East Bay Vivarium

For reptile and amphibian enthusiasts across California, the East Bay Vivarium in Berkeley stands as an iconic and indispensable destination. Renowned as one of the oldest and largest reptile specialty stores in the United States, this establishment is a true haven for anyone fascinated by the scaly, slithery, and unique creatures that inhabit our world. More than just a pet shop, the East Bay Vivarium offers an immersive experience, boasting a vast array of snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, tarantulas, and much more. It's a place where you can not only find your next exotic companion but also gather expert advice and all the necessary supplies to ensure their health and happiness.

What truly sets the East Bay Vivarium apart is the deep experience and passion of its staff. Customers consistently praise their knowledge and willingness to provide detailed guidance, whether you're looking to purchase a new animal, set up a complex habitat, or simply need advice on proper care. The commitment to animal welfare is evident in the healthy and well-cared-for animals on display. This dedication extends to their boarding services, providing peace of mind for pet parents who need trustworthy care for their reptiles when out of town. For Californians, especially those in the Bay Area, the East Bay Vivarium is an invaluable resource, fostering a community of reptile lovers and ensuring these fascinating animals thrive.

The East Bay Vivarium is located at 1827 Fifth St Suite C, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA. This address places it in West Berkeley, a dynamic and accessible part of the city. Situated just off Fourth Street, a popular shopping and dining destination, the Vivarium is relatively easy to locate for residents throughout Berkeley and the wider San Francisco Bay Area. While the building itself might appear unassuming from the outside, the vast world of reptiles and amphibians within more than compensates, drawing visitors from far and wide.

For Californians, particularly those in the densely populated Bay Area, convenient access to specialized stores like the East Bay Vivarium is highly valued. Its Berkeley location makes it reachable from Oakland, Emeryville, Richmond, and even San Francisco via the Bay Bridge. The surrounding area typically offers street parking, and given its proximity to commercial zones, there are often options for parking, although it's worth noting some historical challenges with parking availability around the area. Public transportation, including AC Transit bus lines, likely serves this part of Berkeley, offering an alternative for those who prefer not to drive. The ease of reaching this unique establishment ensures that enthusiasts can regularly visit to admire the diverse collection, purchase necessary supplies like feeders, or seek expert advice without significant travel hurdles. This accessibility solidifies its role as a key hub for the reptile community throughout California.

Services Offered

• Extensive Reptile & Amphibian Sales: The East Bay Vivarium offers a vast selection of healthy reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids. This includes a wide array of snakes (such as various pythons, boas, kingsnakes, rat snakes, milk snakes, corn snakes, hognose snakes), lizards (like bearded dragons, leopard geckos, monitors, chameleons, geckos), turtles, frogs, and tarantulas, catering to diverse preferences and experience levels.

• Live and Frozen Feeder Sales: They provide a reliable source for high-quality live and frozen feeders, including crickets, rats, and mice, essential for the diet of many reptiles and amphibians. They also sell rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, and chickens for food.

• Reptile & Amphibian Boarding: A highly valued service, the Vivarium offers boarding for various reptiles and amphibians, providing a safe and expertly cared-for environment for pets when owners are out of town. Customers commend their exceptional care, particularly for animals like tortoises.

• Expert Advice and Consultation: The staff, largely experienced reptile keepers themselves, provide invaluable advice on animal husbandry, habitat setup, dietary needs, health concerns, and general care for a wide range of species. They are happy to guide both new and experienced owners.

• Used Cage Sales: They frequently have a selection of used reptile cages available at reasonable prices, offering an economical option for setting up new enclosures.

• Pet Supplies & Equipment: The store carries a comprehensive range of supplies and equipment necessary for reptile and amphibian care, including terrariums, lighting, heating elements, substrates, decorations, supplements, temperature control devices (thermostats, dimmers), and cleaning products.

• Animal Shipping Services: For customers needing to ship their animals, the Vivarium offers shipping services, ensuring safe transit to a FedEx Hub Facility with mutually agreed-upon dates based on weather conditions. They also board the animal before shipping if needed.

• Educational Outreach Programs: The Vivarium has an outreach program, bringing a traveling menagerie of animals to Northern California schools, clubs, and museums, and offering free care materials to educate the public about reptiles and amphibians.

Features / Highlights

• One of the Largest & Oldest Reptile Shops in the U.S.: As a historic and prominent institution (established 1970), the East Bay Vivarium boasts an unparalleled scale and depth of inventory for reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids, making it a national landmark for enthusiasts.

• Highly Knowledgeable and Experienced Staff: The expertise of the employees is a consistent highlight. Many have extensive personal experience with reptiles and are genuinely passionate, offering in-depth, practical advice that is invaluable to customers.

• Healthy and Well-Cared-For Animals: Customer reviews frequently commend the health and vitality of the animals available for sale, as well as those boarded. This commitment to animal welfare is a critical factor for responsible pet ownership.

• Diverse and Unique Animal Inventory: The Vivarium carries a wide variety of species, including common pets and rare, exotic reptiles and amphibians. Their ability to breed a majority of their stock in-house contributes to the health and quality of their animals.

• Competitive Feeder Prices: They are noted for good prices on live and frozen feeder insects and rodents, a significant ongoing cost for many reptile owners.

• Reliable Boarding Services: The availability of trustworthy and expert boarding services for reptiles, praised by customers, provides a crucial service for pet parents who travel.

• "Must-See" Attraction: Described by major publications like The New York Times and Disney family as a "must-see" or "strangest attraction," the Vivarium is not just a store but an engaging experience for visitors of all ages, allowing some opportunities for interaction with animals.

• Used Equipment Availability: The frequent offering of reasonably priced used cages provides a sustainable and cost-effective option for hobbyists.

Contact Information

Address: 1827 Fifth St Suite C, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA

Phone: (510) 841-1400

For Californians with a fascination for reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids, the East Bay Vivarium in Berkeley is an absolutely essential destination. Its status as one of the largest and oldest reptile specialty stores in the United States immediately sets it apart, offering an unparalleled selection of unique animals that you won't find at typical pet stores. Conveniently located on Fifth Street in Berkeley, it's easily accessible from across the Bay Area, making it a go-to spot for both casual visits and serious shopping.

What makes the East Bay Vivarium particularly suitable for locals is the profound expertise and genuine passion of its staff. Whether you're a seasoned herpetologist or a curious beginner, the team provides invaluable advice on everything from setting up intricate habitats to managing daily care and nutrition. Their commitment to the health of their animals, from the diverse range of species to the crucial feeder insects, ensures that you're getting top-quality products. Furthermore, services like reliable reptile boarding offer peace of mind for pet parents in the busy California lifestyle. Beyond sales, the Vivarium acts as an educational hub, inviting visitors to learn about these incredible creatures. It's more than just a pet shop; it's a community landmark where passion for the fascinating world of reptiles thrives, making it an indispensable resource for Californians seeking to embrace or expand their exotic pet journey.

East Bay Vivarium

1827 Fifth St Suite C, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA