I don't think you want to see a photo of a dead bird. The Patterson's who own Exotic Pet Shop will tell you that there's a 24 hour bird return policy if they die between that time of arriving home. We would never have even called back or I would not be leaving this review if it wasn't about the customer service. After being told that there was a policy that only applied to fish that died between 24 hours. We are distraught over those $200 that has now turned into an empty solution, where we were mocked for our efforts to keep a pet. We feel mocked for how we were told to communicate that 24 hour policy that didn't apply to us and won't bring our money back. This is not a place to bring home a lifetime friend. read more

Always good service. One of the few places to get live rats and open on Sunday! Yelp shouldn't require 85 characters for a comment!!!!!

Been coming here for years as I prefer to support local pet stores over the big box pet stores. Staff is friendly, and they have items for most pets you could have. read more

When I bring my birds in to get their nails clipped they treat them like family and they're very helpful

I've got both of my birds here and I've had them for several years now. I like to go in and look around they have a lot of activity in there. They also have lots of animals. Cool place. Pics are of my birds that I got from this place. read more

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Always very sweet and kind and has so many adorable pets can't wait to come adopt a bunny

Best pet store in the area. I get the nutrisource dog food and it's made my dogs feel great. They were getting picky with their food and wouldn't eat, and an employee here recommended the nutrisource food and my dogs loved it!! They are extremely knowledgeable about their products and answered all the questions I had. read more

Exotic Pet Center - Dog - Pet Stores Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

If I could give a MINUS 5 star review I would ! My wife left our pet bunny to be boarded for (5) days at this place on Sat 7/22. On Monday, 7/24 while we were traveling, she received a call informing her that "Bobby" was DEAD ! ARE YOU FRIGGIN KIDDING ME ??? Bobby was an older bunny but my wife took EXCELLENT care of him--regular pet visits, nail trim, etc; he was a treasure to her. ALLEGEDLY Bobby was found dead on Monday AM??? My wife is devastated--but ME....I'm ANGRY--and very CURIOUS as to how this horrific event happened. So let's just say that I WILL investigate--this is by no means over !!! But in the meantime---DO NOT TRUST YOUR PETS TO THIS PLACE !!! D Thomas Sarasota (and if anybody wants to "talk" about this---here I am) read more

WAY OVERPRICED FISH TANK. I decided to stop here over petco or petsmart because I knew this was a smaller local business. I was gifted a fish and it needed a tank asap. All of the tanks were quite expensive, I was assuming they were all just high quality and trustworthy. I ended up with the smallest plastic tank, it came out to 80+ dollars for a 1.5 gallon..... which is way to small for anything.... Which they also scolded me for. But everything else was much much more without any set up equipment. I was thinking this was sadly the only thing I could afford and this fish needed a tank. I later that day ended up at petco for food, I didn't want to go and support the chain but this store had closed so it was my only option. Found the same tank, brand and everything, for $30. I do get an up charge with smaller businesses and I am willing to support... but $80 vs 30 is too much. Also checked online after this just to find $30 is what you'd expect to pay for such a small plastic tank. I trusted the prices blindly and ended up with a dead fish.... Not that they didn't warn me but I didn't think I could afford anything else. All and all I just wish the prices had been more on par with other stores even with an up charge and at the end of they day check on your phone before you check out... there are no returns. read more

I have fond memories of this pet store from back when it used to be Animal Crackers. I like to go into the Family Pet Center sometimes just to look at some of the animals, and today I decided to go in since I haven't been in a while. Immediately I noticed the grotesque condition of the floor. Feces and debris was covering the floor and there was a FOUL odor. There were 2 parrots outside of their cage play-fighting with one another. I didn't touch either bird, but I hovered my finger out in front of one bird to see if it might step onto my hand. I then heard someone scream, "THE BIRDS WILL BITE JUST SO YOU KNOW, THEY'RE BEING TRAINED STILL SO THAT'S WHY THEY'RE OUTSIDE OF THEIR CAGE" I have 4 parrots at home... I know birds. The nasty attitude from this staff member was absolutely disgusting. The tone of voice was extremely hostile and rude, and I don't appreciate being spoken to like a child when I'm a grown adult. Fun fact: 70% of communication is non-verbal. If the birds are out of their cage and no one is interacting with said birds, perhaps put them back inside the cage. Because then if someone gets bit, that's a liability for the store. Or, better yet, put a SIGN ON THE CAGE!!!! :0 :0 :0 Very callous, nasty blonde working at the counter. I sure hope she doesn't treat the rest of the customers like how she treated me. read more

I have an autistic brother who asked for one thing on his birthday. All he wanted was to go to a pet store. After doing some research we decided to bring him here and we couldn't have picked a better place! I called them ahead of time to let them know we would come in and they were ready with friendly staff to show him around and let him hold almost every animal he asked about! It was the perfect birthday for him! I will definitely be back here. Thank you so much for caring for others and for your animals! read more

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So much fun to go here! Such cute ferrets, bunnies, birds, hedgehogs, snakes, fish, lizards, and more! One bird even talked to us which was so cute. Would recommend read more

Poor customer service. We walked in with our 3 kids to get pet supplies and the kids were excited to look at the critters. Right when we walked in, my youngest got over stimulated and began tapping on the glass where the birds were and I told him not to scare the animals and the staff member instantly angrily snapped "don't tap the glass kid." By the way he is 5 and on the spectrum, so it was intending to be cruel. We also shared with her that and she seemed unphased. He is learning. I will say the rest of the visit was uncomfortable which was unfortunate because my kids were excited to see the reptiles and fish and we left with purchasing some other items we needed. Even more uncomfortable when some regulars walked in and seemed to be commenting under their breath in our direction. We shop there offer and even have a Lion head bunny we bought from there, who my son is super gentle with and loves. Not the service I would expect from a place called Family Pet Center. I suggest removing Family from the name or hire staff with a little more patience and kindness to families. read more

I absolutely love this pet store. It's not hard to tell the owners absolutely put everything into the care and wellbeing of the animals. The staff is filled with lots of knowledge and they are willing to answer any number of questions you may have. I have a large amount of reptiles at home and I go to family pet center for the large amount of bugs and rodents I have to feed to my pets. 11/10 would recommend for any reptile, birds, pet rodents, fish and more. read more

I love this place! Since finding this store we come here for all our lizard food. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. I just got a new friend from there today and named her Basil. read more

I bought a Glofish tank for my classroom and recently started having reoccurring issues with brown algae. The gentleman working in the fish area was super friendly and knowledgeable about how to treat the tank. He explained everything thoroughly to me. I didn't feel like he was just trying to sell me a bunch of stuff to make money off me. He told me to start with one item and see how it worked before I invested a bunch of money on items I don't need. I will definitely return for my future fishy needs! read more

Locally owned and friendly. The staff is knowledgeable in all departments. I'll go there for all my dog and fish needs.

My shy chihuahua mix normally just tries to go for the door when I bring him to places like Petco/Petsmart, but here he will drag me up and down the isles exploring and sniffing away. I trust my pup when he is comfortable and inquisitive somewhere- This place is always well kept and some of the staff has amazing customer service! I'm in the pet service industry as a groomer and I love chatting with one of the managers there, they have good prices on feeder rodents for my snakes and I know they had a supplier issue after Hurricane Ian but my scaly children don't mind the wait. The place is clean, animals are well kept, and staff is knowledgeable. Only complaints I have are small and do NOT change the fact this place is a very well established store for exotics and small animals alike. I only wish they would ask before bagging frozen mice and rats together, not an issue for myself but I know of some picky Ball pythons that won't eat a mouse that smells like a rat or a rat that smells like a mouse. I'm lucky that mine doesn't care read more

Great variety of holistic pet foods, and terrific exotic supply section. Only four stars because I am opposed to selling exotics at all, having been the recipient of everything from chinchillas and a ball python to a guinea pig and a bearded dragon that people got and then didn't want after a year or two. Few are in it for the long haul with a dog or cat or fish- let alone a dart frog or macaw or hedgehog. 1/2 off section outside with nice offerings in food and treats. Prices same as most places. Convenient. Friendly staff! I'll be back. read more

I use this place as my go-to fish store. Not because of their selection, but I have been there hundreds of times and they are always very respectful and nice. I don't bother with any other fish store in the area, as every fish and coral I have purchased here has been healthy and thriving for years. read more

Great with selections of objects and pet accessories. Even good priced mice/rats for my snakes. I love the variety of food options they have available. However, DO NOT BUY AN ANIMAL FROM THIS STORE. They have a wonderful tempting selection of critters but it is not worth it. As far as reptiles go, it would be best to always buy your reptile from a breeder. They have a policy of no refunds if the animal dies in your care. Which can be understandable. However, I an experienced reptile keeper of 10+ trusted them and bought a lizard. From the get go the thing wasn't in the best health he was kept with other males which wasn't good, and when I brought him home he was noticeably skinny. He had scars from bites from the other males. I kept the animal for two weeks before it passed away, I have long hours for work so its hard for me to come to the petstore to do much. I attempt to contact the son with why the lizard wasn't eating, I did all I could to bring it back to health. It did eventually pass away. When I explained what happened to the store they were VERY defensive and were almost as if blaming me for killing the animal when I had done lots of research on the reptile and had a perfect set up for it. It was disheartening to say the least. I've been nothing but an honest loyal customer and to feel as if I was being blamed for animal that already wasn't well (I thought I could nurse it back to health) was not a fun feeling. The refused to take any sort of responsibility. They refused to do anything to help me out and I was out $200+ dollars. I would recommend them for anything but animals. DO NOT BUY AN ANIMAL FROM HERE This breaks my heart to write the review since I know it is a small pet store, and the people were very nice to me whenever I had come in. But I need people to know to NEVER BUY AN ANIMAL HERE If you leave the store with anything live I hope it is only feeders. read more

This place is Amazing! The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. I have been coming here for years. I always get my reptile food from here. Any questions I have they are always willing to help me answer them. I also get my dogs nails trimmed here as well. They have a small grooming area in the back of the store. The groomer was very patient with me and all my dogs. read more

I purchased a $600 bird on October 31. On November 1, it was clear that because of constant squawking, It was not the right bird for our household. That same day we brought the bird back to the store and had to surrender it for FREE because of the no refund policy. The store will sell that bird to someone else for another $600, so why do I get screwed but they make $1,200 on a $600 bird? Why? because they only care about the dollar and they don't operate their business with any ethics. read more

Best small business pet store to go to. I've been going here for about 3 years and will continue to go here. Friendly, informative, and good vibe Employees very helpful when it comes down to asking for help or just asking a question. If your an aquarium hobbyists I'd definitely point you toward there variety of fresh & saltwater fish. I could tell you more but I'd recommend you go check them out yourself. read more

My absolute favorite pet store! Very knowledgeable friendly staff, welcoming environment, and a great selection. Will always be my first recommendation! read more

Lots of animals but not the best prices. They have birds, fish, turtles, snakes, lizards, and some exotics. If you want a good priced bird go to Bayshore Pets in Bradenton. I bought two green cheeked conures with cage and accessories for under $300. Best deal in town! read more

I purchased a $250 bird as well as over $150 in a cage and accessories for it from this store and it was a total scam. I did a ton of reasurch on what the birds should be like and how to handle them. I have multiple other birds at home. The breeder lied to me and said the bird was in shock at the store and would settle down once home. The bird only got meaner as time went on. I talked to lots of other breeders who all said the bird was raised poorly and will probably never be social and that I was scammed. The owner had several excuses as to why I couldn't return the otherwise healthy bird. Now I am stuck with a terrible bird I will have to sell for next to nothing. DON'T BUY A ANIMAL FROM THIS STORE. read more

They are awesome - we have a chameleon, and they always have healthy crickets and hornworms to feed him, and great advice when we have questions. All the pets there seem to be very well taken care of - they are always watering and cleaning pets they sell. We also buy our dog food there - they have premium brands at fair prices. Love the staff and everything about them. read more

Wonderful pet store next to the movies. They are so nice to let us admire their little animals.........ferrets, rats, chinchilas, birds, fish, bunnies and much more. I picked up some treats for my kitty and she loves them, thanks ...great place read more

Visited this pet store recently in search of a companion bird and was not impressed. First, the African Grey's cages were bare of any toys and looked awfully bored. The smaller birds are kept in petters, where the cockatiels were huddled on the floor in the back corner together. They looked sick. The parakeets, stuffed inside with too many hopping on top of each other. There were a couple very small cages with smaller birds in them and right next to them was a massive boa snake. The staff wasn't friendly. I entered and greeted two employees at the cash register and told them I came to look at their birds. They both stared and said "okay" and continued staring into space, with the most unenthusiastic and "don't care" attitude. The one lady who was finishing speaking with another customer, finished and ignored me the whole time. She passed by while I was looking at the smaller birds in petters, I asked her if the cockatiels liked to socialize with humans, just for the sake of asking her something as seeing how she reacted, and she said "nahh.. they're not really used to it yet..." didn't even make eye contact,left me and continued to speak with the other employees, complaining about their previous customers. I left and will not be returning again. read more

Very nice owners and staff. I've boarded my conure here a few times and received great customer service. So thankful to have a place for my pet to go when I'm away. read more

This is our main pet store only plave we go. They always have what we need and better than going to the corporate locations.

This place took over what used to be a terrible pet store... and they have turned it around. They have the best prices, knowledgeable staff, and friendly service. I only shop here for my rabbit and dog supplies. read more

Very helpful and friendly staff. Knowledgeable. Willing to order what you want or get what you want to try. Likes cat and dogs. Excellent selection of holistic and grain free pet and cat food. Has frequent buyer program to save on pet food. read more

Absolutely love this place! I've been coming here for years for random things. now I go there all the time to get live feed for my bearded dragon and they are wonderful and friendly always. read more

So far I like the store as they are friendly, knowledgeable and reasonable. My small dog had a lot of matting and needed to be professionally groomed. The groomer did a wonderful job! She took her time, was very gentle and my little one looked perfect when I picked her up. Finally found a good place for grooming. They also carry many products that are healthy and made in the USA so I can purchase there as well. A big plus is the store is clean!!!! read more

My wife went there yesterday to purchase feeders and a few other things for our snake. Her experience was a negative one. Upon entering, a couple young teenagers and a man were hanging by cash register area gossiping. When she asked for help, she said the man was rude,like she was interepting. Also a know it all kinda guy from the start. Apparently he argued that the snake supplies were all wrong. Then after asking about the snake, told her shes feeding wrong size rats, and will kill the snake if she didn't feed it in the dark. Wow, we have had the snake for 2 years, never a problem. He had a rude mannerism, didn't want to listen. At check out, a different lady was there, she at least was nice, but wont go back again! read more

I disagree with the comments placed. Yes, sometimes the younger people whom work there suck, but the one lady with the long blonde hair is extremely knowledgeable and always nice. I never had a problem when she is there. read more

I LOVE THIS STORE! I'm sorry to hear about anyones negative reviews but did you ever think to call the store for their buisness hours or did you trust an internet site that could have been tampered with? I can't say I have even 1 negative thing to say about this buisness! I bought my bearded dragon 6 months ago from there and frequent the store on an almost weekly basis for pet food or supplies (beardies eat ALOT of crickets) I've always had the pleasure of being greeted by the friendly staff, spending quite a bit of time just talking to the staff about the store's animals, the employees pets, along with my own pets. The employees are very pleasent and NEVER pressure a sale. Also, I don't think I've met anyone there who isn't knowledgeable over the different types of animals there. Always top notch service from a true neighnorhood family pet store! read more