I haven't been here but I had heard they had some exotic animals so I wanted to check it out because I've been thinking about getting a pet. When you walk in it REALLY smells like a pet store. But it looked clean and the tanks were clean. Some did seem really small for the animals they had in them. That did make me feel bad for the animals. The staff was nice. I didn't have any questions for them so I'm not sure how knowledgeable they are on everything. They did show me their new store cat who is very cute and they said the back area is very large for him. The pricing seems comparable to other places I've been as well as some online places I've looked into. read more

I had a great first experience visiting here today! It was nice to come into the AC out of the heat for a bit! Very clean and organized store! Very friendly and helpful staff! Very impressed. All the animals seem to be taken care of very well and given adequate living environments! I purchased crickets, Rubi's roaches, and meal worms for my leopard gecko and was happily surprised at the prices being more affordable than the local petco! I will be returning! So glad I came across this place. read more

Mark's Ark - Crickets, meal worms, dubia roaches - Pet Stores Near Me - Taylorsville, Utah

Immediate service for FRESH meal worms that are suitable for my sons bearded dragon. Lots of choices the correct quality protein bugs . Do not buy the ones that they have at PetSmart or Petco that's for sure they are only for treats... read more

I pre ordered isopods and the guy at the desk took my name and number down and told me they will call me when they are ready and it's been almost a week no call and when I called them they told me I need a receipt but when I bought them I was told I don't need one and they will call me read more

This place abuses their exotic animals. None of the people running this place have even the slightest understanding of how to care for the animals they have. The animals in this shop are crowded into cages that are unfit to hold them even temporarily and not even the parrots get a single ounce of enrichment. At least Pet Co and Pet Smart give their animals the space to turn around. I kept turning the corner expecting there to be a dead animal in one of the sorry plastic boxes they call enclosures. On top of that, despite the fact they keep cold blooded animals, there is no AC or heating. The owner of this place shouldn't have animals, let alone try to sell you one. read more

DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM MARK'S ARK! They are EXTREMELY dishonest. I went into today and bought what they told me were Koi. They're NOT Koi they're goldfish that eat baby Koi! A professional built me a 25 ft by 25 ft x 5 ft deep Koi pond. When he saw the fish, he identified them as gold fish. They breed like rabbits will decimate a Koi pond. Now, I have to drain the entire pond as they're almost impossible to catch. I have NEVER experienced such dishonesty! In response to the owner's reply, The professional who built the pond told me before he built the pond not to put goldfish in it. I would never buy goldfish as they breed like rabbits and eat baby Koi. When I went into your store, the sales person said they didn't have big Koi only small ones and the med. size ones outside. While he was trying to catch the fish, we were talking about them being Koi. He had also told two friends, Malik and Ashlyn that they were Koi. Malik and Ashlyn told me about them. They said there was a med. sized white one with an orange spot on its head (one of the ones I bought). As for the receipt, it was written so sloppy that I couldn't read it. As he was filling it out, he said, "four Koi!" Unfortunately, I trusted him and your store. You are extremely unprofessional and your staff is dishonest. read more

If you are in the market for a reptile friend this is the place to go. They have a huge selection and they have all been well taken care of. You can tell everyone in the shop loves what they do. Its family owned and you can tell by the care they take in all the details and knowledge they all have. We got a baby bearded dragon here a few months ago and they got us everything we needed before leaving the store along with a pamplet on care. The staff is friendly and the store is so cool. Love all the artwork on the outside of the building. It has such a fun vibe. We love our beardie and will continue to go to Marks for all our reptile needs. read more

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La variedad de especies son muchas y muy bonito el cuidado de los animales si quieres un reptil se que acá lo encontrarás la información es buena a un que el personal es algo cuestionable al de ofrecer su mercancía y servicios. Recuerda que es una opinión Le doy 4 estrellas No olvides seguirme The variety of species is many and the care of the animals is very nice. If you want a reptile, I know that you will find it here. The information is good, but the staff is somewhat questionable when it comes to offering their merchandise and services. Remember that it is an opinion I give it 4 stars Don't forget to follow me read more

The one thing this pet store has improved on is the smell. It doesn't reek of animal poop; thank God. They really need to work on how they speak to customers and the information they share. I cannot count how many times I have asked a question and the answer is simply " I have no idea". They should offer to find an answer instead of throwing their hands up out of ignorance or laziness. They have lost money by merely being lazy and unfriendliness. The only thing that brings me back to their store is the variety of invertebrates, but I shouldn't allow them to place my head over a barrel for that. Hope people start searching for newer or kinder stores that put the effort in, because Marks Ark doesn't care about their patrons; in fact, I would wager that Marks Ark hates them all. read more

Maybe the only place in Utah you can find an array of monitors, mangrove, Asian water, etc. Made the trip up to get an affordable feeder Guinea pig for my retic, got to hold their Asian water monitor. Think I'll be holding out for a croc monitor I'm looking into with a breeder, but this individual seemed healthy and alert to me. Will be back for more snake food read more

Mark's Ark is a one of a kind animal store. They have a huge selection of reptiles, small animals, and fish. They also have a lot of housing supplies as well as food. The store does not smell good and is very musty. The animals seem like they are well taken care of. They are definitely pricey, so be prepared to spend a good amount coming here. read more

This place is... well, it's ok. I remember it being great, but over time it has gone downhill. Even looking back now after learning a lot more exotics, my opinion has been changing. Prices in many cases are almost double what you would pay from breeders, and the more affordable are often in poor condition. At my last recent visit I noticed a young basilisk lizard in a very small and very dry habitat. I noticed right away that he was suffering from stomatitis (aka mouth rot), and when I asked an employee to let me hold him he started telling me about how he was being sold for such a good deal and upon seeing how closely I was inspecting his mouth, informed me of how it was normal for them to "bang up" their faces. The second I told him it was mouth rot (which any experienced keeper would know) he backtracked right away and acted like he had no idea. There was also multiple species of tortoises from different climates being kept in the same little enclosure. For a store that really advertises being exotic animal experts, I am thoroughly not impressed. read more

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I feel sick that I had once recommended this place... The owner is condescending, (blatantly)passive-aggressive, arrogant, and it's like he is trying to make his customers think the worse of him and his business. There are few great employees. A wide selection of animals (quality of care not included). They should do themselves, the animals, and everyone a favor and file for bankruptcy and let a competent exotic pets company take over. They have lost my future business. I was planning on going all out on a Monitor Lizard and spending well over a thousand to get what I need set up for it to grow up in constant care. Thank goodness I woke up the obvious... Of course the owner made it obvious... Hopefully someone can get those guys out of there while they still have the front of their snouts attached... It's horrible. read more

I will NEVER go back to Mark's Ark again. We purchased 3 new little frogs nearly 2 weeks ago. Within the first 4 days one had already died. He looked sick to begin with, he had a weird hunch back. We thought it was a bone disease limiting his movement. But unfortunately another 4 days later, another one of the new frogs started to act weird. Wouldn't crawl on the tank, would barely even leave the ground; which is extremely unusual for tree frogs. So we kept an eye on her, bought some xtra food, changed the water in the dish and cleaned out some old dry moss. They started to look a bit happier after eating and some clean water. But unfortunately we lost one last night and came home today to last one gone as well, both extremely bloated, which is a sign something was not right. Our other 2 frogs in the terrarium, we have had for a year and a half, we are extremely worried about now. We contacted the pet shop and they had nothing to say but "we can't cover any animal after 48 hours" which i understand policy. But you deny your animals are sick. After reading some Google reviews, multiple people have complained about seeing many dead and neglected animals on display. I'm disgusted. read more

This place is gross and inhumane. It is beyond dirty everywhere I look, and the air was just about as hot as outside on a summer day. Turtles were sometimes kept in small, unwashed buckets with a little bit of water in it. There was a giant dead bug where the cats were kept, which mind you was very small and not fit for any cat. The floors are dirty, all the enclosures are filthy and it looks like no one has cleaned that store in weeks. I was looking to buy a bird and when I stumbled upon this place I immediately decided I was not going to buy anything from a place that puts their animals in such conditions. I don't understand how this place is still running. It is so, so gross. Please don't spend your money here. read more

I came in around 5:45 to get some fish and lava stones for my tank and was greeted by one of the men that worked there. He said he's finishing up with a customer and would be with me after. 6pm he checks her out at the register and then I assume he'll be to me in a few more seconds but he goes on to help another customer who came in after me even though I was in plain sight. 6:30 he's still helping these people and nobody else is helping me so I end up leaving. I'll never shop there again and I've been shopping there for DECADES. It's a shame because now I'll have to order online the stock I want. read more

Honestly the worst customer service I have ever dealt with. There are plenty of other pet shops in Utah that actually value their customers.

I've been going to marks ark for years now, I absolutely love this place! I just bought a veiled chameleon from them and he is extremely healthy and is settling in great! I had previously bought a giant rat as a pet a few years ago and she lived about 2 1/2 years with no problems up until the end. They have a great selection of animals as well as food and accessories. I always feel welcome and asked if I need help with anything. This place is top tier for reptiles! read more

Mark's Ark - Chameleon - Pet Stores Near Me - Taylorsville, Utah

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I went to Mark's Ark on 2/21/22 to check out their selection of lizards. I had called earlier and found they had a species I was looking for at an amazing price. What I saw was seriously disheartening. I had been to two other locally owned pet stores in West Valley and the contrast between them and Mark's Ark was astonishing. I saw animals in poor shape. reptiles that normally require bright lighting, hot basking spots and bright UVB lighting were in dimly lit small enclosures. the UVB lighting was seriously compromised by thick screens. The animals colors were muted, many had stuck sheds and had dim eyes. They were skinny and unhealthy. I had seen the exact same breeds in other stores that looked vibrant and had healthy weight. This was mostly with the lizards. The majority of the baby Bearded Dragons had toes and tips of their tails missing due to being housed with too many other babies in too small a space. The Brown Basilisk was under nourished and had a sore on its mouth. The Butterfly Agamas were in the same poor condition. I wasn't impressed with the staff. The store, as usual was cramped and it feels dirty. I mean they have been at this location forever, and it shows. I know there are people who swear by this place and love it. It felt to me like they either didn't realize they were not caring for these animals properly, or they didn't care. It was disturbing to see these animals suffering. I have finally decided I will not return. There are better pet stores within close enough proximity that are much better. I don't understand why they haven't been shut down for animal abuse. read more

I would tripe check what they say to you. I talked to them yesterday told them about the yellow belly turtles I had to get rid of due to personal reasons. I received an email today saying it was still OK. Traveled all the way down there to have the manager say they were to full and to try back in two weeks. I showed them the email they sent me this morning saying it was ok. but due to a miscommunication problem they can not take them. I use to love them but they truly must have went through new ownership because I've never been treated so poorly before. They usually care about there animals or any animals. Not anymore. They need better customer service skills. I realize its just a job but that's what brings people in. read more

Just stopped in for maybe the 100th time. ;) Spoke with Steve to buy a rat for Chris's snake. It is a large rat and cost $12.81. I have a hard time with snakes and giving a cute rate to the slithering reptile saddens me. Steve named this rat "Benard". Thanks , Steve lol. This is a fun place to observe reptiles and spiders! They also have cute kittens and rabbits often. If you stop in, tell Steve that Benard did his duty in keeping the snake alive a little longer. read more

Mark's Ark - Rat for our snake (not mine, Chris's) - Pet Stores Near Me - Taylorsville, Utah

Sells turtles but not their enclosures. Was very rude when I asked about them having a specific enclosure. They do not test their snakes for nido virus so one snake can kill your entire reptile collection. Nido virus is lethal with no cure and can spread to chameleons, turtles, geckos, and any snake species. They also sell snakes with mites meaning whatever snake that has a disease that mite bit into will now spread it to the other reptiles and vise versa. Reptiles were also seen with respiratory infections. Be very cautious buying anything from them and what ever you buy quarantine it for at least a month. read more

They sold me diseased rats and told me there was a 48 hour health guarantee. Honestly that's not enough time to know whether or not there is something wrong with them. I went to Mark's Ark to browse and I'd really wanted to find a pet for my son and I was just looking around. I ended up feeling pressured into buying 2 rats which I highly regret because I didn't do any research ahead of time so I had no idea about the commitment it takes and I definitely didn't see any of the red flags. They were so desperate to make a sale that I ended up buying two rats - not because rats do better in groups and suffer from depression when alone but - because they really wanted me to spend more money. They had zero knowledge about how to actually take care of these animals because they pushed me to buy a 10 gallon fish tank to house them in. Tanks don't allow for proper air flow and causes respiratory diseases (which they already had before I took them home. I just didn't know it until after I did research. I ended up with way more expenses later to try and heal them. They also sold me food that wasn't suitable for their dietary needs. I'm extremely frustrated because I ended up spending $80 on sick rats and a dangerous set up for them. Thankfully, I was able to find a good home for them with someone who actually knows what they're doing. 2/10, I would not recommend marks ark mostly because of their lack of professionalism and morals but also because their prices are ridiculously more expensive than other places I've looked at for things like tanks, frogs, and bioactive setup materials. PLEASE DO RESEARCH BEFORE SHOPPING HERE. read more

So I'll be honest, we had a rough time here. I had been looking for a red footed tortoise for a few months. I went to the Wasatch reptile expo and just didn't find the one I wanted, but Marks Ark did have a table and told me they had more at the shop and to come in they would give me a deal if I mentioned him from the expo. So the next day I came in, the place was really busy with , not exaggerating, 7 children under the age of 10 going HAM running circles around the store, I was going to leave but then I saw the tortoises. Their enclosure was somewhat lacking but that didn't really matter, they had what they needed, and there was a big sign on the tank stating "after expo special" and the tortoise was $25-$50 less if I purchased an enclosure at the same time, not a kit like they tried to force me into. When the girl who was at least somewhat approachable came to help me, I pointed out the aquarium I wanted, that was MORE than suitable for a young tortoise, and pointed out which animal I wanted. She grabbed the lil guy put him in a box, the proceeded to tell me they can't honor the deal that was plastered on multiple enclosures due to the fact I wasn't buying a kit, now my hands are tied, I don't want to put him back over $25-$50 but they were just flat out RUDE about it, she asked another attendant and he didn't know I was around the corner and he talked very negatively about me and the situation. I kept my composer and finished my transaction. I WILL NEVER SHOP HERE AGAIN NOR RECOMMEND THIS SHOP to anyone. There were several other concerns I had with the shop but the misleading ads and vey rude, specifically the male employees, customer service was just not acceptable to me. I appreciate the tortoise I got but it wasn't really worth that frustration. I hope they get their act together because it left a very bad taste in my mouth when I have several other options of places to spend my money read more

Got these two cute little babies here they are absolutely the sweetest things ever and we are enjoying spoiling them read more

Mark's Ark - Wall-E - Pet Stores Near Me - Taylorsville, Utah

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Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about merchandice. Lots of variety and types of pets to choose from or look at and lots of food and toys. However, the store itself is always dirty and smells. The poor birds are shoved all the way in the back of the store where it's extra dusty and get no sunlight at all. I visited today to pick up some food for my parakeets and walked through the bird area for fun. I saw one poor bird (not sure what type) had plucked all of its feathers out on its back probably from boredom or depression as it was in a cage alone with no toys. The birds are in desperate need of some loving! The reptiles and fish are fun to look at. This store could definitely use a deep clean and re-arrangement of animals as well as clean cages/tanks and some toys for those not in tanks. read more

Mark's Ark has been a Taylorsville fixture for as far back as I can remember. It was also the very first job I ever had, Mark, who no longer runs the shop - his son now does, hired me right at the cusp of turning 16. Being an avid animal lover, working here was a truly awesome job and an enriching, educational experience. However, I was essentially working as free labor though as I would blow my entire paycheck on pets and supplies. In hindsight I should have had Mark just pay me in store credit. Why has Mark's Ark been around for so long? Simply put, Mark's Ark has the best selection of reptiles in the state. This is what they are known for. In addition they also have a wonderful selection of fish, birds, as well as being one of the first pet stores in Utah to sell ferrets. Sure there are other stores out there that may be more spacious, cleaner, or smell better. But to me this is irrelevant because I assure you none of the super stores have a selection that even compares to Mark's Ark. Look, simply put, for the serious pet buyer, or hard core reptile enthusiast, you will want to go to Mark to find that hard to find albino ball python, nile monitor, or emerald constrictor. You will not find these types of reptiles at Pet Smart or Petco. Comparing Mark's Ark to Petco is like comparing the Broadway theaters to the District. They each serve their own unique purpose and one is not necessarily better than the other. They have their own separate niches they fill and they cater to their own unique brand of clientele. I stop in to Mark's Ark from time to time with my little boy, he gets a kick out of the ridiculous selection of "cool looking" lizards and snakes. If you are ever in Taylorsville and have ever had a curiosity about how to properly put together a reptile kit or have ever wanted to own a snake, swing by and talk to Brent, he will hook you up. read more

Appalled by this store's interior. It looks like an animal hoarder lives here. The smell is intolerable upon walking in, I think maybe due to the proximity of way too many reptiles or something. At any rate, I was lured in by the cool mural and signs and wanted to support a small local business but even my 5 year old boy wrinkled up his nose in disgust and we were outta there. read more

We Got my daughters hairless rat (Ronald) from here. He is a amazing pet. BUT, the only complaint i have of this place is very similar to the others that reviewed. The animals are in small cages i feel. They had a ton of rats & reptiles all crammed in little cages. I know rats like to be together like that, but their was a lot in a little tiny tank. Also the place wasn't very clean. Their was a mess everywhere u turned. their was also only like two people working and they had a store full of people so it was very hectic! besides all this , i will most likely be going back. ONLY because i prefer to support a local rather than the shitty petco chains. read more

Best pet store of all time! Very knowledgeable and great selections. Been going here for a long time!

DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED BY MOST OF THE NEGATIVE RATINGS THE ANIMAL SELECTION IS AMAZING! yes it smells! Of course it's got soooo many pets! The tank are bunched together but all the reptiles are just fine! All the animals sell quickly from coming since I was about nine years old they have changed the store a bit and for the better! I've bought enough a few reptiles. And they have an AMAZING array of snakes. I've been to almost every pet shop in the valley and never have seen such a selection. I wish there were more beefy pet store like them but honestly I can't find a shop anywhere like it. I don't know about the fish however but I know about the left side pretty well! The employees from any time I've been there have been wonderful very nice and honestly they know there shit! read more

This is a pet shop that cares. I got great advice from Mark. And I left with all the feeders I needed! One thing that concerned me: I did see 2 dlfferent types of lizards cohabed together and the one lizard looked super distressed. Besides that, if you have a lizard or want to get one, get em here read more

This place is a joke! I'm went in hoping to get some advice and they sold me the wrong product. When I tried to return it they refused because I had opened it. On top of that they talked down to me like I was an idiot. They knew nothing about fishless cycling! I also bought black worms from them 3 times and 2/3 most of the worms were dead, again they blamed me for not knowing how to take care of them. I have never had trouble before. Customer service is horrible! Their live plants are good but that's probably because they don't stay in stock long enough to ruin them. I will not be returning. read more

This place SUCKS! Staff is really rude also the store is super dirty im not sure how this places isn't closed down. Employees need manners before someone beats their azz lol . Don't come to this place it's a disappointment . read more

I have been purchasing mice here for years and never had a negative experience. They tend to the animals frequently and have personal relationships with customers. I was sad to hear that Steve was no longer working there as we were on a name to name basis. There is also a younger gentleman with glasses who is amazing and kind. While I agree that their animals are overpriced... They drop pricing often to move animals animals. It's a matter of patience. They also tend to work on prices if reasonable. In response to other comments here. Please do research before saying they don't heat animals or they are in too small of cages. Many snakes... Arboreal, and terrestrial do not require the room many think they do. Heating can be done in a multitude of ways including UTH which is not visible in cages such as the vision plastics they use in store. TLDR- Good store with good supplies. Knowledgeable staff and friendly atmosphere. Animals have been always healthy in my experience. read more

Customer service could improve. Some employees aren't customer service oriented and don't know how to speak with customers respectfully.

The only reason this place gets a star is because of how cool the animals are they provide. What a sweet place to look around. HOWEVER it is cramped and smelly, but the worst is the manager and his friends. I needed to get my young child a restroom and when I asked him if they a restroom he begrudgingly answered no without stopping after I said excuse me. His three little henchmen that were with him also refused to stop and show any ounce of respect to me. I won't go back because of these people. Horrible personalities and even worse customer service skills. read more

I've been a customer since 14/02/2018 and am writing this review because of a misidentification. I was sold a Neoholothele incei "olive" on 11/07/2019 and I recently found out today (14/07/2019) as of writing this that I was sold a Heterothele villosella. For clarification on both species, N. incei "olive" is a new world terrestrial with low venom potency and is skittish, while H. villosella is an old world terrestrial/fossorial with a higher venom potency and is very skittish. As an old world tarantula, it is way faster than a new world and if bitten, the area will swell up with some redness, itchiness, and some breathing issues. A bite from a new world tarantula will be about equivalent to that of a bee sting without an allergic reaction. One more thing, they sell mature males not labeled as such and charge a higher price on certain tarantulas, where I have seen the same species for cheaper at a different pet store. In the future, and this is for the employees, mind you. In the future, it would be a good idea to look up which species you are getting in and comparing to what your spider looks like before selling them and if it doesn't compare or look the same, then DON'T SELL IT AS THAT SPECIES. A good way to ruin your reputation and to lose your credibility as a seller! read more

Went there looking for stuff for my ball python. The employees were nice and asked us if we needed help. I came out with some new substrate, some screen locks and a branch for my beautiful python. My favorite local pet shop. read more

Every single time i've been in, an employee has been rude or condescending. i was hoping it was a one time experience. anytime i ask questions about their feeders (mice) i'm met with short answers which is disappointing since i'm just trying to take care of my scaled babies :( read more