Simply Pets

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.

Simply Pets

1977 S Military Hwy, Chesapeake, VA 23320, USA