Animal Island Pet Shop

Most pet shops you visit keep their reptiles strictly behind glass, but this place is a wonderful exception. They actually allow hands-on experiences with the lizards, which is exactly how I fell completely in love with bearded dragons, they are now my absolute favorite animals! The only reason I’m giving this spot four stars instead of five is the layout. The store gets incredibly tight, and the aisles are quite small and cramped to navigate. It’s such a fantastic shop with amazing animal interactions that I really feel like it deserves to be expanded or moved into a much bigger space. If you don't mind squeezing through the narrow aisles, the chance to actually connect with the animals makes it entirely worth it. They have a large variety of spiders and snakes as well!

“This is the best day of my life” - me, 18x after stepping into the shop. I have attached a candid photo of the statement being spoken below. I went here for the first time yesterday with a friend, and I am certain I will never use another pet store again! The employees are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and you can tell they truly care about the health, safety, and happiness of the animals there. Unlike when I go to a Petco or a Petsmart, I felt like I could ask questions and get real answers and recommendations! I really enjoyed the selection of products as well as live animals and insects. It was wonderful being able to share my passion for the fish hobby; you can tell the employees understand that your animals are your family and they care! 1,000,000/10 would recommend.

They provide an extensive selection of freshwater fish. We acquired several distinct varieties of cichlids. We anticipate returning.

A few years ago, the employees here rescued a baby ferret that had been purchased and then severely neglected. She was malnourished, had an infected ear, and had forgotten how to play. From what I heard, the employees pooled their personal money together to buy her back, and then took her to the Greater Chicago Ferret Association. I ended up adopting her from there. She passed away a month ago, too young at 4 and 1/2 years old, from an unexpected illness. But even that time was a blessing and a second chance at life. Her name was Brownie and she was the best, most cuddly, sweetest, funniest, most playful ferret ever, and she got to live her life to the fullest thanks to the employees here. I am so grateful.

Awesomeness all around. Probably some of the best choices of fish, snakes spiders and everything you can think of. Definitely gonna keep coming back.