Tom’s Tropicals

- 9020 Belair Rd, Nottingham, MD 21236

For pet enthusiasts across the Maryland region, particularly those interested in specialized and exotic animals, Tom’s Tropicals in Nottingham stands as a cherished local tradition. Located conveniently near Baltimore, this pet store is renowned not just for its wide variety of unique animals but also for its knowledgeable and friendly staff. It has cemented its status as a go-to destination, offering a "mystical array of incredible exotic pets & novelties," as described by local observers, catering to both the curious first-time owner and the seasoned hobbyist.

Unlike larger, more generalized pet supply stores, Tom’s Tropicals specializes in creatures requiring more specific care, such as tropical fish, reptiles, and various exotic animals. This specialization ensures that customers receive higher quality stock and expert advice tailored to their specific pet's needs. The staff's helpfulness is a common theme in customer feedback. For instance, a shopper looking for an easy-to-care-for pet enthusiastically recounted, "They help me get everything to put the kit together all I got four of them because they like company the colorful kind... I was given a sheet to tell me what they need and how to care for them. I’m so very happy." This commitment to education ensures that pets thrive in their new Maryland homes.

The store’s inventory caters extensively to the reptile community, stocking all the essentials needed for snakes, lizards, amphibians, and other scaly friends. A regular patron noted that they "mostly go for snake supplies such as mice, rats, bedding, and heat lamps," appreciating that the store is always well-stocked with crucial items, including various types of live food. Tom’s Tropicals provides a valuable service by consolidating the necessities for niche pets, making it easier for Maryland pet owners to manage their animals' specialized dietary and environmental requirements.

Location and Accessibility

Tom’s Tropicals is situated at 9020 Belair Rd, Nottingham, MD 21236, USA. This location places it firmly in the Nottingham area of Baltimore County, making it a highly accessible spot for customers traveling from Towson, Perry Hall, and the greater Baltimore metropolitan area.

The store’s location on Belair Road, a major thoroughfare, simplifies driving and navigation. As a long-standing local institution, it is a well-known community fixture. While specific details on accessibility features are not explicitly detailed, its prime road-front location suggests ease of visit for a quick stop to pick up essential supplies or spend time browsing the unique livestock and exotic pet habitats. The consistent operating hours throughout the week, including extended hours on most weekdays and weekend availability, also ensure flexibility for busy Maryland residents.

Services Offered

As a specialty pet store, Tom’s Tropicals focuses its services on providing comprehensive support for tropical, aquatic, and exotic pet ownership, rather than offering grooming or boarding for common household pets.

• Exotic Pet Sales: Offering a wide array of unique pets, which have historically included iguanas, various species of frogs, snakes, and popular small pets like hermit crabs.
• Tropical Fish Sales: Specializing in freshwater and potentially saltwater fish, catering to aquarists who need specific species and high-quality stock.
• Reptile and Amphibian Supplies: Providing all necessary equipment, including specialized lighting, heating elements (such as heat lamps), a variety of bedding, and habitat decor for terrariums and vivariums.
• Live and Frozen Food Supply: Stocking essential dietary items for reptiles and other exotic carnivores, such as feeder mice, rats, and other forms of live food.
• Expert Care Advice: Offering hands-on guidance, personalized advice, and written care instructions to ensure new and existing pet owners can maintain a healthy habitat for their animals.
• General Pet Store Supplies: Carrying a broad selection of products that support the care of the various species they sell, functioning as a complete resource for specialized animal needs.

Features / Highlights

Tom’s Tropicals stands out in the Maryland pet retail landscape due to its specialization, commitment to customer education, and its identity as a beloved local business.

• Exotic Pet Specialization: The primary highlight is the store’s focus on exotic pets, reptiles, and tropical fish, providing an inventory and knowledge base far surpassing that of general pet supply stores.
• Reputation for Live Stock Quality: Customers rely on the store for the health and vitality of their livestock, particularly their offerings of snakes and reptile feeders, and their range of aquatic life.
• Unwavering Local Support: Customers consistently express the value of supporting a "small, local business," recognizing Tom’s Tropicals as a long-standing and respected part of the Nottingham/Baltimore community.
• Staff Expertise and Friendliness: The high level of customer satisfaction stems directly from the staff being friendly, helpful, and, most importantly, knowledgeable about the unique and specific needs of the exotic animals they sell.
• Educational Approach: The store takes an active role in ensuring responsible pet ownership by providing essential care sheets and detailed instructions, which is crucial for those adopting less common pets like hermit crabs.
• Convenience for Niche Supplies: Being a dependable source for items like live food (mice and rats) and specialized equipment (heat lamps) makes it an invaluable one-stop-shop for reptile keepers in the Central Maryland area.

Contact Information

For customers in Maryland seeking specialized pet supplies, exotic animals, or expert advice, Tom’s Tropicals can be reached using the information below:

Address: 9020 Belair Rd, Nottingham, MD 21236, USA

Phone: (410) 256-0330 (General Store and Inquiries)

Mobile Phone: +1 410-256-0330

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Tom’s Tropicals is a worthwhile decision for any Maryland pet owner whose interests lean toward reptiles, tropical fish, and exotic small pets. When you visit 9020 Belair Rd, you are investing in a decades-long tradition of specialization and expert advice that large retail chains simply cannot replicate. The A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau further solidifies its reputation as a reliable and trustworthy source in the community.

The greatest value proposition is the combination of quality live inventory—from fish to iguanas—and the knowledgeable staff who ensure you leave with the proper supplies and the understanding necessary to successfully maintain your pet's habitat. This educational approach minimizes stress for both the owner and the animal, which is particularly vital for exotic species. By supporting this local, small business, you are helping to sustain a community resource that is dedicated to providing friendly service, reasonable prices, and an impressive, one-of-a-kind selection of specialty pets and supplies right here in Nottingham, MD. For those with unique pet care needs, Tom's Tropicals is the trusted, experienced choice.

Tom’s Tropicals

9020 Belair Rd, Nottingham, MD 21236, USA