S & S Exotic Animals Inc

For Texans with a penchant for the unconventional, or those seeking a truly unique companion beyond the typical cat or dog, the world of exotic animals offers fascinating possibilities. In Houston, S & S Exotic Animals Inc stands as a long-established and specialized pet store, catering to a niche but passionate community of exotic pet enthusiasts. This article aims to provide a comprehensive and factual overview of S & S Exotic Animals Inc, offering insights into its offerings and its place within the Houston pet landscape.

S & S Exotic Animals Inc has been a fixture in the Houston exotic pet scene since its opening in 1996, evolving from what one customer described as "a house turned into a pet store" into a well-known destination for unusual creatures. Led by owner Suzette Stidom, the establishment has built a reputation for its extensive selection of animals that often go beyond what you'd find in a conventional pet shop. While they do offer some birds, their specialty lies more in unique mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and even arachnids, such as scorpions and tarantulas. This focus on diversity makes it a compelling visit for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge or collection of exotic pets.

A significant aspect of S & S Exotic Animals Inc is their commitment to responsible sourcing, with Suzette Stidom stating she breeds a majority of the animals they sell on-site. This allows for a deeper understanding of the animals' lineage and initial care. They are also licensed and approved by various regulatory bodies including Harris County Animal Control, Texas Parks & Wildlife, and the United States Department of Agriculture, underscoring their adherence to specific animal welfare standards. The store's longevity and the enthusiasm of long-time customers, like those who appreciate Suzette's help with their "many insects, reptiles and pets," speak to a dedicated service and a strong connection with the local exotic pet community.

S & S Exotic Animals Inc is located at 1711 Connorvale Rd, Houston, TX 77039, USA. Situated in the East Aldine area of Houston, this address places it within a more suburban part of the city, yet it remains accessible for a wide range of customers from across Houston and surrounding areas. The description of the store as a "converted one-story house on a three-acre property" provides a unique characteristic, suggesting a more personalized and less commercialized environment than a typical chain pet store.

For those traveling by car, Connorvale Road is part of Houston's extensive road network, making the journey to the store relatively straightforward. While specific public transportation routes are not detailed, prospective visitors should consult Houston's METRO bus system for routes that service the 77039 zip code. Ample parking is typically available at a property of this size, ensuring convenience for customers. The somewhat unconventional setting, as noted by customers, contributes to the store's unique charm and its reputation as a hidden gem for exotic animal enthusiasts in Texas.

S & S Exotic Animals Inc offers a broad range of products and services tailored to exotic pets:

• Exotic Animal Sales: A diverse selection of mammals (e.g., pigs, hamsters, guinea pigs, ferrets, fennec foxes, possums, flying squirrels, jirds, degus, hyraxes, coatimundis, sugar gliders, sloths, tortoises), reptiles (e.g., boas, pythons, chameleons, tortoises), amphibians, and arachnids (e.g., scorpions, tarantulas).
• Live Food: Praised by customers as "Best place for live food," indicating a reliable source for various feeder insects and rodents necessary for many exotic pets.
• Pet Supplies: A full line of accessories and supplies specific to exotic animals, including cages, bedding, heating elements, lighting, food, and health supplements.
• Breeding Services: A significant portion of the animals sold are bred on-site by owner Suzette Stidom.
• Expert Advice and Care Sheets: The staff is described as "knowledgeable" and provides "detailed care sheets" on their website, demonstrating a commitment to educating customers on proper exotic pet husbandry.
• Wholesale Options: Indicating that they may also supply other businesses or breeders.

S & S Exotic Animals Inc is recognized for several unique features and highlights that distinguish it in the Houston exotic pet market:

• Extensive Variety of Exotic Animals: Customers are consistently "surprised on how many options of animals there is here," from various reptiles and insects to a wide array of unusual mammals, including unique species like sloths and large tortoises (as recently noted). This wide selection is a major draw for enthusiasts.
• Long-Standing Local Presence: Having been around since 1996, the store has built a solid reputation and trust within the community, becoming a go-to spot for specialized pet needs.
• Knowledgeable and Dedicated Staff: Suzette and her team are praised for their expertise, "blunt" yet "real southern hospitality vibes," and their willingness to provide helpful assistance for diverse exotic pets. This hands-on guidance is invaluable for exotic pet owners.
• Reliable Source for Live Food: The store is highlighted as the "Best place for live food," which is a critical and often hard-to-find resource for owners of carnivorous reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids.
• Ethical Sourcing and Licensing: Being licensed by the USDA, Texas Parks & Wildlife, and Harris County Animal Control, alongside the owner breeding many of the animals, adds a layer of reassurance regarding animal welfare standards.
• Unique "House-Turned-Pet-Store" Atmosphere: While some find the enclosures outdated or the "traditional pet store smell" unpleasant, this unique, less corporate environment contributes to its character and charm for many regulars.

It is important to note that while many reviews are positive, one review mentioned the "traditional pet store smell which is not the most pleasant" and outdated enclosures in some areas. This indicates that while the selection and staff knowledge are highly valued, there may be areas for improvement in terms of facility aesthetics and modernization of some animal habitats. Potential visitors might consider these aspects when planning their visit, though the core value of healthy, diverse exotic animals and knowledgeable staff often outweighs these minor concerns for dedicated hobbyists.

To contact S & S Exotic Animals Inc for inquiries about their animals, supplies, or services, you can use the following information:

• Address: 1711 Connorvale Rd, Houston, TX 77039, USA
• Phone: (281) 590-0426
• Mobile Phone: +1 281-590-0426

It is advisable to call ahead if you are looking for a specific animal or product, as inventory for exotic and specialized pets can fluctuate.

For Texans with a fascination for the extraordinary in the animal kingdom, S & S Exotic Animals Inc in Houston stands as a truly unique and valuable local resource. Its long-standing presence, coupled with a vast and diverse selection of exotic animals—from insects and reptiles to a variety of fascinating mammals—makes it a compelling destination. The store's commitment to providing live food, coupled with the highly praised knowledge and "southern hospitality" of owner Suzette and her staff, offers invaluable support for both novice and experienced exotic pet owners. While the "house-turned-pet store" ambiance and some enclosure conditions might not appeal to everyone, the quality of the animals, the range of choices, and the expertise available consistently draw in and satisfy its dedicated clientele.

For those in Texas looking to add an unusual and intriguing pet to their family, or simply to find a reliable source for specialized supplies and knowledgeable advice for their existing exotic companions, S & S Exotic Animals Inc on Connorvale Road offers a distinctive and highly suitable option that truly caters to the unique demands of the exotic pet hobby.

S & S Exotic Animals Inc

1711 Connorvale Rd, Houston, TX 77039, USA