Business Details
36 Years
experience
Your Trusted Pet Store in Poole for All Animal Needs
Southern Aquatics was established in April 1990 with a vision to provide comprehensive pet care solutions. Our journey began in Christchurch, expanding to Poole in 1998 to accommodate growing demand for diverse pet products and services. Over three decades, we have evolved into a trusted destination for pet enthusiasts, offering an extensive range of fish, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds, and small animals. Our commitment to customer service is unparalleled, with knowledgeable staff dedicated to animal welfare and expert advice. We specialise in aquatics, ornamental fish management, and reptile care, supported by a team with formal qualifications and decades of hands-on experience.From tropical and marine aquariums to pond equipment and wild bird supplies, we cater to every pet owner's needs. Our stores in Poole, Southampton, and Yeovil combine retail excellence with educational resources, ensuring customers receive both quality products and practical guidance. We actively support animal rescue initiatives and prioritise ethical practices across all operations. With dedicated departments for livestock management, aquatic health, and specialist orders, we maintain high standards of care and service. Our team's passion for animals, spanning generations, ensures every customer interaction reflects our deep-rooted commitment to the pet-owning community.
Services
Pet Food & Accessories
Fish & Marine Equipment
Pond & Garden Accessories
Reptiles & Amphibians
Aquarium Systems
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer 35 years of specialist experience in aquatics and exotic pets.
- Our qualified team includes marine biologists and ornamental fish experts.
- We stock over 1,000 pet care products under one roof.
- We provide free expert advice on fishkeeping and reptile care.
- We prioritise animal welfare with ethical sourcing and rescue partnerships.
Services
Pet Food & Accessories
We offer a comprehensive range of pet nutrition products and care accessories for dogs, cats, small animals, and exotic pets. Our inventory includes premium brands and specialist diets, supported by staff expertise in animal dietary requirements. Customers receive tailored recommendations for optimal pet health and wellbeing.
Fish & Marine Equipment
Our aquatic department provides tropical, coldwater, and marine fish alongside complete aquarium systems. We stock filtration units, heaters, lighting, and pond equipment, with expert guidance on ecosystem maintenance. Professional support covers setup, water chemistry, and fish health management.
Pond & Garden Accessories
We supply complete pond solutions including pumps, filters, and decorative features for garden water features. Our range covers koi ponds, wildlife habitats, and ornamental installations. Technical advice ensures proper system sizing and seasonal maintenance.
Reptiles & Amphibians
We specialise in reptile and amphibian care, offering live animals, terrariums, and specialist heating equipment. Our staff provide detailed husbandry guidance covering temperature gradients, UVB requirements, and species-specific diets for responsible exotic pet ownership.
Aquarium Systems
We provide complete aquarium packages from beginner setups to advanced marine systems. Services include tank selection, filtration matching, and aquascaping materials. Ongoing support covers cycling processes, water parameter testing, and disease prevention strategies.
People
Wesley
Owner / Manager
Passionate about animals with formal aquatics training. Specialises in herpetology and marine biology. Actively involved in animal rescue work with extensive experience in exotic pet care.
James
Owner / Manager
Diploma holder in ornamental fish management. Thirty years' experience in aquatics trade. Provides expert fish care advice and technical support for marine and freshwater systems.
Ed
Stock Manager
Fifteen years' experience at Southern Aquatics. Holds marine biology degree and aquatics diploma. Specialises in stock management and specialist order fulfillment for niche pet products.
Lynn
Reptile and Small Animal Manager
Experienced livestock manager with comprehensive knowledge of reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals. Oversees animal welfare standards and supplier relationships for ethical sourcing practices.
Lex
Aquatic Technician
Specialises in aquatic animal health and aquarium maintenance. Provides customer education on ichthyology and marine ecology principles. Combines academic study with practical fishkeeping expertise.
Questions
What store locations do you operate?
We have three Dorset locations: Poole (BH17 7XZ), Southampton (SO19 9DX), and Yeovil (BA22 8HA).
Do you offer specialist pet products?
Yes, we stock over 1,000 pet care items including exotic pet supplies, marine aquarium equipment, and pond maintenance products.
Can I get expert animal care advice?
Our qualified team provides free guidance on fishkeeping, reptile care, and small animal husbandry with decades of combined experience.
What are your opening hours?
Poole: Mon-Sat 09:00-17:00, Sun 10:00-16:00. Southampton: Mon-Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 11:00-15:00. Yeovil: Mon-Sat 09:30-17:00, Sun 10:00-16:00.
Do you support animal welfare initiatives?
We actively participate in rescue operations and promote ethical pet ownership through responsible sourcing and educational programs.
