Raising Reptiles

- 46916 Gratiot Ave, Chesterfield, MI 48051

For a growing number of pet enthusiasts across Michigan, the world of reptiles offers a fascinating and unique opportunity for companionship. When seeking out these specialized pets and their specific care needs, a local, knowledgeable store is an invaluable resource. Raising Reptiles in Chesterfield, Michigan, is a small business that aims to serve this niche, providing a variety of animals, feeders, and supplies for reptile owners. Located on Gratiot Avenue, this shop has established itself as a go-to spot for those interested in snakes, lizards, tortoises, and more. The owners, John and Mat, have decades of experience in the hobby and strive to create a clean, welcoming environment for their customers.

The business positions itself as more than just a retail store; it's also a place for education and community. They host events and workshops, such as hands-on discovery sessions and BioActive vivarium workshops, designed to help both beginners and experienced keepers learn about proper husbandry. This commitment to client education is a key part of their business model, as they want to ensure that all animals go to knowledgeable and prepared homes. They take pride in their captive-bred animals and their reputation in the community for providing a quality selection of pets and products.

While the business has received praise for its staff and the health of some of its animals, like the clean enclosures and healthy feeders, it's important to consider all available feedback. A review from a customer who found a deceased tortoise in a communal enclosure is a serious concern that highlights the importance of thorough inspection and asking questions. It underscores the responsibility of both the business to maintain high standards of animal welfare and the customer to be vigilant when making a purchase. This review serves as a reminder that transparency and continuous, high-level animal care are critical in the pet industry, especially with specialized and delicate species.

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Raising Reptiles is conveniently located at 46916 Gratiot Ave, Chesterfield, MI 48051, USA. Its presence on a major road makes it easy to find for residents of Chesterfield and the surrounding communities. The store is well-suited for a quick visit if you know exactly what you need, but its various offerings also invite customers to browse and stay awhile. The business has made accessibility a priority, providing a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating. This commitment to a comfortable shopping experience ensures that all members of the community can visit with ease. They also have a gender-neutral restroom, further demonstrating their focus on inclusivity.

For convenience, Raising Reptiles offers in-store shopping and in-store pickup, allowing customers to reserve products online and collect them at their leisure. They also provide onsite services. The business accepts various forms of payment, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions straightforward and simple for everyone.

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Raising Reptiles specializes in everything related to the reptile hobby, offering a curated selection of products and services for both new and experienced keepers. Their services are designed to meet the specific needs of these unique pets. Some of the key offerings include:

• Reptiles for Sale: The store provides a variety of captive-bred reptiles, including lizards, snakes, and tortoises. They emphasize that their animals are bred in-house or sourced from reputable breeders, and are fed high-quality feeders to ensure their health.

• Feeder and Live Supplies: They are a primary source for feeders, including gut-loaded insects and rodents, which are essential for proper reptile nutrition. Their selection of feeders is a major draw for local keepers, often cited for having the best prices in the area.

• Reptile Supplies: The store carries a wide range of essential supplies from top brands like Exo Terra, Zilla, and ZooMed. This includes everything needed for a reptile enclosure, such as heating and lighting equipment, substrates, habitats, and bioactive accessories like live plants and micro greens.

• Animal Boarding: For pet owners who need to travel, Raising Reptiles offers an animal boarding service. They provide proper care and husbandry for pets while their owners are away, ensuring that the animals receive fresh food and have the correct environmental conditions maintained.

• Educational Workshops and Events: Raising Reptiles hosts various events, including hands-on discovery sessions and educational workshops. These events are designed to teach proper care and husbandry to all ages, providing a fun and informative way for the community to learn about and interact with different reptiles.

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Raising Reptiles stands out in the Michigan pet market due to its specialized focus and commitment to the reptile community. While customer experiences can vary, several key features are frequently highlighted in both positive and negative feedback:

• Specialized Inventory: Unlike general pet stores, Raising Reptiles offers a deeply specialized selection of animals and supplies. This makes it a go-to destination for serious reptile keepers who need specific items and expert advice that might not be available at larger retail chains.

• Healthy Animals and Feeders: A positive point noted by a satisfied customer is the presence of "nice and clean enclosures for happy and healthy pets." They also are praised for their pricing and quality of feeders, which are a critical component of a reptile's diet.

• Educational Focus: The owners' extensive experience and their dedication to hosting educational shows and workshops are significant features. This helps create a more engaged and knowledgeable community of reptile keepers, which is a positive for the hobby as a whole.

• Animal Care Concerns: The most serious concern, as noted in a review, is the allegation of neglect and poor animal husbandry, which included a deceased tortoise being found in an enclosure. While this is one customer's account, it is a significant factor for anyone considering doing business with the store. The business's response, or lack thereof, in the review indicates a potential issue that prospective customers must be aware of and consider carefully.

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For more information on their selection, to ask about supplies, or to inquire about their educational events, you can reach Raising Reptiles using the following contact information:

• Address: 46916 Gratiot Ave, Chesterfield, MI 48051, USA

• Phone: (586) 787-1008

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For reptile enthusiasts in the Michigan area, Raising Reptiles presents itself as a dedicated and specialized local pet store. Its strengths lie in its focus on the niche market of reptiles, offering a wide array of specialized supplies and a great selection of feeders, often at competitive prices. The owners' passion for the hobby and their willingness to host educational events are also valuable resources for the community. The store’s commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all customers is a positive aspect that adds to its appeal as a community hub.

However, the significant concerns raised in one of the provided customer reviews cannot be ignored. The account of finding a deceased animal and the staff’s alleged response is a serious matter that speaks directly to the core of animal welfare. While one positive review praises the health of animals and cleanliness of enclosures, this specific negative review suggests potential inconsistencies in the level of care provided. It is crucial for anyone considering a purchase from Raising Reptiles to do their own thorough inspection of the animals and their living conditions. It is advisable to visit multiple times, ask detailed questions about the animals’ origins and care, and to trust your own judgment. The ultimate decision to patronize a business, especially one that sells living creatures, must be based on a complete understanding of both its positive features and any potential red flags. While some customers have had fantastic experiences, the reported incident of animal neglect is a major point of consideration for any potential buyer and should not be taken lightly. It highlights the importance of choosing a pet store that you can fully trust with the welfare of its animals.

Raising Reptiles

46916 Gratiot Ave, Chesterfield, MI 48051, USA