Simply Pets Introduce
For pet enthusiasts across Virginia, especially those drawn to the fascinating world of exotic animals, finding a dedicated and knowledgeable local pet store is a true treasure. While many general pet stores exist, Simply Pets in Chesapeake, VA, stands apart as a highly specialized and locally owned exotic pet store. For residents in the Hampton Roads area, Simply Pets offers a unique opportunity to connect with well-cared-for reptiles, a vast array of freshwater fish, small mammals, and parakeets, all backed by a team that prioritizes animal welfare and customer education.
Simply Pets has been a part of the Chesapeake community for almost 20 years, founded by Jeff Severts, whose family has a long history in the retail pet trade since the 1980s. What started as a general pet store in 2006 has evolved into a focused haven for exotic pets, particularly excelling in the aquatics and reptile departments. This specialization allows them to offer a depth of knowledge and a selection that often surpasses larger corporate chains. Their commitment to responsible husbandry, ethical breeding, and providing detailed information to new pet owners is a cornerstone of their operation, setting them apart as a trusted source for unique animal companions.
Locating a specialty pet store that offers such a diverse range of exotic animals and supplies is a significant advantage for Virginia residents. Simply Pets is conveniently situated at 1977 S Military Hwy, Chesapeake, VA 23320, USA. This prominent location on South Military Highway makes it easily accessible for customers throughout Chesapeake, as well as those traveling from neighboring cities like Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Suffolk. Its presence on a major thoroughfare ensures that whether you're making a dedicated trip for a new pet or simply picking up supplies, your journey will be straightforward.
The ample parking and straightforward access contribute to a stress-free visit, which is particularly beneficial when transporting live animals or larger enclosures. For Virginia locals, having a specialized store like Simply Pets within easy reach means quick access to expert advice, unique livestock, and essential supplies, fostering a thriving exotic pet community right here in our region.
Simply Pets offers a specialized range of animals and services, catering specifically to the needs of exotic pet enthusiasts. Their offerings reflect a deep commitment to animal welfare and providing customers with the necessary resources for successful pet ownership.
Exotic Pet Sales: A wide selection of healthy reptiles (including various species of geckos and colubrid snakes, some bred in-house), freshwater fish (including a large collection of tropical community fish, New World and African cichlids, nano shrimp, and bettas), small mammals, and parakeets.
In-House Breeding Programs: They breed more than half the animals they sell, including leopard geckos, crested geckos, gargoyle geckos, pink belly side neck turtles, and numerous corn and rat snake morphs, ensuring transparency of origin and health.
Quality Sourcing: For animals not bred in-house, they only purchase from quality breeders they have vetted over numerous years, further ensuring the health and ethical sourcing of their pets.
Comprehensive Animal Information: Providing detailed information packets with animal purchases, including feeding schedules, growth records, checkup sheets, and pedigree papers for reptiles, demonstrating a commitment to responsible pet ownership.
Pet Supplies & Enclosures: Stocking a wide selection of supplies tailored for reptiles, fish, and small mammals, including appropriate enclosures, substrates, lighting, heating, and food from reputable brands like Zoo Med.
Expert Advice & Education: Knowledgeable staff are available to provide guidance on animal care, husbandry, and specific needs of exotic pets. They are keen to share their expertise, especially regarding reptile and aquatic care.
Microchipping Services: While not explicitly stated for all animals, the provided information suggests a focus on comprehensive care which often includes microchipping for permanent identification where applicable.
Aquatic Plant Selection: For fish enthusiasts, they maintain several systems of aquarium plants, sourced directly from family farms in Florida and monthly shipments from specialized plant suppliers.
Simply Pets distinguishes itself through several notable features and highlights that resonate with its customer base, particularly those interested in exotic pets. These points underline their commitment to animal welfare, customer education, and building trust within the community.
Ethical Breeding and Sourcing: A significant highlight is their practice of breeding over half the animals they sell directly in-store, along with meticulously vetting outside breeders. This provides customers with peace of mind regarding the origin and initial health of their new pets, a stark contrast to general pet stores that source from unknown origins.
Exceptional Knowledge and Expertise: Customers consistently praise the staff for being "super knowledgeable" and "very caring." This is particularly crucial for exotic pets, where proper husbandry is vital. The team is well-versed in the specific needs and quirks of reptiles and fish, offering invaluable advice.
Transparency and Detailed Documentation: Simply Pets provides comprehensive documentation with animal purchases, including feeding schedules, growth records, and checkup sheets, along with pet registry papers for pedigree. This level of transparency makes the purchasing experience feel "VERY legit" and helps new owners confidently care for their pets.
Humane Animal Husbandry: The store prioritizes "very humane husbandry where animal welfare seemed to be their top priority." This includes solid, well-maintained enclosures and animals that are not overly stressed, a refreshing sight for customers who have witnessed less ideal conditions elsewhere.
No-Pressure Sales Environment: While not explicitly stated, the tone of positive reviews suggests a consultative approach rather than high-pressure sales, allowing customers to feel comfortable and well-informed.
Specialization in Exotics: Their focus on reptiles and aquatic life means a deeper inventory and expertise in these areas, offering a wider selection of species and specialized products that might be difficult to find in general pet stores.
Community-Oriented Staff: The comment "so cool that girls here like snakes!" highlights a welcoming and inclusive environment, especially for younger enthusiasts, encouraging a love for diverse animal life.
It is important for potential customers to be aware of a negative review that indicates a "very disappointing experience" regarding the purchase of fish and a strict no-return policy, leading to a loss for the customer. While this specific incident involved fish, it highlights the importance of understanding the store's policies, particularly their "all sales final" policy mentioned on other platforms, especially for live animals where conditions outside the store can quickly impact health. It underscores the need for clear communication and customer service empathy in the event of an issue.
For inquiries, to explore their selection, or to speak with their knowledgeable staff, here is the contact information for Simply Pets:
Address: 1977 S Military Hwy, Chesapeake, VA 23320, USA
Phone: (757) 494-1683
Mobile Phone: +1 757-494-1683
In conclusion, for residents of Virginia, especially in the Chesapeake and surrounding Hampton Roads areas, Simply Pets offers a unique and highly specialized destination for exotic animal enthusiasts. Their commitment to ethical breeding, knowledgeable staff, transparent documentation, and humane husbandry practices makes them a compelling choice for those seeking reptiles, a diverse array of fish, small mammals, or parakeets. While customer service interactions, particularly regarding return policies for live animals, appear to be an area for potential improvement, the overwhelming positive feedback highlights their dedication to animal welfare and providing valuable resources for their specific niche. For Virginia locals eager to explore the fascinating world of exotic pets and ensure their companions receive the best start, Simply Pets stands as a distinguished and suitable local business.
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Simply Pets Location
Simply Pets
1977 S Military Hwy, Chesapeake, VA 23320, USA
Simply Pets Reviews
Just purchased a baby Miami Corn from them for my 4 year old daughter.I'm so happy they showed us the feeding schedule and regular growth weigh ins and measurememts and the frequent checkup sheets. It was comforting to know they aren't just wanting to sell pets as quickly as possible to make a profit. They were really super knowledgeable. Corporate pet stores get these things from God knows where. This breeder was right in the pet store that day! I would HIGHLY recommend them. Great care and handling were given to the snakes. They were not super stressed and overall had solid enclosures. They were not just snakes laying around in jars. Unfortunately, I have seen that at a pet store before. Very humane husbandry where animal welfare seemed to be their top priority.My daughter was very impressed with our associate, her words "so cool that girls here like snakes!"Here's our new baby "Cornstarch" (my daughter named her Cornstarch Popcorn, because snakes need middle names too)
Apr 07, 2025 · Kelsey EdwardsVery disappointing experience. I do not recommend purchasing pets from this store.Today, my husband generously donated two large, healthy Oscar fish (which can grow up to 7 inches) because our tank at home was too small for them. While there, our 7-year-old son picked out three small glow fish, which we purchased at full price ($10 each)—no discount or credit was offered for the donation. We chose to support a local business, so we were happy to pay it forward.Unfortunately, within 30 minutes of introducing the new fish to our tank, they all died—despite proper acclimation. When my husband called the store to explain what happened and seek a possible resolution, he was told there was nothing they could do: no refund, no replacement, and no discussion of the fish we had donated just an hour earlier. The store simply cited a strict no-return policy.When I arrived home, our son was heartbroken and in tears. He had gone from feeling excited about his new fish to having none at all in the span of half an hour.This experience felt very disrespectful and dismissive, especially considering our goodwill donation. The customer service lacked empathy, and it’s clear this business is not community-oriented. I will be sharing our experience with other local and military families so they can make an informed decision and NOT shop here.If I could give zero stars, I would. Feels like a SCAM to me as I’m sure they will resell our donated Oscar fish for $30 each.
May 09, 2025 · Shamekia GordonI would not recommend this store. I was pleased to find this location and when I came in I loved the atmosphere of the store, I purchased multiple plants and 2 gourami fish for my already established 20 gallon tank. I made sure I properly acclimated the fish before I placed them in my tank and prior to adding the fish I conducted a water test to ensure my water parameters were safe for the fish. After all the steps that I took to confirm my tank which is already established with other fish thriving, was safe for the new additions I added the fish. Everything was fine until the next day when I noticed one of the gourami appeared to be dying. I tried all I could to see if I could help but it looks like the fish won’t make it. I then called the store explained the situation and even offered to bring a water sample from my tank for them to test but they simply told me there store policy is no returns on livestock. This is because they offer a “LIVE ARRIVAL GUARANTEE” now I would understand if I was an irresponsible pet owner And didn’t have a cycled tank but like stated my ecosystem is thriving. On top of this The second fish I purchased is fine with no issues at all. After explaining this over the phone, they still insist that I was at fault the woman I spoke to claimed that their water is perfect and it’s posted all over the store about their return policy. The problem I have with this is that issues happen and if I was really at fault then both fish I purchased would’ve died especially the rest of the fish in my tank. I was polite and didn’t even bother asking for a refund just an exchange but the lady told me there is nothing she can do and I should be responsible because they provided a healthy fish. This goes to show that there 100% live stock guarantee isn’t so perfect and I know many other stores who also sell Fish don’t abide by that same policy because issues happen And to claim that the customer is at fault after all this Especially after me explaining that out of the two fish, one is OK and fine I was still denied. So to conclude if you are looking to purchase any livestock from this location, be careful and fully examine their animals because you could be sold A not so healthy animal and be the one at fault.
May 27, 2025 · Jesus GonzalezThis is one of the better fish stores in the area. They can take a little to attend to you but their fish seem to be healthy every time I go in and reasonably priced. They always have the fish food I need and they have a wide selection of water/fish treatments available. I love the Kuhli loaches. Plus the bumblebee catfish which I’ve had a hard time finding but they had!!
May 02, 2025 · MeighanThe only place I will go to for my aquatic turtles, plants, and everything else in between. Staff is always super friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend
May 08, 2025 · Max Preuss
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