Pet Bazaarz Aquatic Life Reptile Exotics LLC

Catherine

2020-05

I've been to pet bazaar at their new and old locations. the owner is very nice at first, but he's gone on many rants about how racist this town is because people complain about how he cares for his animals.you can see with the pictures I've used from HIS website and Facebook profile that he doesn't properly house or care for them. leopard geckos and fat tail geckos are supposed to have, think about it, fat tails. his have scrawny tails and are clearly very malnourished. when I was here one time I saw an african fat tail struggle to get up and get water because he was so thin and dehydrated. he collapsed when he made it to the water bowl just a few inches away.he gets insanely defensive when you ask a simple question. the owner called my boyfriend and me racist because he asked a question about leopard gecko sleeping patterns. he told us we'd get kicked out of the store if we took any pictures, but I got an audio recording :)when I went to his old location, some of the animals had heat lamps but appeared to be using regular lightbulbs. I could be wrong, I didn't look to far into it. he was feeding his reptiles iceberg lettuce, which has no nutritional value whatsoever. leopard geckos are insectivores, yet he was feeding them this.in his new location, I visited and there were no heat lamps or pads in ant of the enclosures. when asked about this, he said it's because they require a high and low temperature. this is true, but the colder temps are supposed to be at night. you can tell he was lying because he had no lamps anywhere. he was also painting while his store was fully stocked with animals. common sense tells you the fumes aren't good for them.all of his reptiles had a slight amount of sand thrown into the tank for decoration, including ball pythons for some reason. there were no hides for them. he sells illegal animals, including piranhas and turtles under VAs 4inch law. these laws are put in place to protect people and wildlife.how someone can morally buy or sell these animals is beyond me. they are clearly sick and dying, yet when you offer him suggestions or help with keeping them happy and healthy, he just says you're trying to "keep the black man down." he sells many animals by the wrong names and has entirely wrong care for them. he told us to stop asking questions unless we buy something because our money is useless otherwise. then, he tells us he's the best in the business and he knows more than everyone else.he recently had a ton of reviews get deleted because he was paying people to write 5 stars. this is a painfully obvious attempt to keep your business going regardless of the abuse and neglect you're placing kn the animals. it's sad that this is essentially the only Portsmouth pet store and this is what they get stuck with. I'd recommend instead going to pet paradise, simply pets, care a lot, animal adventure, fish safari, jungle aquatics, or even petsmart and petco above this place. it's worth the long drive yo see how you can properly care for animals. he has no idea what he's doing and will say anything to make money. I've seen no progress or attempt to take better care of his animals. I've had nothing but problems here.again, these pictures are from his own websites showing inadequate care and housing, as well as the illegal turtles he sells.

Betty Deibler

2020-05

Outstanding place!Amazing pet's and the owner went out his way to help, very nice guy and great prices. I will definitely be coming back. Thanks for all your help my son loves his new pet turtles.

Deshanae Houston

2019-05

I had a very great experience, and the low prices was just a bonus . My fur baby can be a handful and so can I. I’m very happy the owner and the workers there were so gentle with my dog , and took me as a walk in . Happy to see someone that is in a business they love , I can definitely tell the owner holds a lot of knowledge on how to care for my dog making it easy for me to trust her in his hands . I will definitely be back on a regular basis .

Dj Stokes

2022-05

If you're in Hampton Roads and are looking for a good pet store, don't bother wasting your time going to this one. This place should be shut down and I don't know how it hasn't been already. If I could give this place zero stars, I would! Just take the extra time, drive to Virginia Beach, and go to Pet Paradise. You can thank me later!

Eric Burns

2019-05

Went there on on a Thursday, as we pulled up the sign said "closed". As I went to get back in the car, the owner called out from his car and came and let us in. Awesome customer service and looked like a clean shop. Again it was after he had closed so we didn't want to keep him long. He was knowledgeable and took pride in his inventory. It was nice to walk into a pet shop where the owner was not snobbish and was passionate about his work. Keep up the great work we WILL be back.

Von Thomas

2020-05

I was highly impressed by pet pazaar, I came in to see how much the owner was selling his Chameleon. There was a little girl about 2 yrs old with her mother and the owner gave the child a free beta fish for her first pet. That was a wonderful act of kindness. I’m glad to have found this store. Definitely 5 stars from me.

hadleigh lewis

2022-05

They have aquatic turtles with no substrate or water in their tanks, they have DYING lizards on animal bedding, and just all reptiles on inappropriate substrate and half of them either look like they don’t get fed or have onset of Metabolic bone disease. Please for the love of everything do not support this business. You’re better going into your local pet co!

Kartel Sco

2020-05

The owner is knowledgeable of all the animals in his store. The layout of the store is as if you're taking a tour through some of the most exotic places on Earth, I hope you enjoy the experience just as much as I do every time I go. The most comforting fact is that the owner cares for every animal as if they're his personal pets. I highly recommend this to anyone looking to make a furry or scaly addition to their family.

Laura R

2020-05

A wonderful store. The owner is very nice! Helped me get a yellow belly turtle for my son who loves it! Thank you so much Dee! I love your store And you have a customer for life! Portsmouth locals... This is the place to go!

TJ

2021-05

My wife and I went to get a pet for our children this weekend and couldn't find anything. Looked up stores in my area and found Pet Bazaar. We ended up purchasing the pet for our children and the owner even gave us a good deal. We will definitely be coming back to support this brothers business. Keep doing your thing!

Grace McNeil

2020-05

I stopped in today after finding this shop through Google. A pet store near me? Awesome! Come to find out it hasn't been open very long at all and the owner is doing his best to make his business work. I am excited to see where this business goes. We need more shops like this in this area. I'd rather go to a locally owned business than one of the big guys.I didn't find what I was looking for today. But I hope to be able to frequent this shop a lot in the future.

Jhayxz Starrchyld Rhayne

2019-05

Our first experience at this shop was overall pleasant even though the store did not seem to be properly ventilated and many of the cages did not appear to be kept up as I feel they should be per legal standards. The second time we went to pick up a used tank we got a very good price for but it was far from clean. The third and final time we set foot in the store there were not enough heat lamps for the reptiles per cage. One lizard died of neglect when we were there, the gentleman we were talking to got defensive when we brought it to his attention. No animal should be left in the conditions those animals were in period. I'm all for supporting small businesses but not at the risk of innocent animals being left uncared for and neglected even to the point of death. I'm very disturbed by what happened and will never support any business big or small that allows these things to happen period.

Erin Evans

2020-05

My friend and I are experienced reptile owners and have worked for multiple pet stores. This store is constantly under investigation because of the clear and obvious neglect of its animals. Many people don’t realize it because they don’t understand reptiles like we do, being specialists in this field. Unfortunately there are no laws against the cruelty of these animals and they are just getting away with neglecting them. Either shut this place down, stop selling reptiles, or learn how to properly care for them. I can’t get picture evidence of the neglect because as soon as I pulled up my camera I was asked to leave the store (probably because they are trying to hide the neglect). Every time we’ve went, the reptiles had no water, sand in their food/water bowls (which can kill them if consumed), sand substrate which is unacceptable, no clear heat lamp or UVB lamp (which reptiles can’t survive without), empty tanks with no hiding spots, skinny malnourished reptiles, no basking spot, etc etc. this care for exotic animals is unacceptable for a store that should be specializing in them.Edit: I have no idea who you’re talking about, I’m not even a dude lol. This is my first review on your page. Looks like multiple people are saying the same thing about the clear neglect of your animals. This is a very rude and unprofessional response and I wholeheartedly believe that bringing awareness to animal abuse is not a waste of time whatsoever.

Fay

2019-05

service was horrible when it came to requesting products for my pets. I was given 2 weeks and was told every time I went that the products were ordered and on the way. on the last 2 days I was told ever so rudely that the products weren't ordered because it would cost too much to order them. this is after I establish a understanding with the owner that I'd take half of the product (200 dollars worth). shortly after I exit the building i overhear the owner insulting what seemed to be the assistant or help. I will not be utilizing his services again. if I could give no stars I would. this seems like a person who can't separate work from home. which is very bad for business

sean h

2019-05

So I went in to find a 40 gallon breeder tank. He told me that he had a 75 gallon tank that he could sell me used at a hell of a deal, but I'd have to come back for it so he could clean it. While there I asked to see what supplies he had to set up the tank for a toad. He said he had the supplies but refused to show them to me. Upon leaving I told my wife that we're never, ever going to buy any animals from that man because all his animals looked cold and lethargic and either over crowded or depressed and alone. I came back and paid for the tank that once I got it home and measured it was only a 55 gallon and still very, very dirty. While I was picking up the tank I asked again to see his supplies and he tried to sell me rodent supplies. So I gave him a list of exactly what I needed so he could order them. The animals were still without heat lights and very poorly housed. He told me that he would call me when he expected my delivery. I came back approximately a week later annoyed that I had not received a phone call. So I looked around and the animals were obviously sick and 1 was dead curled up under the nearest heat lamp which was in another tank. Before I had started looking around I asked him for what I my list he had and he told me that he only had a few thermometers and 1of the lights. So I asked to see them. He didn't know where his own inventory was and when he had called others to find out he showed me what he could and didn't understand why the fish light bulbs would not work for my terrestrial toad. So while he was on the phone I and my wife looked around and found all the continuous signs of Abuse and Neglect and decided not to give Pet Bazaar any more of our money. We would strongly encourage anyone interested in animals not to shop at the Pet Bazaar

Sam Jones

2018-05

Don and his crew from Pet Bazaar really took care of all of my fish and fish tank needs. The install/set-up was awesome. I definitely will tell my friends and family about my experience as well.

Ian Commons

2020-05

I've looked for this place twice. To the owner you need to update your location because it brings me to the middle of a parking lot of a shopping center that your store is not at.

Victoria Pulliam

2020-05

Drove up twice, after work so I could get a turtle to surprise my fiancé and kids...BOTH times I was not allowed inside, only spoke to me through the intercom....okay, it is in the ghetto and it’s dark. I’m told that the turtles are free and I just have to buy the accessories for $40. Okay cool...figured it would be easier to just call and discuss what the accessories are and how big the turtles are. I get told over the phone that “Actually I’m not selling any turtles cause last time I was being nice and got screwed over”....okay I don’t exactly know how anyone gets screwed over by selling a turtle. But I’m told I can go online and buy one and get it shipped to me....I’m pretty good on that note and will just go to Pet Smart or any other pet store than this one...I rather spend more money else where than be treated the way I just was... Crazyyyyy man. If I could give zero stars I would 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️ This is not how you do business, and your business WILL FAIL if you treat your customers that way.

Michael B

2022-05

They're listed as open, but they're remodeling. Anyone with an internet connection could fix this. Maybe even save individuals who are serious about the hobby a long trip.I'm adding this edit to my review to not their response of "go to the zoo lol" you would think a proud business owner (which they claim to be) would accept feedback. As a side note, I wasn't there to just "look" I was there to spend money, and you made that impossible to do. Your competitors got all my money "lol" ;)

Kathryn Keyes

2020-05

Ive gone up to the store 6 times since the new location. Each time has been during their open hours yet theyve never been open. Today the owner was there but spoke to me through their doorbell to tell me today was "members only" and not open to the public. I was told to go online and I could make a purchase for them to bring to me at the door.Well. If im buying feeders I want to see the size and if Im buying an animal I want to see the animals to choose from.Its absolutely ridiculous, some good stores have been closing lately due to not being able to keep up, not sure how he plans to stay in business when hes not acutually there or allowing people in the store.

Damon Funderburk

2020-05

This place is definitely a pet owners dream store. The store owner was so helpful and informative. Not only does he have good instore options.He also assured my family and I that he could get any fish or reptile we wanted. If you're a pet lover/owner this is definitely the store to check out!!!!

Michelle Williams

2020-05

Awesome shop!! My husband and I wanted a place to take our little Goldie to be groomed and I found this place by googling....we had Goldie with us so took a chance....I loved the owner's welcoming spirit, he told go ahead have lunch and we will take care of Goldie. And that's exactly what he did....Goldie was Happy and smelling good and we were so pleased with the serve....

Dark Matter

2020-05

I'm planning on getting a ball python sometime in the future. I was looking in my area for a good place that either breeds their reptiles or had good reptile products or food for them. Instead I entered into a store that was filthy and no adult greeted me at the door, in fact no adult was in sight. Instead a little girl was sitting in the middle of the store playing with fish in a large pool. At least 20 mins past until a "worker" came out of the back rooms and that was only when the child ran back to let someone know I was there.When a worker came out she was friendly and patient, but when I went to ask about the snakes she knew little to knowledge of them. She claimed that she wouldn't even touch them. (Something that even places like Petco or petsmart would at least do). The snakes were kept in one tank. Two ball pythons and one what seemed like a baby reticulated python (or boa, there isn't great lighting inside). Finally who I belive to be the maneger arrived at the store as he was apparently out running errands.I asked about the snakes, what morphs and genders and he told me the info along with their prices. I'm someone who tries to listen to body language more than words and this guy's body language was distant and uninterested. He never met eye gaze and since I told him I never owned a pet he never went into how to take care of them. (Which 4 other pet stores did when I visited them)Looking at the other animals didn't sit well with me either. A bearded dragon with no water in his bowl on a super hot day in the window. There were birds there and all seemed terrified of humans. I try to find positive in everything, but I have to say that this store isn't in good shape. The workers are not passionate about animals or people on my first impression of it. The floor was completely filthy and kids were running around the store without supervision.I'm sad to say that I cannot support this store and if nothing changes I will never go back again.

Hudson Haynie

2021-05

not a local, I'm just scrolling through reviews and this guy honestly seems like he sees money and not reptiles. if that is not the case, and you are just trying to keep and honest business, look at Reptifiles care guides to fact check. Also, the start your own pet store comeback does not apply here, i'm a minor.

Amelia Edwards

2020-05

I loved the service!!! The owner was extremely kind, Professional and dedicated to his work. He was able to answer all of my questions professionally. I will definitely recommend him to family and friends. I am very satisfied, grateful and appreciative of his help finding my son the most beautiful and healthiest 🐶!!! Thank you so much!!!

Andrew Smithey

2020-05

Went to both old location and new location. Newer location looked fine at the time but something felt off about them. Old Location the place was a mess and lot of neglect. Now they have a member policy (probably to hide the neglect of the animals or to prevent anyone obtaining proof of neglect the other one star reviewers are trying to collect.) They're prices are rather expensive.

Jacob Lambert

2020-05

Absolutely disgusting. Not a single reptile is kept properly. Hot hands in tanks, Improper lighting, improper bedding, improper temperatures, malnourished animals. Multiple Dogs kept in 2 foot by 2 foot crates (smaller than the smallest dog bed they sell) all day. Having worked in an exotic pet store and being an experienced keeper all my life, this place in an absolute travesty. Turn this around, for the animals sake. Not to mention your dignity as a business owner.

Rhonda Boyd (Neko)

2019-05

Great place to go visit and shop for all of your Pet Needs. .. The Owner is very Knowledgeable and Helpful. Prices are definitely reasonable. Definitely a 5 Star Rating. . .I will definitely be coming back to shop for all of my pets needs. Thank you for all of your help.. ....

Anika Greene

2021-05

NEEDS to hire people KNOWLEDGEABLE of caring for exotic pets! So sorry to say this place needs to be shut down! The care of the animals is sickening. I love to see MY COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE with exotic interest but please know how to PROPERLY care for them. It's so much wrong here.

Kalena Daniel

2020-05

Customer service was amazing. This store has every exotic reptile and fish you can think of for a very good price. I would definitely recommend this store.