Karma’s a Fish Pet Store Working with Law Enforcement to Help Neglected Animals

Karma’s a Fish opened its doors in Alpena in 2017 selling only fish.

They’ve since grown and, starting in 2021, they’ve been helping local law enforcement house and heal neglected animals in the area. “We have lots of customers that take excellent care of our animals,” said Shelly Adamski, owner. “There’s a select few and you’re going to get that.”

When an animal is seized from an owner, and while the court case is ongoing, Karma’s a Fish will look after them until it’s settled. “What we do is we bring them in, reevaluate them, and see if there’s anything medically wrong with them,” Adamski said. “In the case of fish, most of the time, the neglect cases, they’ll have fin rot so we’ll have to get that resolved.”

The store has a few species involved in cases right now they’re looking after, and they’ll continue to do so free of charge. “I’m glad that we’re here and we can help assist with these animals,” Adamski said. “Otherwise, they would have pretty much nowhere to go.”

With an obvious love for animals, it gives Adamski a sense that they’re making a difference. One bird they helped take in always greets them with excitement. “Every time she sees us, when Stacy brings her into the store, she lights up,” she said. “She goes crazy for me and my husband and that kind of makes you feel good with the situation she came out of and where she is now.”