inventory includes nutrient-rich dry kibble, such as the popular Jock & Montego ranges, along with specialised wet foods for both dogs & cats. They also stock grooming sprays, shampoos, bird seeds & treats, making them a practical one-stop shop for households with diverse pets.

Location & Reviews

Pawsome is situated in an accessible spot for residents across the Berea & Newlands areas. Customers frequently praise the honest, helpful advice from their staff & the significant savings on bulk orders. Reviewers often highlight that the team’s decade of experience translates into excellent service & a reliable delivery network that makes stocking up on 20kg & 25kg bags effortless.

You can read more customer reviews on Google Business Profile or their Facebook page.

Operating Hours

Pawsome Dog Food Suppliers is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm & from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Sundays.

9. Aquatics 4 Finatics

Address: 102 Rinaldo Rd, Glen Hills, Durban North, 4051

Aquatics 4 Finatics is a leading Durban-based shop that treats fishkeeping as a passion rather than just a hobby. Led by their dedicated owner, Sudir Bhadree, who brings over 10 years of industry expertise, the store is committed to making high-end aquarium & tropical setups attainable & affordable for local enthusiasts.

They pride themselves on transparency & building long-term relationships with the hobbyist community through expert, professional advice. 

Although customers can’t place orders online, visit their Durban North store to make a purchase & see their spectacular items on display.

Product Range

As specialists in both freshwater & marine environments, they source & import a vast range of livestock featuring a diverse selection of marine fish, corals, cichlids, & tropical species from across the globe, including Indonesia, Australia, Hawaii, & the USA.

To ensure the health of your tank, they maintain a strict 10-14-day quarantine policy for all imports at their own expense. They also stock premium equipment & dry goods from top-tier brands like Red Sea, Aquaforest, & Seachem, & offer professional aquarium maintenance services.

Location & Reviews

The store is ideally located in Durban North & praised for its unmatched marine expertise & immaculate livestock. Customers praise the team for their deep technical knowledge, particularly in troubleshooting complex reef systems & specialised filtration. Reviewers note that the shop is clean & well-presented, making it a go-to shop for both beginners & veteran “finatics” looking for high-quality corals & rare fish species.

Read more customer reviews on Google My Business or follow their latest imports on their Facebook page.

Operating Hours

Aquatics 4 Finatics is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, & on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. On Public Holidays, they are typically open from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, & they remain closed on Sundays.

Final Thoughts on the Best Pet Shops in Durban

This guide has highlighted a diverse range of the best pet shops across Durban, ensuring that no matter your pet’s needs—from nutrient-dense local dog food to specialised aquatic equipment—you have a trusted local source. Whether you are based in the coastal town of Ballito or the hills of Hillcrest, Durban offers an exceptional selection of retailers dedicated to animal health & long-term well-being.

For pet parents, it’s also worth securing comprehensive cover for regular check-ups or unexpected medical emergencies. As South Africa’s leading pet insurance broker, MediPet offers a range of pet insurance plans that provide comprehensive, genuine & transparent cover. Get a free, obligation-free quote online today.

Our blog also provides other resources for pet owners, from the top pet-friendly accommodation options to the best grooming services around Durban, & more.