The Best US Stores for Reptile & Amphibian Supplies: A Shopper’s Guide

Why specialty reptile stores matter

If you’re obsessed with reptiles or amphibians like I am, you know that not every pet aisle is created equal. Specialty reptile stores—both online and brick-and-mortar—carry gear, live foods, and expert advice you rarely find at a general pet chain. Think of these shops as hardware stores for herp keepers: they stock the exact bulbs, substrates, hides, and humidity tools that keep your terrarium thriving. Choosing a specialty retailer can mean getting the right UVB strength for your bearded dragon or the right humidity gauge for your dart frog without guesswork.

What sets specialty retailers apart from big-box stores

Big-box pet stores are convenient, but specialty retailers focus on depth over breadth. They often stock niche brands, breeder-grade supplies, and rare decor items that give you real control over microclimates inside an enclosure. Many also provide species-specific recommendations and community resources like forums or care sheets. If you want the exact heat emitter that keeps a desert tortoise healthy or a moss blend that holds moisture for tree frogs, a specialty shop is where you’ll find it.

Top national retailers that carry quality reptile supplies

If you prefer the reassurance of nationwide chains, several big-name stores still offer a solid mix of reptile and amphibian essentials. I like starting my shopping here when I need quick replacements—like a new heat lamp or a thermometer—but for specialized items I often look elsewhere.

Petco — widely available and convenient

Petco is a reliable stop for standard enclosures, substrate bags, and starter kits. Most locations carry terrariums measured in gallons, heat lamps rated in watts, and a selection of hides and decor. They’re handy if you need something right away, and their staff often knows basic husbandry for common pets like ball pythons and leopard geckos. Just remember: for rare items you may need to look to specialist shops.

PetSmart — reliable brands and in-store pickups

PetSmart stocks many of the major reptile brands and offers online ordering with in-store pickup, which is great if you want to inspect a UVB tube or substrate before committing. They commonly carry established brands for lighting, tanks, and reptile food. If you’re building a habitat for a turtle or water-dwelling species, they often have water-safe decor and filtration options you can buy same-day.

Chewy — fast shipping and customer-first policies

For online convenience, Chewy is a go-to for repeat buys like frozen rodents, daily diets, and supplements. Their subscription options make it easy to schedule prey deliveries in the sizes your snake prefers—no panic runs to the store. They also carry a wide array of heating and lighting equipment; just be sure to check product specs like bulb wattage and recommended enclosure size before you buy.

Specialist online shops you should know about

When you want species-specific gear, rare supplies, or pro-level equipment, specialty online retailers are the places to look. These vendors often stock everything from breeder-grade incubators to high-end ceramic heaters and humidity control systems designed for professional keepers.

LL Reptile — pro-level selection and accessories

LL Reptile is favored by many for its extensive inventory of terrariums, custom stands, heating systems, and bioactive supplies. If you need a 40-gallon breeder tank, a full-spectrum UVB fixture, or reptile-safe live plants, this retailer typically has multiple options and detailed specs that help you match products to your species’ needs.

Underground Reptiles and Backwater Reptiles — live animals and supplies

These specialty breeders and sellers both offer captive-bred reptiles and targeted supplies like species-specific diets and breeding tools. If you’re buying a particular morph or planning a breeding project, these shops can be invaluable for pairing an animal with the right enclosure materials and feeding regimen. They also provide care guides that reflect hands-on experience.

Big Apple Herp and local breeders — community-driven choices

Regional suppliers and local breeders like Big Apple Herp focus on quality for specific species and often carry custom items that fit local climates and practices. Supporting local breeders helps you get firsthand advice on acclimation, behavior, and habitat adjustments—priceless when you’re dealing with sensitive amphibians or high-maintenance reptiles.

Essential supplies every keeper should buy

Whether you shop at a national chain or a specialty store, there are some non-negotiables you’ll need to set up a healthy habitat. Let’s walk through the must-haves, with practical tips so you know what to look for when shopping.

Enclosures, terrariums, and the right tank size

Choosing the correct enclosure is step one. Small lizards do well in 10–20 gallon tanks, while most adult snakes need enclosures measured in multiples of 20 gallons—think 20, 40, or 75 gallons, depending on length. For arboreal species you’ll want tall tanks measured in inches of height; for terrestrial animals, floor space matters more. If you’re unsure, look for retailer sizing guides that match species to gallons and tank dimensions in inches.

Heating and lighting — watts and Fahrenheit matter

Heat is life for cold-blooded animals, so choose heat lamps and under-tank heaters carefully. Desert species often require basking spots between 95–110°F, while tropical species may prefer ambient temperatures in the 75–85°F range with localized warmer zones. UVB lighting is essential for many diurnal reptiles; pick the correct UVB strength for the species and match it to the length of the enclosure in inches. Always buy thermometers and thermostats in addition to heat sources to avoid temperature swings.

Substrates, hides, and decor for comfort and health

Substrate choice depends on the animal. Clean sand mixes or reptile carpet work for desert dwellers, while coconut fiber or sphagnum moss is better for humid terrariums. Hides should fit snugly—enough room to curl up but small enough to make the animal feel secure. Add climbing branches, safe live or artificial plants, and water dishes big enough for soaking when needed. Specialty stores often carry baked-clay caves, cork bark panels, and bioactive soil blends that are harder to find at general chains.

Feeding essentials: diets, supplements, and live prey

Diets differ widely between reptiles and amphibians, so plan your shopping list by species. Commercial diets exist for many animals, but live prey is a staple for snakes and many lizards. Suppliers range from large online vendors to local breeders who supply gut-loaded insects and frozen rodents in sizes measured in ounces and pounds.

Supplements and calcium — timing and dosing

Dusting prey with calcium and vitamin supplements is a routine for many keepers. The frequency depends on species, life stage, and diet—juveniles often need supplements more frequently than adults. Retailers often sell calcium powders and multivitamin mixes in containers sized by ounces; read care sheets for dosing guidance and consult specialty shops if you’re unsure.

Where to buy live food safely

Live feeder sources include local pet stores, mail-order suppliers, and breeders. Look for vendors that list feeder sizes by weight or dimensions and describe gut-loading practices. For snakes that eat frozen rodents, reputable online stores ship frozen prey in insulated packaging measured by weight (ounces or pounds), so you can plan portions accurately.

Budgeting and price comparison tips

Reptile keeping can be affordable or expensive depending on your standards. To avoid overspending, compare prices across big-box retailers and specialty shops. Use comparison sites to see price ranges for key items like 50-watt heat emitters, 40-gallon tanks, and ceramic heat bulbs. Don’t sacrifice a proper thermostat or reliable UVB for a lower price—those items protect your pet’s health and often save money in the long run.

Smart ways to save without cutting corners

Buy long-lasting items—like high-quality terrariums and durable lamps—rather than replacing cheap gear. Look for combo deals that include lights, fixtures, and bulbs together, and sign up for loyalty programs or newsletters for periodic discounts. Buying bulk feeder insects or subscribing to frozen food deliveries measured in pounds can also cut per-unit cost if you keep multiple animals.

Online shopping vs. in-store: pick what fits your needs

Both shopping methods have advantages. Online stores give you access to hard-to-find items, detailed product dimensions in inches, and comparison tools. In-store shopping lets you inspect products, hold a hide to test fit, or ask a staff member to demonstrate a fixture. I usually mix approaches: buy specialty electronics online and pick up tactile items in person.

Shipping considerations and safe packaging

When ordering fragile items like glass terrariums or live plants, check the retailer’s packaging reputation. Specialty shops experienced with reptiles typically pack heat bulbs and glass with extra protection and label packages clearly. For live animals or temperature-sensitive items, look for vendors that describe their shipping timelines in terms of hours and use insulated containers rated for the season.

Choosing the right store for your species

Your choice of retailer should depend on what species you keep. Aquatic turtles have very different needs from arboreal geckos or burrowing snakes, and the right shop will carry the gear that fits those behaviors.

Frogs and salamanders — humidity and delicate decor

For amphibians, focus on sellers that stock high-quality sphagnum moss, humidity gauges, and soft substrates. Look for plants and hides that retain moisture well, plus filtration or water-changing tools designed to keep water clean without harsh chemicals. Specialty amphibian suppliers often list relative humidity recommendations in percentages and show enclosure dimensions in inches to help you choose the right tank height and floor area.

Turtles and aquatic species — filtration and basking areas

Aquatic reptiles need heavy-duty filters and basking platforms sized in inches so your turtle can fully dry off. Retailers that specialize in aquatic habitats will sell water-safe decor, heated basking lamps rated in watts, and submersible heaters with temperature settings in Fahrenheit. Make sure the store provides guidance on pump flow rates and filter media measured in usable capacities.

Final checklist before you buy

Before hitting “add to cart” or heading to the store, check a few things: enclosure dimensions in gallons and inches, the wattage and temperature range of heat sources in Fahrenheit, substrate depth recommendations in inches, and whether decor is safe for your species. If you can answer those questions, you’ll be in good shape to shop confidently.

If you want a quick start, grab a thermometer, a thermostat, a hide, a water dish that fits your animal, and the appropriate UVB or heat source. From there, a specialty store or trusted online retailer will help you build a full setup tailored to your pet’s needs.

Conclusion

Shopping for reptile and amphibian supplies in the US is easier than ever thanks to a mix of national chains and specialist online stores. Use big-box retailers for convenience and everyday items, and turn to specialist suppliers when you need pro-grade gear, rare products, or breeder-level advice. Focus on correct enclosure sizing (in gallons and inches), accurate temperature control (in Fahrenheit), and species-appropriate substrates and diets. With the right combination of retailers and careful comparison, you’ll create a safe, healthy, and happy home for your reptile or amphibian.