Harris In Wonderland

For pet enthusiasts across Canton, Connecticut, and the wider Farmington Valley area, finding a truly specialized and captivating pet store can be a challenge. While many shops cater to traditional cats and dogs, a distinct need exists for those passionate about exotic animals, reptiles, amphibians, and unique aquatic life. In this vibrant local landscape, Harris In Wonderland stands out as a genuine "hidden gem," offering an unparalleled experience for both seasoned exotic pet owners and curious visitors alike. This detailed guide aims to introduce local users to the wonders within this unique establishment, highlighting its specialized offerings, dedicated care, and the passionate team behind it.

Harris In Wonderland is far more than a typical pet store; it's an immersive experience, often described as a "little reptile zoo" by its delighted customers. Founded by Adam Harris, who carries on a legacy of animal fascination that began with his father Seth, this establishment has been a staple in the Connecticut exotic pet community since 1999. Their mission is clear: to provide a diverse selection of healthy, well-cared-for reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic creatures, alongside all the necessary "paraphernalia" and, crucially, the expert knowledge required for their proper care. They are dedicated to educating and supporting pet owners, ensuring that every animal finds a suitable and loving home where it can thrive.

Harris In Wonderland is conveniently located at 364 Albany Turnpike, Canton, CT 06019, USA. This address places it directly on Route 44 (Albany Turnpike), a major artery running through Canton and connecting it to surrounding towns like Avon, Simsbury, and West Hartford. Its prominent position ensures excellent accessibility for visitors from across the Farmington Valley and even the wider Connecticut and Western Massachusetts regions.

The store's location on a main road simplifies navigation, making it easy to find for both first-time visitors and returning customers. Parking is typically available, adding to the convenience. For those traveling from Hartford, it's a straightforward drive along Route 44, over Avon Mountain, and into Canton. The inviting, yet subtly exotic, entrance with its unique "snake handle" gives a hint of the captivating world that awaits inside. This ease of access makes Harris In Wonderland a readily available resource for specialty pet needs, eliminating the need for long journeys to find expert advice and a diverse selection of exotic animals and supplies.

Harris In Wonderland specializes in providing a comprehensive range of services tailored specifically for reptile, amphibian, and exotic pet enthusiasts. Their offerings extend beyond mere retail, encompassing expert guidance and a strong commitment to animal welfare.

• Exotic Animal Sales: A wide variety of reptiles (serpents, lizards, turtles/tortoises), amphibians (frogs, dart frogs, mantellas, tree frogs), and some tropical freshwater fish are available. They pride themselves on carrying a selection for both beginners and advanced hobbyists, including unique species and color morphs.
• Exotic Pet Supplies: A full retail store offering all the necessary "paraphernalia" for keeping exotic pets, including tanks, secure cages, heating sources (lamps, heat mats), water bowls, suitable bedding/substrates, hides/retreats, and specialized diets. They stock what they consider "some of the best products available for proper husbandry."
• Expert Knowledge and Advice: This is a core service, heavily emphasized by customer reviews. Adam Harris and his staff are highly knowledgeable about exotic animal care. They provide "loads of knowledge, know-how and advice from years of hands-on experience," offering guidance and encouragement for both current and prospective exotic pet owners.
• Animal Care Guidance: They offer specific care information for the animals they sell, ensuring new owners are well-prepared. This includes recommendations for beginner-friendly snakes like Corn snakes and King snakes, and advice on selecting healthy animals.
• Exotic Animal Adoption: As highlighted by a customer review, they facilitate adoptions, demonstrating their commitment to finding good homes for animals under their care. The reviewer specifically adopted a red foot tortoise, praising the care provided to all animals.
• Breeding Programs: Many of the animals available in the store are either bred in-house or sourced locally from reputable breeders, indicating a commitment to responsible animal sourcing and knowledge of lineage.
• Terrarium Construction and Live Plants: The website indicates upcoming or existing resources for terrariums, terrarium construction, and live plants suitable for creating naturalistic habitats for reptiles and amphibians.
• Community Engagement: The store effectively acts as a "non-petting zoo," where people can visit just to observe the diverse collection of animals, fostering a love and understanding of exotic creatures within the community.

Harris In Wonderland is not just a pet store; it's an experience, characterized by several distinctive features and highlights that set it apart in the Connecticut pet landscape.

• A "Little Reptile Zoo" Experience: Customers consistently describe the store as being "like a little reptile zoo!" This unique atmosphere allows visitors to observe a wide "variety of serpents and lizards, frogs and turtles" in well-maintained enclosures. It’s an engaging environment for all ages, fostering education and appreciation for exotic animals.
• Deep Expertise and Passion for Exotics: Adam Harris, the owner, is highlighted as incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. He possesses a biology degree and a lifelong fascination with reptiles, directly channeling this into the business. The staff also "defiantly know what they are doing and take animal care seriously," providing invaluable "knowledge, know-how and advice." This level of specialized expertise is a major draw for exotic pet owners who often struggle to find reliable information elsewhere.
• High Standards of Animal Care: Reviews consistently praise "how well they took care of both him , and all of the other animals in their care." This commitment to the health and well-being of their animals, even before they are adopted, builds immense trust with customers.
• Diverse and Quality Animal Selection: The store offers "quite a variety" of reptiles, amphibians, and some tropical freshwater fish, ranging from beginner-friendly options to more unusual species and color morphs for advanced hobbyists. This diverse selection, often sourced from their own breeding programs or local reputable breeders, ensures healthy and ethically acquired pets.
• Comprehensive Supply Inventory: Beyond the animals themselves, Harris In Wonderland is a full retail store for "all paraphernalia to keep them at home." This includes specialized enclosures, heating, lighting, substrates, and food, making it a one-stop shop for exotic pet needs.
• Welcoming and Engaging Environment: Despite its specialized nature, the store is described as a place worth visiting even "if you are in the area!" The unique entrance with the "snake handle" and the overall ambiance contribute to an inviting and memorable experience.

For inquiries about specific animals, supplies, or expert advice, please contact Harris In Wonderland using the following details:

• Address: 364 Albany Turnpike, Canton, CT 06019, USA
• Phone: (860) 674-0160

You can also try (860) 888-5130 if you have trouble getting through or wish to make an appointment. We recommend calling ahead or visiting during their operating hours to fully experience their unique selection and benefit from their knowledgeable staff.

For pet enthusiasts in Canton, Connecticut, and the broader New England region, Harris In Wonderland stands out as an exceptionally suitable and indispensable local resource, particularly for those with an interest in reptiles, amphibians, and exotic animals. Its unique blend of specialized offerings and deep expertise directly addresses a niche often underserved by conventional pet stores.

Firstly, the store's designation as a "hidden gem" and a "little reptile zoo" highlights its unparalleled specialization in exotic pets. For locals passionate about serpents, lizards, frogs, turtles, and specific freshwater fish, Harris In Wonderland eliminates the need to travel far or rely solely on online retailers for diverse and healthy animals. This concentrated focus means a higher quality of animals and products specifically tailored to these unique companions, making it a dream destination for exotic pet parents in Connecticut.

Secondly, the profound expertise and passion of Adam Harris and his staff are significant draws. As highlighted by reviews, the team "defiantly know what they are doing and take animal care seriously," providing invaluable "knowledge, know-how and advice." This level of specialized guidance is crucial for successfully keeping exotic pets, as their care requirements can be vastly different from traditional pets. For locals, having readily accessible experts who are genuinely dedicated to animal welfare and willing to educate new and experienced owners alike is an immense benefit. This ensures responsible pet ownership and healthier lives for these unique creatures.

Finally, the comprehensive nature of the store, offering both a "variety of serpents and lizards, frogs and turtles" and "all paraphernalia to keep them at home," establishes it as a true one-stop shop for exotic pet needs. This convenience, combined with its accessible location on Albany Turnpike, means that local pet owners can find everything from the animals themselves to their habitats, food, and specialized accessories in a single, trusted location. Harris In Wonderland is not just a store; it’s a vital community hub for the exotic pet world in Connecticut, fostering passion and responsible care.

Harris In Wonderland

364 Albany Turnpike, Canton, CT 06019, USA