Decided to give this place a chance and support a local fish store and I am excited to go back! I will say - make sure you are going in with a purpose and know what you are talking about. I have been in the fish keeping hobby for my entire life and was able to make good conversation and find what I was looking for! I picked up 6 cpds and two pygmy cory's to add to my shoal of 4. They also have a wonderful variety of freshwater plants and fish. I have had a lot of difficulty finding many species that I've been wanting to stock my tank with, especially plants, and wanted to give this place a shot! The owners were very helpful, and explained to me the situation involving being let into the building stating they are both immunocompromised, so I understand where they are coming from. It doesn't hurt to call to let them know you'd like to stop in, next time I will wear a mask! Despite a lot of reviews about smell and uncleanliness (from circa over 5 years ago), I did not see or smell any such issue, and I am a bit of a clean freak in terms of smells associated with pets. read more

Animal House - Pet Stores Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Great people and great fish! I've recently setup my second tank after around a year of having my first one, bought nearly everything from them and had almost know issues (aside from the expected learning curve that comes with getting fish). They always have what I need and have always been able to answer any questions or concerns I've had, highly recommend! read more

Animal House - Plants + fish bought from this store - Pet Stores Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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We were looking for a place to purchase healthy freshwater fish and plants and we found it! The owners of Animal House are extremely knowledgeable. My husband and I have been in the aquarium hobby for over 40 years, and were getting frustrated with the lack of knowledge at the big box stores. The tanks at Animal House are well kept. The fish are lively and healthy. If they don't have something in stock, they let you know about when they will have that fish. We purchased 5 Beautiful Cories (a type that you don't find just anywhere)., and they are doing just fine. Eating well and very active. This will be our "go to" for fish and supplies. BTW we live in Georgetown, KY for the last 4 years. No longer in Chicago. read more

I WISH I could give this place 0 stars. This place is absolutely, without a doubt, TERRIBLE. I had come here once after shopping at Kroger and was denied entry. I'm sorry but if you have to call a PET STORE to make an appointment ahead of time just to get something for your pet, you shouldn't be owning a pet store AT ALLLLL. read more

Easily the best pet store for freshwater fish in Lexington and surrounding areas. The owners are very knowledgeable on all their stock and will give you suggestions to best fit your situation. Unlike the box stores, they don't have a random teenager working that would tell you it's ok to get an Oscar for your 10 gallon tank (hyperbolic, but you get the point). On top of it all, I trust where they get their fish from and how they take care of them. Most box stores share water between rows of tanks, this leads to disease easily spreading. Animal House on the other hand, keeps each tank to themselves, so if there's sickness, it wouldn't spread to everyone else. I couldn't recommend them more, it will be the first (and only) place in Lexington I buy anything freshwater going forward. read more

Excellent pet store. Great selection of fish. Tanks are well kept. Owners are very knowledgeable and answer any questions.

Make sure to bring a mask or know what you want ahead of time. Due to the safety of the workers plan to know what you want. The store overall is moving to the expand their fish selection. Overall very pleased with the interaction and their fish stock. read more

Animal House - Covid restrictions Fall 2022 - Pet Stores Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

The owner was very kind to me, and their fish selection is unmatched by other surrounding fish stores.

Knowledgeable staff with great selection of fish and plants. Always a great place to go!

If you can't already tell, reviews for Animal House are very divisive. I have been buying fish, plants, rock and driftwood from Animal House for about a year, and I really do enjoy supporting them. Both owners have a lot of personality, sarcasm and wit. I think this can easily be misread as being unfriendly. I think that as you come in more and talk to them, you'll find they are very welcoming. They carry conversation with you, offer suggestions and don't hover over me as I'm browsing for fish. I think what they appreciate most are actual customers, not people who come in there to kill time because their families are at Kroger. There are complaints about smell - it smells like a pet store. This is how pet stores smell when they aren't huge big box shops. It is not a sign of uncleanliness. I can not speak to other livestock other than the fish and the bunnies that I fawn over as I check out. It is worth pointing out that a lot of reptiles are VERY sensitive to things in the air, like are freshener. This would kill a lot of animals. So, deal with the smell of a pet store and don't hold that against any small business. I find that if you are willing to build rapport with Animal House, be willing to talk about live bearing fish and dish out wise cracks as good as they can, you'll find that you are being taken care of. read more

While the store may look dated when compared to big box stores, they are top notch when it comes to fish quality. This is the only place in Lexington where I'll buy fish for my tanks. read more

I'm watching my new Cory's happily eating, and watching my plump Angel fish begging in another tank with her new plant, all from Animal House. All I can speak to is fresh water fish, and they have the best. They breed their own Angel's, quarantine new fish, and have all the Seachem products and healthy plants. I'll go to another fish store and end up with a sick fish, so...The same couple has owned this store for over 20 years, they and their son are always happy to educate me on fish, and to make sure I have what I want. This is the best fish store out of any in Lexington and Louisville, and if they treat their exotics like their fish (I'm betting they do) this is the best pet store out of them all. read more

Animal House - Angelfish by Animal House - Pet Stores Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

I am pretty bummed out because this used to be my favorite pet store in the area, and I enjoy supporting local businesses, but I can't get behind the awful customer service and how they just don't care about selling a great product. I bought over sixty dollars worth of fish, plants, and supplies but when I got home I noticed one of the fish looked sick and lethargic. I called as soon as I could the next morning, but they said they wouldn't refund, replace, or exchange. They said we should have seen the sunken belly and dull eyes, but this fish is the size of a pea and that place is about as dim as anyone who would not agree to stand behind their product. Not only were they rude on the phone, actually hanging up on my husband, but they are unethical business people and we will not be spending any more money there. read more

I was initially put off by the crappy reviews on Yelp, but was encouraged by a local breeder to try this fish shop. WOW!! EXCELLENT service, WONDERFUL, healthy fish!!! And, EXPERIENCED, KNOWLEDGABLE owners!!! I had to get past my "I wanna see, I wanna see" since they are only open to call in orders that you pick up at the door. But, when I saw the fish they gave me, I was totally impressed. Not only are they the correct species (not always the case at some of the other shops I've driven 90 minutes to visit), but they are super healthy, fat, and I have yet to lose a single fish from them. Do yourself a favor - call Chris at Animal House for your next fish! Oh - and the plants!! WOW!!!! read more

At first I was a bit skeptical of the store, but after seeing their selection of fish I was blown away. they have 4 different tanks just fir guppies with a selection you could never find at petsmart or other pet stores. Once i saw they had an Arowana I knew this place new their stuff. The service was great the owners were very helpful and friendly. Im happy to say Animal house is my new go to pet store. read more

Animal House - rare white guppy and beautiful fancy guppy - Pet Stores Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

An excellent store! Can't wait to get back there once this pandemic business is down to a dull roar.

Great place for fish! The owners are very knowledgeable and can offer great advice to begiiners.

Horrible customer service, awful smell. These trump the fact they have a decent selection of fish for the area. Won't return

Very knowledgeable and helpful. Large selection of neat fish for a small store. Plus they will literally order you anything you want. Very healthy tanks, never full of dead fish like the chain stores. read more

Pretty knowledgeable guy, but they are pretty rude. And they follow you all over the store like a puppy. I only go there to check out their fish. Not a very selection. Smells horrible. And pretty unsanitary. Also prices are double what they should be. read more

My favorite pet store hands down. Owners are knowledgeable and friendly. And they have the most impressive collection of freshwater fish in town. If you're in the fish keeping hobby, get your ass on over there, you won't regret it!! read more

I love this pet store! The family that owns it truly cares about animals and are very knowledgeable. I am constantly going in for crickets for my two bearded dragons and they always know what I'm there for and just ask, "How many?" They also have GREAT prices compared to the bigger pet stores. This is my go-to pet store and I only go to the other ones if they don't have what I need. read more

One of the worst pet stores I've ever been to. Immediately when you walk in the whole store reeks of ammonia. Probably due to the fact that the rodents, especially the guinea pigs and rabbits, live in unsanitary conditions. Neither of them had any hay (which is 70% of their diet) and their food pellets were soiled with feces and urine. As an owner of 8 guinea pigs I know how they should be cared for. A basic google search would tell you they need a lot more than pellets. Would never recommend this place to anyone. The fish looked like the only animals somewhat being taken care of. Those that gave this place good reviews because of fish I would highly advise taking 5 minutes to look around at the rest of the animals and anyone could tell they aren't being cared for properly. read more

If one is looking for freshwater tropical fish, this store should be your first and last stop. Unlike, literally, everywhere else in Lexington, you will be waited on by someone who knows a lot. The owners, who have been doing this for 29 (I was told) years, are careful to see that their patrons' purchases are wise, and that the fish one would purchase will thrive in their new home. I sensed that both my interests and the fishes' interests were more important than making a sale. So.... say you have a tank of 'nippy' fish they will discourage you from buying fish that would be eventually destroyed. In short, they give good advice, and I for one, appreciate it. Had I gone anywhere else my money would have been wasted. That said, their selection is unmatched in the Lexington area. The fish seem to be bigger, healthier and far more extensive than elsewhere, and honestly, they seem to be similarly priced to others offering an inferior selection. Having now discovered Animal House, I'll no longer shop elsewhere read more

Stinky and strange, being from out of town I enjoy viewing pet stores in areas I visit. This place was disgusting, the fish area is very dark. They do not offer much supplies either.. read more

Just visited this store for the first time, and I absolutely love the selection of fish!! The family was so super helpful and knowledgeable. They also get their pets from a breeder and not mass producedrs, love them!! Going back:) read more

They have hleped me start up my tank and are so helpful in letting me know what fish is good together .. Love this place

I went on Friday evening to buy a light/heat bulb for my turtle tank. In less than 24 hrs the bulb died. It was a dud, which happened to me one other time with a bulb I bought from PS. They returned it with no problem and replaced my bulb. When I went back to AH they said they couldn't guarantee their bulbs and would not replace or refund....a $10 bulb, that last less than 12 hrs!! I told them I would never be back and would post a bad review on YELP, they responded to me go ahead, they didn't care. I went across the street to IP, and they couldn't believe I had been treated that way. They said they wouldn't send (reptile) referrals over there anymore. They said they had a 30 day guarantee on bulbs at IP, which seems to be protocol. read more

This place is great! The owners are knowledgable and friendly and they have the best selection of aquatic plants as well as fish/aquatic invertebrates. Also, their fish and aquatic plants are always in excellent condition, unlike in some other, big chain stores ::cough, petsmart, cough:: Now that I've found this place, I wouldn't dream of going anywhere else :) read more

I walked in and almost immediately walked out, it smelled terrible! Little variety, dirty animal cages, not a good place to buy a pet.

This is an excellent family run pet store. If I need to buy fish, aquatic plants, aquatic invertebrates, or aquarium supplies, this is one of the first place I go. These guys have an excellent selection and they actually take care of there pets, unlike pet-not-so-smart. Not to mention, they are knowledgeable about what they are selling. Any live items, like fish or shrimp, bought here will not be beaten to hell and back like they are when you purchase them from chain stores. read more

I love this little store. The family is really knowledgeable about their animals and I would only get fish from this store. I'm sorry that the negative reviews didn't get to really know the owners of this gem. read more

Sold us a dying animal. After we got home that evening and got the animal into good light where we could actually see it, we realized how bad off it was and called them the very next morning. They basically said we were out of luck and that it was our own fault. They can consider my business to be like their morals.... gone. read more

My wife said it was a great store, so I tried them out. The staff was great. They didn't pester me with all sorts of questions like some places do. I bought 3 celestial pearl danios, and 4 amano shrimp. They are all well, and look very healthy. They had the exact fish I came for. They have a good selection of fish, and some plants. I will be buying my fish from this store from now on. read more

A nice clean store with healthy animals. Owners and staff are very nice and helpful. Even when they are very busy, they have time to stop and ask if they can help you. read more

Horrible business. Terrible conditions for their animals. Worst customer service ever. They act like everyone is trying to steal their overpriced, poorly cared for merchandise and pets.I would not recommend this place to my worst enemy. Please don't support such an awful business. read more

After seeing how little they care for their reptile and amphibians and then try to lie to me like they know so much about them clearly shows what kind of business they are running here. Not only were much of their frogs and toads illegal to own they were rotting behind glass, starving and in a great deal of pain. I don't know much about fish but just by looking at them they didn't look in great health. They see their animals as profit, not living beings. I highly recommend not coming to this business. read more

My friends and I were browsing around Animal House for about ten minutes before the owner/man started yelling at his wife to "Get them out of there, they've been in here for far too long!" The family members were all spread out throughout the store and glaring at us, treating us like we were shoplifters. It's so odd that a small business would treat their customers like this, customers who want to give them money! I've been in here on two other separate occasions and they've always acted very unprofessional and mean. NEVER go to this store! I could not believe the way the employees treated me and my friends. Not to mention the obvious animal abuse that goes on in this place. Their birds were way too crowded, I saw a dead hamster, and many of the reptiles had no water - one of the poor ball pythons was curled up in its bone-dry water dish, obviously dehydrated. This is a despicable excuse for a "mom-n-pop" store, and I sincerely hope that they get shut down. This business engages in both animal and customer abuse, and they have no respect for anything or anyone. Absolutely disgusting. Experience: I'm an experienced reptile and tarantula keeper, I've worked at two zoos, I'm a member of some reptile societies, and I'm good friends with some of the top herpetologists in the country. I know what I'm talking about, and I'm telling you: This store is a disgrace. I'm definitely contacting ASPCA, BBB, Herald Leader, Humane Society, and anyone else who might be able to take these jerks down. read more

I chose this pet store because I was nearby and prefer smaller stores. As soon as I walked in, the smell was awful. Much worse than a pet store should smell. When I walked in the lady at the front was on the phone talking loudly about some kind of family drama. Her son (I'm assuming) was the one who asked if I needed help. I decided to just look myself because I didn't expect a kid who looked about 7 to know much about chinchilla vitamins. When I walked over to the small animal section, the lady on the phone immediately followed me like I was a thief. She stared at me until I walked out, never pausing her conversation enough to let me ask a question. They lost my sale and any future business from me. I felt very uncomfortable. read more

The customer service is absolutely horrid. After owning fish tanks for over ten years and ALWAYS playing by the rules and keeping a healthy ecosystem, I was insulted by the very rude woman when trying to purchase a singular crystal red shrimp. Apparently my knowledge of the nitrogen cycle is not vast enough to own such a complex species. I'd hate to know what'd it be like to be a novice walking into such an ambush. This was my second trip to Animal House, leaving both times with a bad taste in my mouth for the entire experience. Please save yourself some time and trouble and go to any other pet store in the area. Seriously, any other pet store. read more