Slither & Swim

- 38 Saw Mill Rd #16, West Haven, CT 06516

For pet owners in Connecticut who are passionate about aquatic life and exotic reptiles, finding a specialized store that caters to these unique interests can be a quest in itself. Slither & Swim in West Haven is a local pet store that has built a reputation for its focused inventory of reptiles, fish, and the corresponding supplies. It's a place that, as one customer describes, feels like a "miniature zoo" with an "incredible" selection of both rare and healthy reptiles. For those looking to build a beautiful aquarium or start a new reptile enclosure, this store offers a unique and dedicated alternative to larger, general-purpose pet stores. It provides a niche experience for a specific community of pet enthusiasts, serving as a hub where they can find specialized products and advice.

The store has a strong emphasis on providing a wide selection of plants and fish for aquariums, as noted in a positive customer review. This customer also praised a staff member named Paul for being "very knowledgeable and helped me answer some questions I couldn’t find answers to online." This highlights a key benefit of a specialized local store: the access to expert knowledge and personalized advice. The same review also praised the "good prices on rocks for building a scape" for a tank, which shows that the store not only has a good selection but also offers value. This kind of hands-on, expert assistance is what many hobbyists seek and is a major draw for customers looking to build a healthy and thriving environment for their pets.

However, it is crucial for potential customers to be aware of the varying experiences reported in customer reviews. One particularly concerning review from a long-time customer details repeated issues with live animals, including snakes, being "completely mite infested" and covered in bloody wounds from being left in with live rats. The customer also noted seeing live rats attacking snakes and witnessing a box of mice coated in dried diarrhea, leading them to vow not to return. This review points to serious animal care concerns that potential customers should consider and, if they choose to visit, verify for themselves. It is a powerful reminder that while a store may have a wide selection, it is important to observe the conditions of the animals firsthand before making a purchase, especially when dealing with live animals.

Slither & Swim is located at 38 Saw Mill Rd #16, West Haven, CT 06516, USA. This location makes it easily accessible for residents of West Haven and the surrounding communities. The store has made a commitment to accessibility, which is a valuable feature for its customers. It provides a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring that all community members can visit and shop with ease. For a "quick visit," as noted in the provided information, its location in a plaza or a small commercial building on Saw Mill Road makes it a convenient stop for pet owners needing to pick up specific items for their reptile or fish.

The ease of access and accommodating features are important for a business that serves a niche market, as it allows customers from a wider area to come and get the specialized supplies they need.

Slither & Swim offers a focused set of services that cater to its specialized inventory.

• In-store pickup: This is the primary service option, allowing customers to reserve products and pick them up inside the store. This is especially useful for live food, plants, or other items you want to make sure are in stock before you make the trip.
• Expert Advice: The staff, as noted in a review, provides knowledgeable assistance to help customers with their pet care questions, especially for questions that are hard to find answers to online.
• Product Curation: The store's service includes curating a selection of products specifically for reptiles and fish, from rare animals to specific types of plants, substrates, and food.

These services are what define the store as a specialized provider, setting it apart from general pet stores.

Several features and highlights make Slither & Swim a notable option for pet enthusiasts in Connecticut.

• Specialized Inventory: The store's focus on reptiles and fish is its most significant feature, offering a selection that a general pet store cannot match, including rare animals.
• Expert Staff: One customer review praised a staff member's knowledge, which is a crucial highlight for customers dealing with complex animal care needs.
• Unique Supplies: The store offers specialized supplies like rocks for "scaping" a tank, which caters to the artistic side of the hobby.
• Accessibility: The wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot make the store welcoming to all.
• Flexible Payment Options: The acceptance of credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments provides convenience and security for transactions.

These features define the store’s value proposition to its target market.

To get in touch with Slither & Swim, you can use the following contact information.

Address: 38 Saw Mill Rd #16, West Haven, CT 06516, USA

Phone: (203) 932-9436

Mobile Phone: +1 203-932-9436

What is truly worth choosing about Slither & Swim is its unique specialization in reptiles and fish. For a serious hobbyist or someone new to the world of exotic pets, having a local store that is dedicated to these animals is a major benefit. The access to a wide selection of rare animals and the specific supplies needed to create a healthy habitat is what makes this store a go-to destination. The knowledgeable staff is a significant asset, as they can provide the kind of hands-on advice that is often hard to find online. For those looking to build a beautiful aquarium or care for a reptile, this store offers the specific products and guidance you need.

However, it is essential to approach this choice with an understanding of the potential risks highlighted in the negative reviews. The concerns about animal health and store conditions are serious and should be weighed carefully. For a prospective customer, this means taking the time to observe the animals in person, ask questions, and make a personal judgment about the store's conditions. For those who have positive experiences, like the customer who was helped by Paul, the store is a valuable resource that enhances their hobby. Ultimately, the decision to choose Slither & Swim rests on the customer's personal assessment of the store’s live animal conditions, balanced against the clear benefits of its specialized inventory and expert advice. It is a local business with the potential to be a great resource for the Connecticut exotic pet community, provided they maintain a high standard of animal care.

Slither & Swim

38 Saw Mill Rd #16, West Haven, CT 06516, USA