Animal House

For pet enthusiasts and animal lovers across Oregon, especially those in the Corvallis area, finding a truly unique and knowledgeable pet store can be a delightful discovery. Beyond the large chain retailers, a local establishment often provides a more personalized experience, a broader range of specialized products, and a deeper level of expertise. In Corvallis, Oregon, Animal House stands as a long-standing and distinct fixture in the pet community, offering a fascinating array of animals and supplies for a variety of beloved companions.

Animal House has built a reputation over more than 40 years as a go-to destination for those seeking exotic pets, specialized supplies, and genuine, enthusiastic advice. It's a place where passion for animals truly shines through, providing a unique environment for both seasoned pet owners and those just beginning their journey with a new creature. This article will explore what makes Animal House a compelling choice for locals in Oregon, detailing its convenient location, the diverse offerings, and the specific features that highlight its commitment to animal welfare and customer education.

Animal House is conveniently located at 646 SW 4th St, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA. Situated in the heart of Corvallis, this address makes the store highly accessible for residents within the city and from surrounding communities across the Willamette Valley. Its central position on SW 4th Street means it’s easy to find, whether you’re navigating from Oregon State University, other parts of Corvallis, or driving in from neighboring towns like Philomath, Albany, or Lebanon.

The location benefits from its presence within a vibrant urban area, providing convenience for quick visits or leisurely Browse. While specific parking details aren't widely advertised, being in a commercial district typically means street parking or nearby public lots are available, adding to the ease of accessibility. For Oregon residents searching for "pet stores in Corvallis" or "exotic pet supplies near me," Animal House’s established address offers a clear and straightforward destination. The store’s ability to remain a local cornerstone for decades speaks to its accessibility and integration within the community, making it a reliable stop for all pet-related needs.

Animal House offers a diverse and extensive selection of pets and supplies, catering particularly to those with an interest in unique or exotic animals, alongside more common companions. Their inventory reflects over 40 years of experience in the pet industry, focusing on providing comprehensive care items and a variety of creatures.

• Diverse Pet Selection: The store is well-known for its wide variety of animals, including exotic birds (such as Moluccan cockatoos), freshwater and saltwater fish (including fascinating species like axolotls and even providing supplies for large shark tanks), reptiles (like bearded dragons and various snakes), amphibians, spiders, chinchillas, and other small mammals. They also occasionally have kittens.
• High-Quality Pet Foods: They stock a selection of top pet food brands, offering options for various dietary needs and preferences. The staff is available to provide recommendations to ensure pets receive optimal nutrition.
• Comprehensive Pet Supplies: Beyond animals, Animal House provides an extensive range of supplies for all the pets they carry. This includes specialized habitats, lighting, heating elements, substrates, decorations, and enrichment items tailored to the unique requirements of exotic species. They offer both new and used supplies, catering to different budgets.
• Aquarium and Pond Supplies: Given their extensive fish selection, they are a strong resource for aquarium enthusiasts, stocking equipment, water treatments, and live plants for both fresh and saltwater setups, and also care for ponds.
• Breeding Program: The owner, Dave Stepnicka, breeds many of the animals sold in the store himself, including goldfish, axolotls, exotic birds, bearded dragons, snakes, and tropical fish. These are often born at his house or in outdoor greenhouses, indicating a hands-on approach to animal acquisition.
• Live Feeder Rodents: While noted in a review, they do appear to sell mice as live feeders, which caters to owners of certain reptile and amphibian species.

Animal House distinguishes itself in the Oregon pet landscape through several unique features and highlights that have contributed to its long-standing presence and loyal customer base.

• Over 40 Years of Experience and Passion: With a history spanning more than four decades, Animal House, particularly under the ownership of Dave Stepnicka, brings immense experience in handling and caring for a vast array of animals, especially exotic species. This long tenure is a testament to their dedication and expertise in the field.
• Knowledgeable and Enthusiastic Staff: Multiple customer reviews highlight the staff as being "kind and knowledgeable," "enthusiastically shared info about anything I asked questions about," and "truly passionate about the animals." The owner ensures his staff are well-rounded and conduct thorough research on new animals to provide comprehensive information to customers. This commitment to education empowers pet owners to make informed decisions.
• Diverse and Unique Animal Selection: Unlike larger chain stores, Animal House is celebrated for its "huge collection" and "cool, hard to find creatures," including a wide variety of exotic birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians. This makes it a fascinating place to explore for anyone interested in less common pets.
• Commitment to Animal Care: Despite some online criticisms, many long-term customers and anecdotal evidence suggest a genuine commitment to animal well-being. Staff are seen "caring for the animals time and time again," and efforts are made to maintain high standards for their health and a nurturing environment until they find forever homes. The owner himself maintains several large fish tanks in the area, including a 40,000-gallon shark tank, showcasing his deep involvement and passion.
• Community Hub for Knowledge Sharing: The store serves as a "hot spot for gaining knowledge," where OSU faculty, professors, and wildlife experts engage in conversations about conservation, new species, and field experiences. This intellectual environment benefits customers seeking deeper insights into animal care and biology.
• Personalized Customer Service: The team takes time with customers, allowing them to "take all the time I wanted and looked at everything" without pressure or rush. This personalized approach fosters a calm environment and builds strong relationships, ensuring customers feel valued and supported.
• Support for Local Economy: As a local, family-owned business, Animal House offers an alternative to big-box stores, allowing customers to support the local economy and receive more specialized attention.

For those in Corvallis and beyond looking to visit, inquire about a specific pet, or seek advice on pet care, Animal House can be reached at the following contact points:

Address: 646 SW 4th St, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA

Phone: (541) 754-7387

Mobile Phone: +1 541-754-7387

It's always a good idea to call ahead if you're looking for a specific animal or product, as inventory for live animals can change frequently. Their knowledgeable staff are readily available by phone to answer questions and provide information.

For pet owners across Oregon, and particularly within the Corvallis area, Animal House offers a truly unique and valuable resource in the realm of pet care. Its decades of experience, particularly in exotic animals, set it apart from typical pet retail experiences. The deep passion and knowledge of the staff, coupled with their commitment to educating customers, ensure that you’re not just buying a pet or supplies, but gaining a supportive partner in animal husbandry. While some discussions about animal living conditions exist online, the consistent feedback about the staff's kindness, knowledge, and genuine care for the animals speaks volumes about the core values of this long-standing establishment.

Whether you are an experienced keeper of exotic species, a new pet parent seeking comprehensive guidance, or simply curious about the diverse animal kingdom, Animal House provides a calm, informative, and engaging environment. Supporting this local business means investing in a unique community asset that prioritizes specialized knowledge and personalized service. For those in Oregon seeking a pet store that goes beyond the ordinary, offering both fascinating creatures and dedicated expertise, Animal House in Corvallis remains a highly recommended destination.

Animal House

646 SW 4th St, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA