Animal House Pets, LLC

Kennedy Morris

2024-04

I feel so bad I forgot to update my review. I initially left a bad review (like most others) and specifically attributed that to having been denied entry. However, since I wrote that review I have come here frequently. I typically get frozen rats for my ball python, but I’ve also purchased some items for newest addition- a shrimp tank. It makes me feel good to shop at a family owned business rather than large corporation chain store. Everyone is very knowledgeable and I even got help/advice for my shrimp tank that I am extremely grateful for because I was worried that they wouldn’t make it much longer. It turns out my pH was low but a water change did the trick and they are back to acting normal :) the ONLY reason I am giving 4 stars is because I have not been in the store and I would like to see the husbandry and care of what they have as I would rather not give my money to another place like Most Valuable Pets (full disclosure: I hate Most Valuable Pets and you should too if you “love” animals). Though, their knowledge on animal care leads me to believe they are doing more than most other places that try to sell people piss poor animal care for more money. All that to say, I am very sorry about my initial bad review and that I left it up for so long. I genuinely forgot. Thank you all for your help with my critters. I’m posting a picture of Deputy Dingleberry in hopes more people take the time to read my review :)

Trey

2024-04

I’m not even sure where to start with this post. I try to be empathetic as I was informed that the owners have serious health issues. I drove in from Richmond to check this place out as I have a 75 gallon fish tank. Upon attempting to enter the door, I was questioned over a speaker phone outside of the pet store, as to what I needed. I advised that I would like to look at freshwater fish and was then asked additional questions such as how big was my tank, what type of fish I had, how long I had the tank. At no point in the three minute conversation did I ever feel I would give enough approved answers to actually make it in the store. I didn’t care to have endless conversation - I simply wanted to make a purchase and go home. I ended up walking into the pet store immediately next door, making my $74 purchase, which consisted of other items I realized that I needed, by being able to browse around. This is bad business and will shut you down in a matter of time. Health should absolutely come first, but have someone else on site who isn’t immune compromised to run your business for the time being. I prefer to support local business, but was forced to shop elsewhere. It doesn’t help a chain competitor is right next door. I’m just mind blown at this business practice - so much lost revenue…

Sarah Vanderpool

2024-01

I stopped by today for some polishing filters for my small tank. I was confused at first with the door being locked. But then the lady inside was able to grab the items I needed. I really enjoyed this as it saved me time not having to search and locate the items I need! Prices was also great!I think this is a great way to assist customers with pulling their orders together quickly.I will have my list ready for items I am in need of for my other aquariums.

Harrison Parkhurst

2024-04

I’ve been exclusively getting my freshwater fish from Animal House for years on end and I have yet to have a bad experience. The owners are very educated, and will only sell the best quality products or animals. The owners are very very kind and treat me like family I go.

Jacquelyn Brookshire

2023-12

Had a lovely talk with the owners and their son today. I wanted to buy fish from a locally owned store rather than the big chain stores. All were very nice and helpful. It's so sad they have to compete with a big chain pet store, literally next door. Please do business with Animal House, rather than going next door, where it smells horrid and all the fish tanks either have several dead/ dying fish, ich, algae, etc. Very competitive pricing and very helpful.

Khalid White

2024-04

Great local place for all my snake needs. Great family owned business with great customer service.

Nathan Rhorer

2022-05

My wife and I bought our first snake from Animal House. We bought a ball python. I just happened to be in the area when I came across their store. I talked to one of the owners about pythons and they were able to not only provide the pet we were wanting, but also were able to recommend all accessories needed. They had new and used accessory options, suggestions on care and food options. They have also been amazing with handling my follow up questions. Locally owned and VERY nice and understanding folks. Highly recommend!!!!!

Meredith Nalley

2022-05

I've read some disturbing reviews that this pet store won’t open their doors because of Covid, but if a family member ends up in the hospital I understand. Anyways, I know I’m going to get perfect service and a fat healthy animal with a phone call, and I know their tanks are spotless. I’m watching my new Cory's happily eating, and watching my plump Angel fish begging in another tank with her new plant, all from Animal House. All I can speak to is fresh water fish, and they have the best. They breed their own Angel's, quarantine new fish, and have all the Seachem products and healthy plants. I'll go to another fish store and end up with a sick fish, so...The same couple has owned this store for over 20 years, they and their son are always happy to educate me on fish, and to make sure I have what I want. This is the best fish store out of any in Lexington and Louisville, and if they treat their exotics like their fish (I'm betting they do) this is the best pet store out of them all.

Taylor Peterson

2023-11

Easily the best pet store for freshwater fish in Lexington and surrounding areas. The owners are very knowledgeable on all their stock and will give you suggestions to best fit your situation. Unlike the box stores, they don't have a random teenager working that would tell you it's ok to get an Oscar for your 10 gallon tank (hyperbolic, but you get the point).On top of it all, I trust where they get their fish from and how they take care of them. Most box stores share water between rows of tanks, this leads to disease easily spreading. Animal House on the other hand, keeps each tank to themselves, so if there's sickness, it wouldn't spread to everyone else.I couldn't recommend them more, it will be the first (and only) place in Lexington I buy anything freshwater going forward.

Mariah Donohue

2023-11

The best store! The customer service is 10/10 and the owners are a delight to be around. They have an incredible selection of aquatic fish, plants, and amphibians. Importantly, the owners truly care about the animals and give expert advice about their care.

August KRuck

2023-12

It's funny. I remember writing a review here about how walking into the store felt like walking into a wall of urine odor. I also remember writing about how there were several reptiles being housed together that shouldn't have been (ball pythons, some for sale, some not). Weird how that review somehow got deleted, and your reply only asks for explanation....Edited to add: The reply from the store said that it would be helpful if I would explain why it was a one-star review.The store was so badly maintained that the stink of animal urine was a nigh-physical wall of odor that gave me pause upon entering. Even past that barrier, there were many animals (the reptiles were what I noticed most, as a herpetologist with specialized experience in rehabilitation of animals kept in this condition) that were kept in wildly inappropriate conditions, either co-habiting animals that should be individually kept, and were showing signs of stress because of it, animals that did not have adequate housing, and animals that did not have proper access to things like water, hides, moisture, and a hiding place. Many of the non-dog/cat animals kept here were in situations that would be wildly inappropriate for anyone hoping to take care of their animal adequately.Dear owner/manager, I hope these details help.

Tiffany Shipp

2022-05

Animal House was really wonderful to work with setting up our new tank. They helped me get the right supplies, helped me choose plants and décor that would fit in my tank, and once we were ready we got our Tetras from them and they are bigger and have better color than I've seen at the chain stores - excellent customer service every step of the way.I was so happy to be able to do our business curbside as well, its been a huge spike in covid cases and they really kept everything safe and I appreciate that a lot. Love shopping local, and shopping safe.

Hunter Macey

2023-09

Just left after purchasing a German Blue Ram. Owner was very knowledgeable and answered all of my questions. This will be the first “non-hardy” fish I’ve owned and she was very knowledgeable and friendly. It didn’t matter to me that I couldn’t come into the store. Hopefully her husband and herself recover and the store can be packed with customers again!

S J

2022-05

Just moved to Lexington in July and we’ve had a tough time getting our turtle tank set up. They were able to tell me what was wrong, what was needed to fix it, and even wrote directions out to make sure the habitat got exactly what it needed. This is definitely going to be my pet store of choice while in Lexington! Thank you for your help!!For the tank story:When we first arrived, we already had 2 big plecos and several fish. My turtle is 26 years old and she’s been through many moves. The fish were about a year old… once the tank was set and water temp was good, I did what I always do - gently introduce them to the tank. Thought everything was fine. The next morning, all the fish and plecos were dead. I felt terrible… What did I do wrong?? It took about a week and we had to get some fish back in there. Well, even a few of these brand new fish have been dying AND this aquatic turtle started spending 3 days out of water, then 2 more days. Something was up. Apparently, it was a tap water issue. Now we have the detoxifier and crushed coral. She’s back in water and seems to be feeling much better!THANK YOU!!!!

Guinevere Baker

2021-05

I got a Teddy Bear baby from Animal House Pets, she is now named Piglet Jr., she is happy and healthy. The lady who sold her to me was very nice and definitely seemed to care for her animals. They have a large variety, so you can find the perfect animal to love.

Rachel Stepek

2023-11

Not open to the public. Must buy through window and speaker on the sidewalk. The owner said her and her husband are sick and can’t let people in the store. It’s impossible to buy fish sight-unseen. Best of luck to the owners.

Krystle Lang Kuhs

2023-05

This family owned place is a GEM! We got beautiful fish and live plants for my son’s new fish tank. We also left with tons of great advice to keep them all alive. I found the owners to be incredibly warm and welcoming and extremely knowledgeable.Please be aware that the owners are dealing with some significant health problems. As a result, they ask that customers wait to be let into the store and wear masks while inside. My son, who just turned 4, wore his mask perfectly without complaints. If he can do it, anyone can. We will definitely be going here for all our aquarium needs.

SHunt

2022-05

They are the best fish store in Lexington. All their fish are healthy and in their own tanks. If you’re looking for healthy fish that won’t bring disease into your tank this is the store!

Edward Surbaugh

2023-09

Stopped by today to try and restock my tank, was unable to get into the store. Told both owners have cancer and that I’d need to shop via the door. Having just been diagnosed with my second cancer I get being careful, but seriously you are running a business. Hire someone to run the place until you’re able to take over. I’ve made multiple attempts to shop here, but hell will freeze over before I do so again. Maybe time to close the store and look after your health.

Alley TheLionessKitty

2023-12

Everyone has their own experiences here. But I have to say, I've raised different rodents my whole life. When you walk in here it smells of strong ammonia, the woman is very rude. She followed my husband, daughter and I around and asked us multiple times if we needed help with anything. After we said we were just looking she told us we HAD to buy something or we'd have to leave. I told her she's getting a bad review from us. She acted as if she didn't care. She probably heard my husband and I say how the mice, rats, hamsters etc looked as though they were half dead. No excuses! I recommend shopping from PetSmart, Most Valuable Pets and PetSupermarket. Those poor babies. I hope they get shut down.

Otis Horsley

2023-10

I bought everything here from the rocks and plants to the fish and shrimp. Its been a month or so and everyone is great the shrimp have been breeding and the fish are happy. Thanks for the advice when I came in to buy.

Grant Laufenburger

2021-05

If you ever had fish not survive more than a month, it’s because you did not shop at Animal House! This local pet shop has great products and pets and the owners are extremely friendly and knowledgeable! Highly recommend!

Jennifer Rose Escobar

2023-12

Really appreciate that they sell live feeder mice and rats. The workers are always super nice and knowledgeable, and the store is clean.

Sandra Joseph

2023-08

I don't buy fish from anywhere else. These people are professional and knowledgeable. Best way to shop is looking at their site ahead of time or calling because you can't always go inside to shop.Prices are very reasonable and it is owner operated.

Seth Coomer

2023-05

Was starting a new fish tank as a child I use to love to go to the animal house to pick out fish, today I went to relive a childhood memory. Showed up to a locked door and a speaker box asking what I want. I explained I wanted to browse fish for a tank I am setting up. I was met with attitude saying his mother has cancer and I could browse what they MIGHT have on their website. Now I understand cancer is a horrible thing but with it being a small business right next door to a chain pet store you would think they would do everything they could to keep reoccurring business. Its a shame and I feel they will be out of business sooner rather then later.

ku4uv

2023-05

They are not really fully open to public right now. You can't just walk in there and look for pet supplies. One of the ladies that works there says she had a cancer diagnosis last year and her immune system is weak. While I understand this, how can you keep a business like a pet store open if customers can't even come into your store? Wear a mask or something if you are that concerned about getting sick from your customers. Customers aren't going to put on a hazmat suit just to be able to shop at your pet store. Sorry to put it that way, but that's the reality of it. Hire employees who don't have weakened immune systems or stay at home. Might as well just close your business. Seriously, how do you guys stay open if you can't even let customers come into your store? If I wanted to do business like that, I would order all my pet supplies and fish online. I'm sure you couldn't care less, but I won't be a returning customer.

Haley Capra

2023-05

I stopped by to get some plants a few weeks ago, and honestly they were the best quality I’ve seen. HUGE healthy Amazon swords and dwarf sag that’s been spreading so nicely. I’m looking forward to going back to shop for fish once my tank is cycled. The woman who helped me was awesome.

Tim Sager

2020-05

I’ve been going to this little pet store for about 2 years. They have a very nice selection of very healthy fish. This is the only place I buy community fish from. Every tank is on its own filtration. They rock the under gravel filters, too, which is awesome. If one fish is sick in a tank, they turn the lights off and won’t let anyone purchase any fish from that tank until the issue is rectified. Their plants are always healthy too. They have an ever changing plant selection that work well in all kinds of setups. The owners are always great with great conversation. They give you that one on one advice and help if you need it. They are very knowledgeable about fish and plants and it is always a pleasure to interact with them. Prices aren’t bad, but I would rather spend a dollar or two extra for the service and interactions than go to some big box store. Stop in and support your local fish store!

Metz Ashley

2019-05

I got my gerbils from here and I loved the teddy bear hampsters. My gerbil's are still living too. Reasonable prices and great customer service.

Jessica

2023-05

Was looking for a glass canopy/lid for my 75 gallon marineland aquarium. I called at least 4 other stores including the place i bought the tank. All said they didn't have them in stock, or that they couldn't order them for whatever reason. I called animal house and even though they did not have them in stock. They were able to order them for me and I had the lids in 2 days. They are the best lfs in the area, even checked to make sure nothing was broken beforehavingme pick them up.