Looking to get started in the aquarium hobby, or upgrade your tank setup? In this blog post, I interview the owner of World of Wet Pets in Beaverton. Read on to learn more.
Briefly introduce yourself and tell us your role.
My name is Eric Rasmussen. I’m the owner of the store.
What does your business offer?
We offer a large selection of fish and invertebrates – for freshwater and saltwater, live plants, fish food, wood, substrate, decor, lights, filters, aquariums, medication, supplies, and more!
When did the business get started?
World of Wet Pets opened in March 2005.
How did you get into this business? Tell us your story.
When I was 8 years old, I got an old Innes book on tropical fish. I read that book cover-to-cover so many times! My dad got me a 10 gallon tank, and that was it. I became fascinated with aquarium fish. To this day, I still enjoy observing them and learning about their behavior.
I studied fisheries science in college but, at the time, there was no program for ornamental fish species. Everything was focused on salmon, for people who wanted to work for the US Fish & Wildlife Service. After college, I knew I didn’t want a corporate job, so I got a job at a local aquarium shop. I worked at 4 different local stores over the next few years. I was a manager at one point. I learned a lot during those years. Eventually, I decided to open my own store.
What makes World of Wet Pets unique?
It’s not a corporate chain store. It’s a special place, a destination. And it’s not just for hardcore hobbyists! Whether you’re an experienced breeder or a new hobbyist who just got your first 10-gallon tank, there’s something for everyone here.
Where can people find you?
Come visit the store! It’s located off Highway 10 in Beaverton. The next big sale is the weekend after Thanksgiving.
You can find World of Wet Pets online at worldofwetpets.com or on Instagram @theworldofwetpets.
I love World of Wet Pets!
As a customer, what I appreciate most about World of Wet Pets is that they have a more ethical business model. They prioritize the wellbeing of the fish (keeping bettas in tanks rather than tiny cups, for example), while ensuring that customers have a good experience. They try to source fish more sustainably – and locally, whenever possible. They don’t regularly sell species that aren’t suited for the average aquarium, and they don’t sell products that aren’t good for fish.
Of course! Eric says. It almost goes without saying that they make the welfare of the animals a high priority. An aquarium store that doesn’t take good care of their animals is not going to be successful in the long run.
It goes to show that World of Wet Pets is not your average pet store!
