Pet Emporium

Came for a jumping spider, and they had several babies to choose from. They seemed to have a variety of different reptiles, birds, rats, mice, fish, and other creepy crawlies (scorpions, cockroaches, turantulas. etc.) to choose from. There are plenty of supplies for everything sold in store. A really cute, friendly rat named baby rat. And helpful employees. Who advised me on how to take care of my new spider. I will be coming here again for my exotic pet needs. My baby loved looking at the fish.

We are traveling and needed to have our Springer Spaniel groomed. We happened upon Pet Emporium and decided to check and see how far they were out for an appointment. Kristin said she could get him in the next day 12/20 for a groom, wash, nail trim, and gland expression for less than $100. She had us come in at 9:00AM and drop him off. She did an excellent job, followed our instructions on the type of cut, and got the whole groom done in 2 hours. I would highly recommend Kristin.

Pet Emporium has come a very long way from its previous ownership. This has been my family’s pet store of choice for pretty near 20 years because of its proximity. Recently it changed owners and the store has been completely revamped from the ground up. There is a remodeled fish room with much better selection of fish, better decorated tanks, better taken care of stock, etc. Additionally, there is a much healthier selection of arachnids, insects, reptiles and birds, many of which I’ve never seen at a pet store in person. As far as physical product goes, prices have come down far closer to being competitive with big box/Amazon, to the point where you’re willing to pay any slight extra for the fact you don’t have to go to Petsmart, not be able to talk to a single knowledgeable employee, wait in a single, understaffed checkout line that goes half way through the store, and support a small locally owned business. I keep aquariums at home, so I frequent the fish area mostly, and for years I have always tried my best to talk to Ashley as she is overall knowledgeable about every facet of the store, and I believe the store’s current condition is a huge credit to her.

Best pet store in SC! Ashley is super helpful and knowledgeable, we come here weekly for our reptile food and supplies . They have all sorts of pets in here too , the inventory is always changing.

I love this pet store. It is locally owned and they are always so helpful with the best animal selection and care! I highly recommend for all pet needs.

The outside seems small but don't let that fool you! The pets here are very well handled and taken care of, no sick animals any time I go in. There is a very nice selection of animals and supplies, and the customer service is awesome! As soon as you walk in they greet you and see if they can help with anything. Also, the staff is pretty knowledgable about the care and keeping of the animals. So sad that this pet store isn't closer to where I live... But the 50-minute drive is totally worth it!

Great product selection, friendly and knowledgeable staff and is Always fun to see the live animals

Been coming here about 20 years and it’s actually improved a lot compared to a few negative reviews I’ve seen. The animals are VERY well cared for compared to chains or other places. They have also accepted specific cases of neglected donated reptiles and nurse them back to health as forever store pets. Last time I was in they adopted a metabolic bone diseased bearded dragon as a store pet (not for sale) and we’re hand feeding him daily.

They’re prices reflect inflation and the local economy. Rent for a store in Santa Cruz is insane so you’re not getting Amazon prices.

If you consider that it’s local, quality animal care, good selection of products, unique and historical to Santa Cruz, mom and pop vibes with charity mixed in- the prices are worth it. We stand and support pet emporium!

I hope they consider doing more events like they used too like the costume contests or educational field trips for schools.

Nice to be able to trade at a hometown pet store that is genuine about helping me to meet my pet's needs and wants. Twice I have asked that they order a particular brand AND flavor "just for me" and both times the cat or dog food I needed was brought in. Very nice and helpful staff. They even have a groomer on site with several years of experience. I go to Pet Emporium before I go to any other pet store in town!

I love this little mom and pop pet store. Everyone is very personable and willing to go the extra mile to help. Love all the animals. Especially the albino turtle or tortoise? and the skink. Totally rad. Love it.

Best fish store I been to
Workers are awesome!

Decent place to get reptiles and animals along with supplies. I had current problems with my tortoise they gave me but it has been resolved, I have been refunded and I really do think they are a good pet store. And undergoing this experience, I advise all of you to talk with the owner or employees first if you have a problem. They will make sure you’re satisfied and they handle things relatively professional.

This place and it’s employees obviously love animals. Seen rats they have had for ever and just take care of. Watched employees pull out these old guys to love on while I was shopping. Shows a lot about the character of the man that owns the place and the people he hires. Glad to shop here. Like giving business to a store so devoted to to it’s animals

Excellent pet shop, decent size and wide range of products and pets. Fish selection is brilliant

Great service today from Ashley. I have an established 70 gallon tank with a small amount of fish 10 or so. I haven't added any fish for over ten years. Nice to have a helpful kind person to assist in purchasing a few fish and the knowledge to aid in introducing them into my tank. Thanks Ashley. You made me smile and made my day.

Michael

*Update a year later: feedback is taken seriously apparently, because the improvements have been made for all the animals here! Very happy to see.

Nice employees, but overstocked on fish, rats, and birds. I came for aquatic plants and left very sad. Hate seeing animals in such poor care, the local petsmart looks to be more humane.

AMAZING !!! we are “out of towners” passing through . We call the day before to get a grooming appointment for our puppy Golden Doodle . We dropped her off early , even before our appointment . They called and let us know our puppy was ready for pickup . She was perfect ! Beautiful , fluffy , cleaned and trimmed . We can’t wait to make a trip back for another grooming ! Thank you so much .

So glad we found a local pet store. We went to the big box store and our fish all died within a few days. The lady that helped us was patient and our fish are healthier than ever. My little kids love it too!

Great pet store full of all the things and foods you need for all your little critters. I’m usually in there getting crickets for my chameleon.
Really nice older couple seems to own it, support this local pet shop, you won’t regret it. Only good things to say about this place, five stars.

This is my favorite pet store in the area, and with the exception of the recently closed Dolphin Pet Village, the absolute best place to purchase freshwater fish in terms of variety and health. A lot of reviewers were complaining about the size of this locale. It is relatively small in comparison to some of the gigantic chain pet stores, but Pet Emporium does very well with what they have.

The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly; if they say you're killing your fish (however slowly) you probably are. The staff genuinely cares for each animal they have and will sometimes attempt to discourage buyers they deem unprepared for whatever animal's burdens they are interested in taking on. Seriously, these guys love their animals.

I noticed other reviewers stating that this place is expensive. I've been shopping here for over ten years and (at least in regards to the items I've purchased) their prices have been fair, reasonable, and comparable to those of competing stores.

The only trouble I've ever had here is that the variety of fish they carry can be sometimes inconsistent. Don't get me wrong, their tanks are always full of interesting critters, but the last few times I've been there their puffer fish selection was too small. If you guys are reading this, get some more big puffer fish! Pea puffers are adorable, just too tiny to go in any of my tanks. I know some exotics can only be brought in seasonally, but I'm a stubborn internet commenter gosh darnit. Keep up the good work, I love your store.