Reptile Emporium & Aquatic Center Introduce
For residents across Indiana with a fascination for the extraordinary, or those looking to delve into the captivating world of exotic pets, the Reptile Emporium & Aquatic Center in Highland stands as an unparalleled destination. Unlike conventional pet stores that primarily focus on common domestic animals, this unique establishment offers a specialized haven for enthusiasts of reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic creatures. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by an astonishing variety of life, often showcasing species rarely seen elsewhere, from majestic snakes to vibrant tropical fish. What truly sets the Reptile Emporium & Aquatic Center apart is its profound commitment to the well-being of its animals and the education of its customers. The atmosphere is consistently described as welcoming, with clear evidence of meticulous care for every creature in their charge. This Highland gem is more than just a pet store; it's an educational hub where curiosity is encouraged, questions are genuinely welcomed, and passion for the natural world is palpable. For Indiana locals, it represents a trusted source for both acquiring unique pets and gaining the in-depth knowledge necessary to ensure their thriving existence.
The dedication to animal welfare is immediately apparent, creating an environment where visitors can observe healthy and well-maintained specimens. This careful husbandry, combined with the staff's profound knowledge, instills confidence in customers, whether they are experienced collectors or complete novices. The store aims to provide a comprehensive resource, not just for purchasing exotic animals and their necessities, but also for fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for these fascinating creatures. Their specialized focus allows them to offer insights and products that are often unavailable at more general pet supply outlets, making them an invaluable part of Indiana's pet community.
Conveniently located at 2835 Highway Ave, Highland, IN 46322, USA, the Reptile Emporium & Aquatic Center boasts an accessible position for a wide range of pet enthusiasts across Indiana. Highland, a vibrant town in Lake County, is strategically situated to serve not only its immediate community but also surrounding areas within Indiana and even neighboring Illinois. Highway Avenue, as its name suggests, is a significant thoroughfare, making the store easy to find and navigate to from various directions. Whether you're traveling from Indianapolis, Lafayette, or closer cities like Gary, Merrillville, or Valparaisoreaching, the Reptile Emporium & Aquatic Center is a straightforward journey thanks to well-connected state and local roads.
The store's placement ensures minimal travel burden for those seeking specialized exotic pets and supplies. Ample parking is typically available in commercial areas like this, contributing to a stress-free visit for customers. This ease of access is crucial for a niche store, allowing dedicated hobbyists and curious newcomers alike from all corners of Indiana to discover its unique offerings and benefit from its expert knowledge. The welcoming exterior and clear signage further enhance the overall accessibility, making it a prominent and convenient destination within the Indiana pet landscape.
- Extensive Selection of Reptiles: Offers a diverse range of snakes, lizards, turtles, and other reptiles, including less common species.
- Wide Variety of Aquatic Creatures: Features an impressive collection of fish (freshwater and potentially saltwater), amphibians, and other aquatic invertebrates.
- Exotic Pet Supplies: Provides all necessary equipment for housing and caring for reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic life, including terrariums, aquariums, lighting, heating, filtration, and decor.
- Specialized Live and Frozen Foods: Stocks appropriate diets for exotic pets, such as feeder insects (crickets, mealworms), rodents, and various types of fish food.
- Expert Advice and Education: Highly knowledgeable staff offer in-depth information on pet care, habitat setup, feeding, breeding, and general husbandry for exotic animals. They are willing to spend significant time answering questions.
- Responsible Pet Guidance: Staff prioritize the animal's well-being over a sale, as evidenced by a customer who was advised against a large lizard, indicating honest and ethical advice.
- Disease Prevention and Health Tips: Likely provides guidance on maintaining healthy environments to prevent common illnesses in exotic pets.
- Product Recommendations: Assists customers in selecting the right products and setups for their specific pet needs and experience levels.
- Unmatched Variety of Exotic Animals: Customers consistently express amazement at the diverse selection of reptiles and aquatic creatures, often discovering species they "had never even seen before," making it a truly unique attraction in Indiana.
- Exceptional Animal Care: There is a palpable sense that "the animals are cared for with so much love and attention," reflecting high standards of husbandry and a genuine concern for the well-being of every creature in the store.
- Highly Knowledgeable and Passionate Staff: Reviewers repeatedly praise the staff for being "incredibly friendly," taking "the time to answer all my questions," and genuinely demonstrating their passion. The owner's willingness to spend time and give honest, animal-first advice is a significant highlight.
- Educational Environment: The store serves as a learning hub, where visitors can learn "fascinating facts" about different species and feel "inspired and more confident in caring for own pets."
- Ethical and Responsible Sales Approach: A standout feature is the owner's integrity, willing to dissuade a customer from a purchase if it's not the right fit for the animal, prioritizing the "first concern is the animal." This builds immense trust.
- Well-Organized and Welcoming Atmosphere: The store is described as "well-organized," making it easy for customers to find what they need, contributing to a pleasant and efficient shopping experience.
- Community Gem for Enthusiasts: It is consistently referred to as a "gem for anyone who loves reptiles or is simply curious to learn more," signifying its importance as a local resource for a specialized hobby.
- Support for All Experience Levels: Whether a seasoned hobbyist or a curious beginner, customers feel supported and educated, ensuring that new pet owners start their journey with the right knowledge.
Address: 2835 Highway Ave, Highland, IN 46322, USA
Phone: (219) 838-8149
Mobile Phone: +1 219-838-8149
For residents across Indiana, particularly those with an interest in the captivating world of reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic life, the Reptile Emporium & Aquatic Center in Highland stands out as an exceptionally suitable and indeed, indispensable local resource. Its primary appeal lies in its specialized focus, which ensures a depth of knowledge, variety of species, and range of supplies that are simply unmatched by general pet stores. For locals, this means having access to rare and fascinating creatures, along with all the specialized equipment and food necessary to ensure their well-being, all conveniently located within Indiana.
What truly sets this establishment apart, and makes it profoundly suitable for Indiana locals, is its unwavering commitment to animal welfare and customer education. Customer testimonials vividly illustrate a staff that is not only "incredibly friendly" but also profoundly "knowledgeable" and genuinely "passionate" about their work. The owner's ethical stance, willingness to offer honest advice even if it means not making a sale, and prioritizing the animal's best interest, builds an immense level of trust within the community. For any Indiana resident considering an exotic pet, or even just curious to learn, this ethical approach provides invaluable peace of mind that they are receiving sound, responsible guidance.
Furthermore, the store's "well-organized" and "welcoming atmosphere" transforms a shopping trip into an inspiring and educational experience. It’s a place where locals can learn "fascinating facts," feel "more confident in caring for own pets," and connect with a community of like-minded enthusiasts. Its convenient location on Highway Ave in Highland makes it easily accessible from various parts of Indiana, solidifying its role as the premier local hub for exotic pet hobbyists. By choosing the Reptile Emporium & Aquatic Center, Indiana residents are not just acquiring a pet or supplies; they are investing in expert guidance, ethical practices, and a supportive community dedicated to the thriving lives of these unique companions, making it a true "gem" for the state.
Reptile Emporium & Aquatic Center Photos










Reptile Emporium & Aquatic Center Location
Reptile Emporium & Aquatic Center
2835 Highway Ave, Highland, IN 46322, USA
Reptile Emporium & Aquatic Center Reviews
I had such a fantastic experience at the Reptile Emporium & Aquatic Center in Highland, Indiana! From the moment I walked in, I was amazed by the variety of reptiles and aquatic creatures they have—some I had never even seen before. The atmosphere is so welcoming, and you can tell right away that the animals are cared for with so much love and attention.The staff there really made my visit special. They were incredibly friendly and took the time to answer all my questions, no matter how small. I even learned some fascinating facts about a few of the reptiles, like the habits of Green Anacondas and the unique personalities of bearded dragons! They genuinely seem passionate about what they do, and it shows.I also appreciated how well-organized everything was. Whether you're shopping for supplies, looking for a new pet, or just exploring, it's easy to find what you need. I left feeling inspired and more confident in caring for my own pets. I can’t recommend this place enough—it’s a gem for anyone who loves reptiles or is simply curious to learn more.
Apr 11, 2025 · The everyday guy Kevin DavilaGreat customer service. I came in because I was doing research on large pet lizards. The owner is very knowledgable and took his time answering all my question. I left with the knowledge that a large lizard is not the right pet for me. This guy knows what he’s talking about and will not just tell you what you want to hear in order to get you to buy from him. His first concern is the animal. I have great respect for that.
May 01, 2025 · Reconnect HoustonI went there expecting a smaller scale pet store to get some dart frogs. But they have it all. Alligators, Caymans, large tortoises, and very healthy reptiles of all sorts. Not a store for me because I'm not a very experienced pet owner but the staff is obviously knowledgeable and very serious about this lifestyle. Would recommend for reptile enthusiasts to expand their collection, and maybe for newbies to get knowledge and advice.
Apr 09, 2025 · Samuel HiroskyDidnt buy nothing but they do have some really cool reptiles, snakes and fish
Apr 09, 2025 · Jaime GIf pure genuine evil exists, it exists inside this pet store. Not once in all of my years of animal care have I ever seen true horrifying neglect and abuse on this scale. The levels of cruelty and abuse that I witnessed inside this store will stick with me for the rest of my life. Massive reptiles in tiny enclosures that they can barely turn around in, a wide variety of species all in the same terrible husbandry, dirty bedding, reptiles in sparse bedding meant for mammals, everyone caked in their own feces, every single creature blatantly miserable and close to death. Whatever you are picturing, it is infinitely worse. I asked around the surrounding local reptile shops EVERYONE in the area is aware of the situation, every single employee I spoke with immediately knew and have told me it’s been years and no one in the city knows what to do. It’s just a nightmare. The vile monsters that watch and perpetuate this sickening abuse every day will never develop an ounce of empathy for these poor helpless living creatures, so if ANYONE in Indiana has any resources or connections that could lead to this hell on earth shut down, I can not stress enough how vital it is that something is done immediately. I’ve begun posting on social media to get the word out, everyone in the reptile community equally as horrified and distraught just from looking at the pictures I managed to capture as the owners carefully eyed me because they absolutely know how sickening their abuse is and are hoping no one cares enough to do anything about it. But every day that this shop remains open, dozens upon dozens of creatures suffer, and it’s not going to be easy but the living creatures trapped inside this nightmare are more than worth it. I do not think a worse pet store in the country exists and I can not imagine anyone with even an ounce of animal care experience spending a minute inside this store without immediately understanding the urgency of the situation. There are animal abuse laws in place specifically for people and places like this and we must do everything in our power to help these poor creatures who have been forced against their will into this nightmare. They deserve not a penny of your money and one day, if enough people care, these beautiful innocent creatures will be placed in the hands of human beings who will show them nothing but the love and comfort and safety and care they deserve.
Feb 12, 2025 · Jennifer Caldwell
More Pet Stores Near Me

10235 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN 46322, USA

315 N Broad St, Griffith, IN 46319, USA

733 173rd St, Hammond, IN 46324, USA

6931 Calumet Ave, Hammond, IN 46324, USA

6434 Calumet Ave, Hammond, IN 46324, USA

1525 US-41, Schererville, IN 46375, USA

946 Old Farm Rd, Lynwood, IL 60411, USA

946 Joliet St, Dyer, IN 46311, USA

13311 S Brandon Ave, Chicago, IL 60633, USA

17930 Halsted St, Homewood, IL 60430, USA

1736 E 80th Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410, USA

1676 E Summit St, Crown Point, IN 46307, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites





