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    East Bay Vivarium

    4.2 (624 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    East Bay Vivarium Photos

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    vivarium
    Darwin P.

    this is a paradise for reptile lovers. the vivarium offers sight of reptiles, lizards, and snakes. the staff is nice and knowledgeable, which makes the atmosphere interesting and fun it's also a shop, so you can cop stuff your your pet crocodile!

    Countless babies being bred and sold, meanwhile so many need homes. They're bred/sold w/ no concern for their well being as individuals
    Kitty J.

    I have rescued many reptiles (ball python, bearded dragon, and numerous red eared and yellow bellied sliders) all of whom had been bought at a store then later literally abandoned. I recently rescued a severely neglected bearded dragon who has been bought as a baby from EBV then spent the following 5 years languishing in a tiny, completely empty tank with no lighting or sunlight. His life was miserable, as are the lives for all of most of the animals being sold like objects with no regard for their life long well being - much less for the countless animals who urgently need homes right now.

    Ann T.

    An ABSOLUTE MUST for any reptile enthusiast, starting reptile owner, or anyone who just loves animals in general. I am a newbie beardie owner and I was absolutely BLOWN AWAY by the East Bay Vivarium. And now wonder either! It's the OLDEST REPTILE STORE IN THE NATION, serving the Bay Area since 1970. If we weren't on a crunch on time, I think I could easily spend hours here (I at least spent around 2). As a newbie to this hobby, there aren't that many reptile shops (at least not in SoCal) that are expansive and impressive as the East Bay Vivarium. I have never seen so many different species of reptiles and amphibians available for sale as pets before and there were so many animals that I couldn't see either! And this is actually a REALLY GOOD THING. It means that the animal is in an enriching enclosure with enough hides provided for it to get comfortable. Huge plus for me along with how helpful and knowledgeable the employees are. Amazed by the huge enclosures that they have here for their monitor (I think) lizards. It was also my first time seeing (for sale at a store instead of at a reptile expo) a Rankin's Dragon (cute relative to the beardie), a collared lizard, Iberian Ribbed Newts, and so much more in so many different color morphs! I loved their variety of supplies, decor, and food too. Pretty affordable basking slates and branches (in comparison to what I've seen) and they have a great variety that is different from the standard ZooMed, ExoTerra, Fluker's, etc. The warnings about Salmonella around the shop are low key kinda funny too, but great to have! They also have animal figures and literature for purchase too. For a local who is taking care of reptiles or exotics, they also have boarding and a nice, affordable variety of feeders on their menu. I wish it wasn't pouring rain outside since they had a bargain bin of items and some plants for purchase too. Next time I'm in NorCal, I'm already looking forward to my next visit!

    Tarantula
    Hayley C.

    Visiting the East Bay Vivarium for the first time was a fun surprise. It is tucked away just off 4th St and packed with all kinds of reptiles & more--snakes, lizards, frogs, turtles, and tarantulas. I'm not an owner/expert on any of these, but it was super interesting to walk around and check out all the different creatures. The staff were friendly and happy to chat or answer questions. A storied local spot that makes for an educational adventure!

    Everyone at this location is not only so knowledgeable about reptiles (snakes) but they're also so very patient... I got my snake in May and I've been able to take my baby to them for everything even emergency needs just to get a piece of mind. Their customer service is unmatched to anywhere I've been before and their ability to educate new owners and make us feel comfortable is profound! I recommend this location to ANY AND EVERYONE!

    Ari A.

    Justin is AMAZING! Super knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. Love this place! Highly recommend to anyone.

    A 2 month old tortoise!
    Lindsay O.

    I booked the Traveling Reptile Show with Owen for my husband's birthday (he's a big kid and we love animals). It was fantastic, and my husband said it was the best birthday present ever!! 1,000% worth the money and we'd love to do it again! Owen was easy to communicate with via email, very helpful and patient as we tried to find a good location and time, and of course, extremely knowledgeable about his animals. He even adjusted his show to make my husband's birthday extra special and personalized. We got to see so many incredible creatures, touch and hold them, and ask tons of questions. It was truly a memorable and valuable experience - highly recommend.

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    10 months ago

    Awesome inventory, friendly and knowledgeable staff. My go to place for all my snake related needs, questions and concerns.

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    Page 1 of 16

    Ask the Community - East Bay Vivarium

    Do they sell live bugs: Beatles, mealworms, waxworks etc?

    Yes, they have an entire menu for their live feeders including various sizes for meal worms and they do have wax worms too.

    Do you sell aquarium plants?

    yep

    Do the rats they sell make suitable pets? Are they healthy and well cared for?

    I've seen the employees socializing rats so likely yes

    Do they still carry live rodents (rats, hamsters, Guinea pigs)?

    Yes.

    Do you guys carry isopods and springtails?

    Not sure about springtails but they have isopods.

    I am looking for a small Greek tortoise. Is it the season? When will it be available? Thanks

    Check their website. usually updated regularly.

    I have a super food fussy beardie. Do they carry Silk worms and hornworms?

    Are you guys able to take unwanted snakes?

    In most cases, absolutely! Just bring the snake on by.

    Do they sell Dubia roaches?

    Yes we do, primarily small sizes. We get them in on Fridays. Call the store to confirm stock.

    Do you guys make snake racks?

    Sorry, Tarence, we do not. We sometimes have used ones available (none right now) but do not manufacture them.

    Was wondering if they sale pray mantis there?

    Yes we do. Please call teh store to find out specifics.

    Is this place family owned?

    Small business owned by two partners.

    Do they take in animals?

    We do! Please call the store and let's talk.

    Do you have baby rabbits?

    It's now illegal to sell live rabbits. Are you looking for rabbits as pets or as snake food? We have rabbits we can sell to feed snakes.

    Do they sell Tegus?

    They have their older tegus on display in the shop, but if you ask, they likely have some in the back in their breeding area!

    Do they allow donations?

    We often take donations! What do you have? Owen

    How much is a 10pk of medium feeder rats?

    $66

    Do you have winter white hamsters?

    Sorry Ellen, no. You might want to call the store and ask for Carlos; he's our in-house hamster breeder.

    What's the pricing on frozen thawed rat feeders?

    Our frozen rats range in price from 2 to 10 dollars each depending on size. Discounts apply to 10 packs.

    Do they sell springtails?

    We sometimes have them in stock. Call the store for an update.

    View All 36 Questions

    Review Highlights - East Bay Vivarium

    We aren't "reptile" folks but we didn't feel judged at all and everyone was very kind and helpful.

    Mentioned in 16 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Reptile Realms - San Mateo - Snakes

    Reptile Realms - San Mateo

    (3 reviews)

    We spent a couple of hours perusing through the exhibits on a Sunday. There is a lot to look at and…read moreif you're a kid, or a reptile enthusiast, there is a lot to get excited over. You have an assortment of diff reptiles, from monitors, to snakes, to iguanas, to geckos, etc. that you can choose to observe, pet, hold, or even buy. If you decide to buy anything, you also have all the items available to set up a tank for the first time or just stock up on some supplies if you already have an existing set up. The prices here were very competitive, there were exhibit deals happening all around. If you do want to hold a snake, or even take a picture with it, it will cost you at least $5 a round, so that was a bit costly.

    What a fun event... even for a bunny lover like me, knowing that reptiles are probably my rabbits'…read moreworst enemy... the snakes would eat them, and the tortoise would outsmart them in a race, lol. Reptile Realms (aka the San Jose Reptile Show), for the last two years has been unable to hold the event at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds (as they did annually pre-covid). So they expanded to holding the expo at the San Mateo County Event Center for 2022. Basically there are LOTS of reptile displays, with most of the creatures for sale, and all of them for show. We found mostly snakes, all kinds of sizes, some with very unique patterns, vendors willing to share plenty of knowledge and info about the species, and even some snakes visitors could hold (for free). Besides snakes, there were roaches, crickets, tarantulas, shaved mice, lizards, geckos, chameleons, bearded dragons, tortoises, and some species I can't even name. I realize not all were reptiles, but there was also reptile "food" for sale, and other creatures. And you could get up close and personal with these animals, it was so cool. They also sold clever animal T-shirts and hats, toys (lots of snake themed, but also random stuff like unicorn horns), habitats, plants, and food (for reptiles and for humans). The event took place mainly in a giant hall, so it felt spacious even with the crowds. There were no lines and no wait to enter. And there was plenty of parking (with a $15 fee which was more expensive than the admissions ticket). Some of the reptiles are just sooo cute, especially those baby tortoises, this is a great place to find a new pet. But not for me... my bunnies wouldn't like that.

    Mike's Feed & Pets - Same day we brought the new male home, within 1/2 hour he and the female are head cuddling each other

    Mike's Feed & Pets

    (247 reviews)

    $$

    I love this place --…read more - HUGE selection of pet supplies - Knowledgable staff - Punch card for my dog food, get 10 bags, get 1 free - Parking right next door - One stop shop kind of place (:

    This review is describing my experience with everything pet bird related at this store: cage, food,…read moretoy selection; cleanliness and organization; and the worst part--that they sell birds. Not only do they sell birds, but they house the birds in a tiny, cramped, windowless room in tiny cages, with one fluorescent ceiling light and what appears to be no human interaction or fresh air or appropriate light. The room is about the size of my bedroom, and there are cages stacked to the ceiling full of birds, but the cages are tiny. Back when I didn't know any better in the '90s, I purchased two parrots from pet stores, as "hand-raised babies," but those stores had all the birds in appropriately sized cages with sunlight and lots of toys and out time with visitors if you sanitized your hands. They felt out the potential owners and didn't sell birds to just anyone. Now I know better, as I volunteer with a local parrot rescue that has to turn away hundreds of unwanted pet birds a year on top of the hundreds they take in. One of those volunteer duties is doing home visits for the adoption applicants, and one took me this week to near this store, and the applicant told me about it and showed me this terrible-looking seed mix they purchased there for pets. So I stopped by this store to see what/why they were selling, and the sad and crowded windowless bird-commodity room made me cry. I left in tears. I had first browsed the shelves for toys and food, and I found the shelves unorganized, out of stock on several items, and the floors dirty. Plus a cat running around. And the cages they were selling were all tiny as well. Here's something significant and equally emotional. Under "pets" on the front page of their website, they strongly encourage adopting from shelters for dogs and cats. SO WHY NOT BIRDS? Birds live longer, are more complicated, are often more intelligent and with more complex needs, and our rescues are overrun! WHY?!?! (Profit! And it's terrible.) This is their own words--why don't they believe this for birds??!! They should contact every rescue on the West Coast and find out how overrun we are. "We have in stock a selection of small pets which include birds, fish, rodents, reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids. If you are looking for a pet kitty or pooch, we HIGHLY urge you to check out the local shelter where there are great animals looking for loving homes. Mike's Feed & Pets does not sell dogs or cats but we do have a complete line of products to help you care for them"

    The Animal Connection - Exterior

    The Animal Connection

    (296 reviews)

    Outer Sunset

    I recently got a kitten this past June, and this is my #1 favorite one-stop pet shop in the city…read more The store has a great selection of items for cats- wet and dry food, litter, treats, stainless steel water fountains, super cute Squishmallow beds, toys, the list goes on. I'm find myself spending at least an hour in here because the staff love to show off their little critters and it's such a fun environment to be in. I've seen the store progress exponentially in the last 6 months. It's much cleaner and more organized every time I visit. I can tell the staff really cares for its animals and the local pets in the neighborhood.

    I really wanted to love and support this local pet shop, but after my previous visits, I truly…read morecannot. The moment I walked in, the smell was overwhelmingly bad -- not your typical pet store scent, but something genuinely foul. The shelves were dirty and looked like they hadn't been cleaned or organized in a long time, which didn't inspire any confidence. The selection was really limited, and even basic items were hard to find. The employees also weren't very welcoming or friendly; no greeting, no offer to help, just an overall cold vibe. What bothered me most was how sad the animals looked. A few of them seemed stressed or lethargic, and it was honestly heartbreaking. I love supporting neighborhood businesses, especially ones that care for animals, but this place needs serious attention and improvement before I could ever consider coming back.

    The Reptile Room

    The Reptile Room

    (196 reviews)

    A month or so ago I visited the Reptile Room in search of a somewhat grown bearded dragon. I talked…read morewith the gentleman who was running the store happened to have a bearded dragon that looked to be what I was looking for. The only catch he told me was that he had a bad disposition and would get very agitated and try to bite anyone who got close to him. After allowing me to handle him till he calmed down a bit he offered to give him to me at no charge if I was willing to work with him. After going through some bonding exercises (and yes he did bite me once) he has come to settle down and now allows me to hold him and is adjusting well to his new home. The fact that I was given the bearded dragon only goes to show that the people at The Reptile Room really care about their animals and customers. I highly recommend The Reptile Room for service above and beyond!

    Looks like a great place to stop by to grab feeders or supplies if you're in a pinch. They do have…read morea feeder menu and offer boarding for reptiles if you're out of town. I think they also host educational birthday parties and events too. They have beardies, sulcata tortoises, leopard geckos, uromastyx, some snakes and other geckos (gargoyle and crested I think), chameleons, and I think some water dragons near the exit. I thought it was neat that they had that large tower/pillar glass enclosure in the middle of their shop as well and a shop parrot too. I believe that most of their leopard geckos and pythons were in smaller enclosures/containers as they're for breeding/are breeders or something along those lines, but I'm hoping that they get time to stretch or get purchased to pet parents quickly. Overall not bad, I always love the opportunity to look at some cold blooded buddies, but I feel like this reptile shop is more of a community staple for reptile owners rather than somewhere an out of towner would make a must stop.

    Pet Club - Emeryville - Outside of Pet Club on 11/23/24

    Pet Club - Emeryville

    (357 reviews)

    West Oakland

    Like others have mentioned, this place used to sell live animals. I am happy to report, they no…read morelonger sell live animals, so I am happy to shop and support them again! Thank you pet club for doing what is right and not selling live animals anymore! huge selection. It's like the dog version of Costco. good prices on everything. Way better prices than union busting pet food express, pet supplies plus, petvet, and petco. Pet club's prices sometimes even rival online retailers like chewy. No complicated rewards program or data mining BS (pet food express cashiers request your email and name at checkout now, despite there being NO rewards or incentives - this is data mining, they are selling your data.), just straight forward great prices. By far the best pet store in terms of value and selection in the East bay. The staff is all really nice but sometimes the store seems a little under staffed. Thats every store nowadays lately though. Only deducting one star because their pet wash is absolutely filthy (albeit far less gross than pet food express whose staff only "clean" the tubs by spraying them with water for 15 seconds). The concept of a self service pet wash requires a lot of upkeep and I feel if pet club invested some money into revamping the wash area and keeping it staffed, it would greatly benefit their business.

    Their return policy is antiquated. They're unable to search receipts via credit card like most…read morelarge appropriately run businesses. It's better to utilize chewy or petco. Staff follows you around the store watching, but isn't helpful. Aquatic section the fish look ill. There's limited options in the store and prices are significantly higher than online.

    East Bay Vivarium - reptileshops - Updated May 2026

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