Best Pet Shops For Reptile Owners In Minnesota
Pet ownership can provide a wonderful learning experience, expanding our understanding of the world around us. Certainly, there is fulfillment in having the company of another living animal in our space. But keeping a reptile demands that we learn more about these unique creatures and how to responsibly and properly care for them. Here are the best pet shops and other services in Minnesota where reptile owners should find most beneficial help.
Twin Cities Reptiles
2363 University Ave. W
St. Paul, MN 55114
(651) 647-4479
www.twincitiesreptiles.net
"We try to acclimate all of our animals to the new environment, offering them for sale only when they are ready to survive a change of ownership," owner Bruce Delles said. "Customers can take them home with a record of pet's feeding and an assurance that they are feeding and doing well." Delles opened the business in 1978, making believable the claim that Twin Cities Reptiles is "one of the oldest reptile specialty stores in the nation and the largest in Minnesota." One can find everything from amphibians, aquatic animals, invertebrates, lizards, snakes and turtles at this fine store of over 6,000 square feet.
OddBallPetFactory.com
8485 Plaza Blvd NE
Spring Lake Park, MN 55432
(763) 572-1337
oddballpetfactory.com
"We are one of the few small, family-run independent pet stores left in the country," owners Troy and Paula Tjepkes said. "Our staff is trained on each animal's specific needs so you can be assured that you know how to care for it after you take it home." Troy has been in the business since he was a teenager. He says his guarantee is better than any chain store because his livestock is bred in captivity, or has been treated for parasites and is properly acclimated. OddBall also sells fish for freshwater aquariums and cute and furry small animals.
Leaping Lizards
12601 Chowen Ave S
Burnsville, MN 55337
(952) 894-2305
www.leapinglizardsreptileshopllc.com
New owner Brian Schoenke bought the shop in 2014 and recently remodeled it, installing beautiful wooden display cages to showcase his snakes, lizards, amphibians, tortoises, arachnids and other invertebrates. However, Brian is not new to the hobby, as he has been collecting creatures and breeding them since he was seven. He breeds ball pythons, crested geckos, bearded dragons, skinks and monitors to create a variety of colors and types. Herpetologists will especially like Brian's selection of reptile supplies, feeds, rodents and bugs.
Valley View Pet Hospital
13600 County Road 11
Burnsville, MN 55337
(612) 254-6272
www.valleyviewvet.com
Larry Tholl, DVM, and all of his staff have a special interest in exotics. As a result, the clinic has attracted clients from throughout the upper Midwest with special needs for their exotic pet. "About 15 percent of our animals treated are reptiles and about 35 percent are exotic pets," Amy Schiller said. "We recently removed a half-pound bladder stone from a 100-pound tortoise. We cut open the bottom shell to perform the surgery and take out the stone." See Valley View's blog with interesting information about caring for exotics, like tortoise diets and getting a fussy snake to eat.
Monty's Traveling Reptile Show
1268 Nelson St
Falcon Heights, MN 55108
www.montyreptile.com
You may have seen Monty's Traveling Reptile Show at the Minnesota State Fair or as featured on local radio and television programs. If your child is interested in owning a reptile, it may be easier to schedule a reptile show at a birthday party or other special event.
Related: Good Question: What Exotic Animals Are Legal In MN?
Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from Richfield High School and then the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.