East Bay Vivarium

Brendan Sullivan

2023-12

This is one of the best reptile stores in the country. I travel for work and get the privilege to visit many all over the country and it’s easy to call this top 3 if not the best. Incredible stock, knowledgeable staff, healthy feeder insects + animals (which is how you can tell they care about everything else too.) always worth the visit!

Helen Tran

2024-01

My bearded dragon was boarded here for two months and now has mites. Unfortunate to say this, but the degree of the mite infestation means that East Bay Vivarium, wherever they house the reptiles, is also infested.PHOTOS: the first two photos of pictures of her the day she was dropped off. The next four photos are photos of her when 1) I picked her up, 2) her reopened mouth sore, 3) sores under her feet which she never had, and 4) her SECOND mite-infested bath. The majority of the black spots you see are mites.I picked her up yesterday and noticed immediately an old injury of hers was re-opened, she was dehydrated, and had lost a ton of weight (fat pads were gone). I initially thought it was stress from being away from me but in the car I noticed she had this grey dust all over her, only to realize when I got home that she had a heavy mite infestation and the grey "dust" was mite excrement.She got three baths to remove the majority of the mites and one betadine bath to address the sores and wounds yesterday. Today the process was repeated to more mites. Bringing home mites is extremely serious, and not only do I have to ensure her health is better, I have to continuously ensure the mite infestation doesn't extend to her cage at home.I would not use their services again and would highly caution against buying any reptiles from them given the infestation. It would mean bringing home your own. I am beyond disappointed and so sad for my pet.Edit: it took us 1.5 months to get rid of the mites.

rebecca baker

2023-11

Walking around Berkeley I stumbled upon East Bay Vivarium. It was a great detour to see a wide variety of reptiles! It seems like a destination for families and it’s a store so no entry fee.

Randall Cook

2023-05

This place is an institution. They have lots of lizards, snakes, and turtles, plus all the supplies you need to care for them, including a variety of frozen rodents to feed to your slithery friends. Helpful staff too. Great for browsing, learning, or to support experienced reptile owners.

Omar Salazar

2024-02

Very large place and a little hectic, but otherwise the employees seem well informed and helpful. I was there picking up a horned frog and left with *mostly* all the correct items. Maybe it was due to miscommunication, but the lamp I purchased should have been a bigger size than the one that was recommended. Other than that, I had a great experience

Haileyy Elisoon

2023-11

My fav spot for animals I bought my beardie here 2 years ago she’s still livin strong.. also went last night to get crickets and saw all these beautiful lil guys

Cisco chavez

2024-03

Staff is always helpful with any questions wife or I have. They even answer my 6 year old's questions, weird or not. Variety of reptiles and insects can keep you entertained for hours. Tanks and accessories for all types are available to purchase. Also frozen and live food can be found for your pet.

ifoney1

2024-02

Excellent reptile store. They always have a great collection. Staff usually leave you alone to browse and take your time in the store.Their plant collection sucks though, most of them are dying. Do not go at closing time, they get super pissed at closing time and turn off the lights with customers in the store to get you out.

Alicia Torres Hoza

2023-05

We stumbled upon this little store by chance. Such a cool place! My 9 month old loved looking at all the animals. Very friendly atmosphere, but the whole store is a little on the cluttered/messy side. Definitely worth a visit!

Lez_B_Gamers

2024-03

The space is a little tight walking through but is definitely fun if you are looking for wholesome fun with the family. They have a good selection of reptiles especially monitors and bigger snakes if you would rather buy in person than on morph market.

joe kimberlin

2023-05

Truly amazing collection of creatures in a big old rambling fun and funky space, a welcome change from the chain pet stores. The staff are super knowledgeable and willing to help ya figure it out. Our daughter had recently completed some new vivariums and was looking for something exciting to live in them, she asked about a giant centipedes and the nice staff member helped her determine which ones might not be good for her set up and which one while really cool, could deliver an extremely painful bite. I don't know, seems alot of places just sell ya want they got, nice to deal with a business that really strives to do the right thing for they're customers.

Leia O'Dell

2018-05

This place blew my mind! The staff are super knowledgeable and approachable. I got to watch a guy feed snakes live mice (I love mice but this was so cool!) and we had a discussion about snake feeding and care. The variety of animals was also impressive. They had massive dragon-like moniters and even spiders and geckos. This is definitely a fun and interesting place to take children who are interested in reptiles. It's fun for all ages.

David Godinez

2024-04

I came here from Union City excited to finally be able to shop the store. I parked a block down the road and walked in. I am over 50 and on blood pressure meds and have to urinate alot. I came in and asked if I can use the restroom. The lady at counter said no. I explained I was shopping but had to go real bad. I tried to shop, but had to leave to find a restroom. I did not come back!

James Terelle

2023-08

Do not recommend whatsoever.First. Bought a “proven pair” of Eastern snakeneck turtles on 7/2 scheduled to ship on 7/4 for 7/5. Come 7/5 I was never messaged about the snakenecks and sent a message only to be told employees were out with Covid.. meanwhile on 7/4 Facebook pictures of (multiple) employees were posted choking eachother out… is this store not your priority ?Second. The “proven pair” they sent me are both male so how could they possibly be proven? Blatant lies.Third. They are both beaten up from fighting with eachother In the stores care and one was received with an impossible to miss huge cyst that is inexcusable and likely will not survive as it can barely eat food.As a public store how are you okay with selling animals in this condition with no warning ?Beyond disappointed and cannot recommend buying anything from this store.

J.C. Lochan

2024-02

An excellent place to learn about reptiles, arachnids, and insects. A good selection of animals to choose from as well. The staff are very knowledgeable and will even let you hold some of the reptiles there.

Nick Walsh

2023-11

An East Bay institution! My daughter loves to come here. sometimes she gets to watch a feeding or hold a snake. she loves all the "creatures"

Teal DuPré

2023-05

We love the vivarium! Knowledgeable staff, beautiful animals, fun to visit and a great selection of supplies. Just got our first BP from them and he's a happy, healthy baby.

J.Maximus Miller

2020-05

Somewhere I have gone and bought my snakes. I have bought my first snake from them back while I was in high school. I have also bought each one of my four daughters ball pythons out of here. We have purchased a spider ball python, a pastel ball python, a het pastel clown ball python. And well we are looking for a new baby for my little.My beautiful wife and our daughters and myself. We absolutely love this place. Now that our three oldest daughters are now getting married, in college and getting ready to go to college. When they start family’s of their own. I can see us being our grandkids here when we have them.They have everything you will need for the pet that you want. The are very knowledgeable about all animals they have. How to care for them, feed them, heat them, and take care of all there needs. They also have a party package where they come you your home. With multiple animals. Tells you all about him and let you touch them and hold them. If your kids are into reptiles this will make their birthday.My wife and I have done this four two of our daughters. Because they were really into these kids of pets.

Aidan Maneval

2023-05

I really want to love this place.. but they sell sick animals. Namely, sickly chameleons. If you are looking for a pet chameleon, look elsewhere. Attached is a photo of a young female panther sleeping at 1 pm. This is a clear sign of a (very) sick chameleon. I alerted an employee and was promptly dismissed.. Additionally, they have signage up stating that they cannot guarantee the well-being of chameleons (and frogs?) due to their fragile nature. Chameleons are not fragile if you understand their care. So they are also selling the misconception that it’s normal for your chameleon to live a very short life. As a keeper of chams, this upset me.They shouldn’t be selling a species they do not understand how to care for, or how to recognize signs of illness. Most animals in the store receive adequate - good care. They should stick to what they know.

Jas Rod

2020-05

I love this place, this is a must visit for all reptile enthusiasts. The staff may seem like weirdos but they're super friendly and very helpful. One of the best parts about this place is their very cute well behaved pups

Nicola Young

2023-12

We visit this place whenever we're within a twenty minute range. So many snakes, lizards, and everything in between. And experts to help you know what you need. The best are the Tegu, though. There is also a huge boa named Lemon Drop that can't be missed.

Wes Montgomery

2023-05

It's a reptile store, but they also sell some amazing pet rats. They select the most sociable rats from their many litters of feeder rats to ensure they have traits that will make them great pets. Excellent breeding program.

Stardust Vega

2022-05

I love going here. The selection of reptiles and critters is so good. They have tarantulas! And giant lizards! The staff is quite knowledgeable. I like the model lizards

Nancy Zelidon

2019-05

Forget petco!! This place is great, you can just bring your kids to see all the amazing animals they have, you can get anything you need for your reptile pet or if you are trying to get your first pet they have knowledgeable staff!! I overheard and noticed how the employees work.

Anna Yuan

2018-05

Basically the coolest place ever! Love the 10% teacher discount, and they helped me get all set up with a classroom snake. Very knowledgeable and helpful staff. Even if you're not buying, it is so fun to wander around and look at the different amazing creatures. Take a weekend trip here, you won't regret it!

Lawrence Banks

2020-05

Incredible place to visit. Got myself a gorgeous ball python. The reptiles and inverts were kept in great conditions and all looked very healthy and well fed. A good variety of rare snakes and reptiles with enclosures piled high. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. Will definitely be coming back.Super pastave sulphur :)

Kian Jackson

2023-05

I’m never doing business with this place again. I used their pet boarding service while I was on vacation for 1 month. When I came to pickup my pets, they told me that they lost one of my geckos, and another one of my geckos dropped part of its tail (which it has never done before). How does this even happen? I’m willing to let the dropped tail slide (which I still find highly suspect), but how can a REPTILE SPECIALTY SHOP be so careless to just lose a customer’s animal entirely? And why wasn’t I notified when these events first happened? I’m not even sure if they knew about this until I came to pickup my pets. It seems like they don’t give very much attention at all to even check that the animals are still alive or even in the cage while in their care. I highly advise anyone looking for a boarding service to steer clear of this place. It was a waste of money that cost my pets their tail and their life 😡😢.

Ciara A

2023-11

I used to really love this place and I’d come in every week for feeders. I don’t see any of the old staff members anymore and the multiple new people I’ve interacted with really weren’t helpful or even at least friendly. I’m not impressed with the experiences I’ve had within the last few months. The prices on some things went up which sucks, but everywhere is getting more expensive. I would put up with the prices if my last experiences were better, but now there’s really no reason to come :(

Randal Lane

2023-07

Loved the vivarium. My kids were in heaven! Plus they have frozen mice!

Kara Hernandez

2018-05

DEFINATELY over priced for buying pets.But lots of reptiles to look at if you're with a child. Theyll get a kick out of seeing the HUGE snakes and big turtles. We even saw a few lizards out crawling in the floor. If you are just going there to look at the reptiles, then this is definately the place to be! The walk through is very amusing, lots of species to see. The turtles were Expensive!I ended getting vitamins for my box turtle that I have. I also bought a plant for my tank and it stayed alive on just water for a very long time. Good buy!