Watch CBS News

Best New York Reptile Pet Shops

You don't have to go to the nearest swamp to find an amazing reptiles. Although you may have to go just a bit off the beaten path to get to some of these exotic enthusiasts, meeting these area experts is well worth the trip. From bearded dragons to lizards, turtles and tortoises, finding the right cold-blooded companion is just a visit away.

cave geckos
Photo Credit: faunanyc.com

Fauna
265 W. 87th St. (between Broadway and West End Avenue)
New York, NY 10024
(212) 877-2473
www.faunanyc.com

Hours: Mon to Tues – noon to 7 p.m.; Wed to Sat – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sun – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A visit to Fauna will make you forget you are in the city. It carries a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians and prides itself on offering only creatures bred in captivity, to ensure a healthy, ethically obtained pet and happy owner. With a wide selection of supplies to satisfy all of your reptiles needs, Fauna will cut and coif that pet with in-home grooming services and offers boarding services for traveling reptile owners.

Exotic Pet Warehouse
Photo Credit: exoticpetwarehouse.com

Exotic Pet Warehouse
597 Central park Ave.
Yonkers, NY 10704
(914) 963-6557
www.exoticpetwarehouse.com

Hours: Mon to Sat – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sun – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

A hop, skip and a jump from Manhattan, Exotic Pet Warehouse offers 5,000 Square feet to fulfill all of your reptiles needs. When potential owners just can't find the right bearded dragon, chameleon, lizard or snake, owner Lou Gaudio is always more then happy to step in and help out. In business for more than 23 years, its knowledgeable staff and selection of products is second to none when it comes to cold-blooded creatures.

Related: Reptile House

repxotica lizard
Photo Credit: repxotica.com

Repxotica
19 Udall Rd.
West Islip, NY
(631) 482-9500
www.repxotica.com

Hours: Mon to Fri – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sat – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sun – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Representing rare and exotic reptiles from around the world, you will think you stepped into a Costa Rican rain forest when you walk into to this shop. Reptile enthusiasts rave about its wide selection of frogs, geckos, snakes, lizards, turtles and tortoises. If inverts are your thing, it carries a wide variety of spiders from around the world. Check out its website for regular exotic inventory updates.

Boy with Lizard
Photo Credit: ThinkStock

For Birds Only & Pet Lovers USA
176 Jericho Turnpike
Mineola, NY 11501
(516) 746-3630 or (516) 739-1015
www.petloversny.com

Hours: Mon to Sat – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sun – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For 25 years, this Long Island family owned business has been offering everything you need to help your reptiles feel at home. Located about a half an hour out of the city, its wide selection of snakes, frogs, toads, lizards, turtles and tortoises will make it difficult to choose the right cold-blooded buddy for you. No worries, the kind and caring staff is always more than happy to answer any questions in your quest for the best exotic pet.

Related: NYC Gardens and Zoos Guide

Man with Iguana
Photo Credit: ThinkStock

The Hamilton Dog House
155 E. 3rd St.
Brooklyn, NY 11218
(718) 436-7387
www.thehamiltondoghouse.com

Hours: Mon to Sun – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Don't let the name fool you, this little shop is packed with all the essential supplies to ensure your exotic pal has a happy home. It carries a wide range of products from the top names in reptiles including Esu, Flukers, Four Paws, Repcal, Superpet, Tetra, TFH, T-rex, Wardley's, Zilla and Zoomed. Its convenient hours and location make it easy to maintain your exotic's environment. Its staff boasts more than 100 years of combined experience, perfect for new reptile owners in search of advice for keeping cold blooded beasts healthy in New York.

Related: Flights Delayed After 150 Turtles Looking to Mate Crawl onto JFK Airport Tarmac

Dr. Jennifer Powell-Lunder is a freelance writer in New York. She is a clinical psychologist specializing in work with children, adolescents, young adults, and their families. Her work can be found here


View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.