Just picked up my bearded dragon from AE Herps and Exotics, and I'm still blown away by the experience. Derick went above and beyond--he spent nearly two hours walking me through care, setup, feeding, and all the little things that matter when you're new to reptiles. The shop itself is super cool--clean, well-organized, and full of healthy reptiles and supplies. They had everything I needed to get started, and I left feeling totally confident and excited (not overwhelmed!) about bringing my beardie home. If you're looking for a reliable reptile store in Phoenix with real passion for exotic animals and amazing customer care, AE Herps is where you want to go!! read more

AE Herps & Exotics - Xena my beautiful beardie :) - A bearded dragon with textured scales and spines is positioned on sand in a terrarium, with a piece of driftwood in the background. - Reptile Shops Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I have been going here for about a year now and have purchased ton of invertebrates and a few reptiles as well. Mostly leaving my review because some of the reviews are so insane. I have never had any issues buying dubias or cricket's here, actually started my own successful dubia colony from their dubias. All of my animals came to me healthy and happy, but i also know we live in AZ and animals can't be in a hot car for hours on end. Another review said they were neglecting their tarantulas, that's absurd. There's not a single pet shop in the valley that has full set ups for over 200 spiders, The moss is part of the hide/water dish. Unless you're buying a full bioactive setup, which they offer, your animal is going home in a deli container. I have never had any issues with staff, they have always been extremely welcoming, helpful and answered any questions i have had. That being said, ask stupid question and you get stupid answers. I love AE and supporting small local businesses, will be back! read more

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Logan was very helpful and knowledgeable, he played a key role in helping me convince my wife that getting a ball python would be safe for the kids. (She did not believe me). His passion for reptiles and what he does is inspiring. He helped us pick out a beautiful snake that I absolutely adore. Overall, I would recommend stopping by and having a conversation here if you're curious about owning a reptile. They have everything you need to get started and it was a pleasant experience from start to finish. read more

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Sold me a snake that died before we got home, and would not give a full or partial refund or do anything to make it right. EDIT: The drive home was only twenty minutes. I thought maybe the snake had passed out from the heat and so my kid and I tried giving it water and cooling it off in the house. Then, I had to spend time consoling him once it became clear that there was nothing we could do. That is why it took a couple hours for us to make the phone call. It's upsetting, but I guess I learned not to rely on this business any more. I shouldn't have thought myself lucky when the rep said the snake was unusually docile, or trusted him when he said the weird spots we saw on the snake's skin was just evidence of a bad shed. All in all, no healthy snake should have died during a drive home in an air conditioned car in the shade, and any good business would recognize that. read more

Got my snake baby from here and I always come back every other weekend for rats! Rats seem to be good quality because my snake eats them right up!! Haha Everyone there is also very knowledgeable and helpful! read more

They take very good care of all animals and are clean and very knowledgeable! Highly recommend! read more

AE Herps & Exotics - Our new savannah monitor! - A small lizard is in a terrarium with soil substrate and a yellow decorative water dish, with a rocky background. - Reptile Shops Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Just getting into the terrarium/paludarium hobby after only having fish and decided to start with isopods. The employee who helped us was very enthusiastically helpful with explaining a proper setup and feeding regimen for the little guys. I figure if they are so knowledgeable and willing to help with something so small they are probably great with their larger pets. Great selection and very neat for a store so small. read more

AE Herps & Exotics - A close-up of a small insect with a striped, patterned shell on a green leaf, surrounded by moss and plant debris in a natural environment. - Reptile Shops Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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I have been to this shop a few times. Staff is very nice and knowledgeable and I enjoy seeing all the good things they have! I've bought frogs, anoles, snakes, and feeders from them and have had an amazing experience each time. Highly recommend! read more

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Went in to buy bugs and so many were dead. He told me it was because they hadn't fed them. He was nice. But.. am I wrong? Shouldn't they be feeding bugs they are selling? Ugh thought I finally found a place. Enclosures looked good though. Which is why 2 stars. read more

Amazing help with my leopard gecko set up!!! Amazing help with my tegu setup as well! Very knowledgeable!

Kinda blows but I like it. I miss Jay tho. They oversell. Overprice. Don't price. Inconsistent customer service. Low selection. Wont stfu. The usual issues at a mom n pop hobbyist shop. read more

Stopped in a few months ago looking to maybe get a tarantula. I've been out of the hobby for a good decade and got the itch (not the urticating hair kind) for another T. At first glance the store seemed decent, with a pretty good selection. Then the more I concentrated on the invertebrates, the more I became agitated. Most of them had no hides, and not ideal substrate for their needs. I saw desert species sitting on soaked sphagnum, and tropical species on dry substrate. Some centipedes had ZERO hides or even water, also kept on dry substrate. This is straight up animal abuse in my eyes. I dont care if they're only "creepy crawlies" to most people, but these animals have nerves, breathe oxygen, feel pain, hunger, and thirst. Many of these tarantulas can live to be 15 yrs old! Treat them better. I wont be back. read more

I didn't buy anything but I'm giving them a five star review simply for the fact that the moment we walked in we were welcomed and felt a sense of community. The two guys that were working there were very friendly and have amazing customer service. They are very passionate and knowledgeable about all of The reptiles. They let us hold some of the reptiles and educated us about everything they showed us. This was honestly better than visiting the the Phoenix zoo. When I am ready to buy a reptile I will definitely be coming back to this place. The employees at this location definitely made a positive impression on me and I can't wait to purchase from them. read more

AE Herps & Exotics - Outside - Reptile Shops Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Great customer service. I was able to find what I needed for my pet. Even got to handle a baby snake. If you are a reptile owner in the area, I recommend to definitely support this business. read more

AE Herps & Exotics - A person displays a small, pale-colored snake with a thin body, held gently with both hands, in an outdoor setting. - Reptile Shops Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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My son and I recently got a pair of jumping spiders and I wasn't sent instructions with them. I did watch a million YouTube videos,read up -etc. before we got them, but they arrived so tiny I just didn't want to make any mistakes. I stopped by here to pick up items and ask questions. The staff was very helpful, friendly, answered all my ridiculous questions and were very knowledgeable. I will be back and appreciate the great customer service. Thank you. read more

AE Herps & Exotics - Spider habitat's and items. - Two small glass terrariums containing moss, rocks, and soil are placed on a black surface, with a lamp, a small figurine, and a container with red and yellow sticks nearby. - Reptile Shops Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I use to love coming in and making purchases until recently, when they got new staff members. Today I went into get food for my tarantulas there was one other customer in there simply looking around. I asked for crickets separated in bags and the guy gave me several different excuses why he couldn't. Then when I told him I would simply go someplace else he said, "he could do it, it would just take him a while". I said no I will take my business someplace else. read more

I truly hate to do this because this place is really cool and I did have a pleasant buying experience. Staff is super friendly, great selection. Ultimately I'm just not happy with the equipment I was recommended. I did my research before shopping here. I wanted an Aphonopelma chalcodes (Arizona Blonde) that is a terrestrial tarantula. I knew what sort of enclosure I was looking for, something low with no mesh because 1-I didn't want my little guy to climb up the sides and fall and 2-I didn't want him reaching the mesh and potentially get his little hooks stuck. The enclosure they recommended was a front open, 12x12x12. I voiced my concerns to the salespeople about wanting to get a lower tank with no mesh but they reassured me that it was all horror stories and the more expensive one was better. I figured hey, maybe I AM being paranoid and they must know best because they have more experience. Wouldn't you know, the very first thing my T does is climb up the textured wall on the back and pokes around the mesh up top. I've had him for a week, and I know it takes them lots of time to adjust, but he has climbed up and fallen multiple times, and I am having major anxiety, scared to sleep now because I'm terrified of him falling and hurting himself. I have had to readjust his enclosure multiple times, adding more substrate, trying to level it out, build it up, pat it down, get the dang moisture out (because the recommended substrate is not drying out). My heart is hurting because my poor guy keeps falling and is so stressed and having the hardest time settling in with this tall enclosure and moist substrate. Don't get me wrong, I understand that he would be doing this no matter what enclosure I had. It takes lots of time for them to settle. But he could have been settling in a safer enclosure where I wouldn't have to see him falling and almost getting stuck on the mesh. I also know that this is partly my fault to for not asserting myself and going with my gut based on my previous research I did. Lesson learned. I am currently waiting for a more appropriate enclosure and substrate to come from an online store. I'm hoping we can just make it til it gets here. It just sucks because it feels like making a sale was a higher priority than ensuring the best interest of the T. Spending the extra money is not an issue here, the overall well being of my first T is what's most important to me. My best advice is to definitely do your research and stick to it! And I hope this doesn't happen to anyone else. read more

I'll tell you what, the staff here is freaking awesome! They are kind and extremely knowledgeable. They are also very patient with their customers. It is for that reason that we have returned to this location several times now and we plan to continue supporting this local business. Thank you! read more

AE Herps & Exotics - Tarantula - A woman with blonde hair and a tie-dye face mask holds a large tarantula in her hands inside a pet store with terrariums in the background. - Reptile Shops Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

These guys are friendly (for the most part) and very knowledgeable. At times their jokes can come off as insensitive, especially when in response to serious questions, but I understand they're just trying to be friendly (i think). I remember one person attempting to sell me a second reptile of the same variety (opposite sex), basically encouraging me to breed, which I, as a beginner owner, was not at all ready for and was fully aware that this reptile was a solitary animal. It just kind of felt like he was trying to sell me something, which I understand, but it was pushed a little too much after my initial no. If i were to give any suggestions to their business I would say PLEASE START CARRYING ARCADIA LIGHTING AND HEATING UNITS they would make sooo much money! I'm very particular about my lighting and heating as are many reptile enthusiasts and Arcadia Is an awesome brand, although you'll probably find yourself waiting on shipments, similar to the Pangea CGD stock that is seldom refilled and usually picked over (however this is NOT the fault of the store, I totally get that Pangea as a brand is very high demand and hard to get sometimes, as I've ordered from them directly myself). Thanks for always giving me a good time and good conversation! read more

Very helpful with picking out a jumping spider. After I even had some questions and called back to ask about care and they where very knowledgeable and answered my questions. read more

My go to reptile store. Get all my feeders and supplies here, and most of my animals. Super friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff. Also really beautiful and healthy animals and plants. read more

If I could give more than five stars I would. I'm so impressed at the amount of knowledge these employees have about their products. I've visited the store and had a lengthy phone call with one of the employees looking for advice about my lizard. I didn't catch the second guy's name but he was so helpful and so knowledgeable. When I visited the store Logan was working And he took the time to make sure we understood what it takes to keep reptiles in a healthy environment where they can thrive. Wonderful store, great employees, great selection of Herps and exotics. I highly recommend visiting! read more

The owner is such a d***. He was offended that I asked him whether certain fruitflies were hydei, as if I shouldn't question him, and made me sit and watch as he carefully examined each, just to make that point. Point made, you're rude. The business also sucks because they don't price things. Their prices are too high. Even crickets are less expensive at PetsMart and Petsmart delivers for free! AE hardly writes back to social media questions and if they do then their responses are rude. I have had so many bad experiences here, and am looking forward to Petsmart putting them out of business with their new, lower cricket prices. The employees seem to hate the owner and say he mistreats them--even the ones who don't hate their jobs--so maybe AE will be replaced by a better shop. read more

I worked at a nature center for over a decade, and we had a sweet Chilean Rose tarantula who was very used to being handled. You could just put your hand inside of her tank and scoop her up. In the 10 years that I worked with her, she never showed signs of being aggressive or even got into a defensive posture. Now I am a science teacher, and I wanted to get my own (similarly docile) tarantula for a class pet (no, I am not going to let the kids touch her). We did a little research, read a few reviews and stopped in at a couple of other places before deciding to purchase a pretty little Arizona Blonde at AE Herps & Exotics. When we walked in the door, we could immediately tell the difference between this store and what we had just seen at Custom Creatures (yikes, those poor animals!) At AE, I didn't see any piles of dead crickets and feces, or exoskeletons left to rot and grow mold; the glass tanks were sparkling clean. The animals appear to be healthy and well taken care of. The salesperson who helped me was their resident spider guy (I wish I could remember his name), and he was more than helpful. He was able to point me in the direction of a few docile, lower maintenance spiders that are good for beginners. I could sense that he was a little nervous when I held the spider, which shows me that he actually cares about these animals. I would imagine that a lot of pet shops just want to sell, and they would have sold me an aggressive high-maintenance spider if that's what I showed interest in, no questions asked. (And if it bit me, or I wasn't able to care for it properly and/or injured it - oh well, all sales final!) AE really impressed. I may have to go back in to buy another tank and some cockroaches next paycheck (my husband is going to kill me :) read more

AE Herps & Exotics - Isn't she lovely? - Reptile Shops Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I have spent extensive time in their two locations, and I've also visited just about every reptile store in the area. AE (either location) is actually my favorite of all of them. They are so incredibly knowledgeable about their animals, so friendly, so helpful. And I love when I do extensive research, and they confirm my own knowledge. They really know their stuff! Every stinking employee! You're in great hands, especially if you're a beginner. I also have to tell you one of the best things about them as well is they really really listen to your needs and what you are looking for in an animal and then they actually pull an animal out that's absolutely just right for you. It's uncanny. I really love this place. read more

Small midtown store, but they have a nice variety of reptile, amphibians and spiders. Staff is always friendly and knowledgeable.

Representative refused to put frozen rats in individual plastic bags when asked, explaining would cost "too much money for the store". Will not go back. read more

We bought our new goliath bird eating tarantula from this company. The people were very knowledgeable calm and easy to work with. If you're looking for an exotic animal I believe this place would be just right for you. read more

My baby sister got her snake from this shop, and she's the sweetest little creature. They have been a huge help to my sister. They're kind and patient and gave her an excellent recommendation for a vet when she received a burn. The employees are amazing. She went in the other day to ask for advice and ended up fainting from dehydration and heat exhaustion in the store. The employees made sure she didn't have a concussion, supplied her with snacks and water, and even offered to give her a ride home. Our loyalties are solely to this store and their people, I'd recommend it to anyone! read more

AE Herps & Exotics - Reptile Shops Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Third time in the 7th location. So impressed with the customer service. I picked up a paludarium (best price in town. Trust me, I've been looking. ) they had it in stock which is also a plus because most places needed to special order the size i wanted. Picked up dubia and powder isopods. They are so nice and helpful. The shop came recommended to me from people on Facebook and I can definitely confirm it's a solid place. I'll be back. read more

AE Herps & Exotics - Reptile Shops Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Best reptile store ever. My daughter got her Juvenile Uromastyx and its terrarium here. The staff gave us good advice, showing us the cheapest and best options. While also having a good sense of humor. We will definitely go here again for whatever we need, or if we plan on getting another reptile. read more

I got my first snake here and she is amazing. This reptile shop takes great care of the pets and many mor things. So if your getting a reptile come here if you can. read more

AE Herps & Exotics - This is my new snake from this reptile shop and the shop is amazing they take great care of the reptile and much more. - Reptile Shops Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Incredible inventory of snakes and invertebrates, all well cared for and health. Proprietors are extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

One of my new favorite shops!! Great atmosphere, friendly owners, the pets are well taken care of. The pricing is on point. If you're looking for a new pet or just need to stock up on supplies go check them out. read more

AE Herps & Exotics - Reptile Shops Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Great store. Knowledgeable and friendly staff. Beautiful animals that are well cared for in appropriate habitats. Good selection of reptile and other critter accessories. If you like reptiles or have reptiles definitely pay them a visit. We bought our girl Lindy (Linda) from them. read more

AE Herps & Exotics - Leopard Gecko - Reptile Shops Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Great store and staff. Everyone here is very knowledgeable and friendly. This is my first Bearded Dragon and they have been very informative! I highly recommend this place. Very good starter kit pricing as well! read more

AE Herps & Exotics - I got my baby Bearded Dragon from them! Great store and the staff is very knowledgeable. - Reptile Shops Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Great experience on 1/3/2021. Staff was extremely patient and helpful. They went out of their way to get us the lizard and vivarium we were looking for. Very knowledgeable staff. Will definately be going back for our next pet reptile. read more

I came in today to buy some items. The guy upfront was super friendly and giving advice to every white person. Once I walked up to finish my purchase. The guy's attitude completely changed was unwilling to give me advice as well as his smiles went upside down I felt very unwanted in the store very short answers. I decided to come here to support my local reptile store instead of pet smart. I will not be coming back here read more

Super friendly pet store. Very patient and answered their questions. A little more expensive but very clean and healthy reptiles. We bought a bearded dragon and they were great helping us through the process! read more

They always have the best feeders and stellar service. This place is almost 10 miles from my house but for our beardies, it's worth the drive to get the best! read more