Stingers Exotics Introduce
Hello, Michigan reptile enthusiasts and curious pet lovers! For those who cherish the unique beauty and fascinating behaviors of snakes, lizards, turtles, and other exotic creatures, finding a truly knowledgeable and trustworthy source for these animals and their care is paramount. In Livonia, Michigan, **Stingers Exotics** stands out as a highly respected and long-established reptile specialty shop. This isn't your typical big-box pet store; it's a haven where passion for reptiles meets unparalleled expertise, driven by a deep commitment to animal welfare above all else. This article will guide you through what makes Stingers Exotics a beloved and highly recommended destination for exotic pet owners across our Michigan communities.
Stingers Exotics is a small, family-owned business that has been a cornerstone of the Michigan reptile community since 2002. Their philosophy is simple yet profound: prioritize the well-being of the animals. This dedication is evident in every aspect of their operation, from the careful breeding of their own bearded dragons to their meticulous selection of products and their straightforward approach to educating customers on proper husbandry. They pride themselves on being a place where "unusual people find unusual pets," fostering a welcoming environment for both beginner and advanced hobbyists.
The importance of a specialized reptile store like Stingers Exotics cannot be overstated for Michigan residents. Reptiles have specific and often complex care requirements, and generic pet stores often lack the in-depth knowledge or specialized products needed for these unique animals to thrive. Stingers Exotics fills this crucial gap, offering expert guidance that prevents common mistakes and ensures pets live healthy, happy lives. Their commitment to ethical practices, including rescuing and rehoming reptiles, further solidifies their reputation as a responsible and caring establishment within our local community.
This overview will delve into the various facets that make Stingers Exotics a go-to choice for Michigan's exotic pet owners. We'll explore its dedicated location, the comprehensive range of reptiles and supplies it offers, and the unique features, particularly its expert staff and commitment to animal welfare, that set it apart and contribute to its strong reputation among those who appreciate the world of cold-blooded companions.
---## Location and Accessibility
Stingers Exotics is conveniently located at **18774 Middlebelt Rd, Livonia, MI 48152, USA**. This address places the store on Middlebelt Road, a significant north-south thoroughfare in Livonia, ensuring excellent visibility and easy access for residents throughout Metro Detroit. Whether you're coming from Livonia itself, or from neighboring Michigan communities such as Farmington Hills, Westland, Redford, or Dearborn, navigating to the store is straightforward and efficient.
The store's position on a main road contributes significantly to its ease of access for a wide range of customers. Ample parking is typically available directly at the location, which greatly enhances the convenience, especially when picking up terrariums, heating supplies, or larger quantities of feeder insects. This hassle-free accessibility is a major benefit for Michigan exotic pet owners, allowing for quick stops and stress-free visits to acquire specialized supplies.
Being a small, family-owned business that has proudly served the Michigan reptile community since 2002, Stingers Exotics is a familiar and trusted landmark. Its strategic placement allows it to serve as a central hub for various reptile-related needs, cementing its role as an indispensable resource for the local Michigan population. The straightforward route to the store helps reduce travel time and stress, making it an ideal choice for regular visits and for those embarking on their journey into exotic pet ownership.
It's worth noting their specific operating hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 12 PM to 7 PM, and Saturday from 12 PM to 5 PM. They are closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. This clear schedule, along with their accessible location, underscores their commitment to being a readily available resource for their loyal customer base in Michigan.
---## Services Offered
Stingers Exotics specializes exclusively in reptiles and their care, offering a comprehensive suite of products and services tailored to both novice and experienced hobbyists in Michigan. Their offerings are rooted in deep knowledge and a genuine passion for these unique animals.
- Live Reptile Sales: A carefully curated selection of healthy reptiles for sale, including popular species like Bearded Dragons (many bred in-house), Ball Pythons, Crested Geckos, Hognose Snakes, Chameleons, Leopard Geckos, and Tortoises. They focus on quality breeding and ensure animals are thriving before they go to new homes.
- Reptile Products & Supplies: The area's largest selection of reptile supplies, including terrariums, heating supplies (heat lamps, heat mats), UVB lighting, various substrates (bedding), feeding supplies (dishes, tongs, feeders), thermostats, incubators, awesome reptile wood, dishes, and a growing range of bioactive products.
- Feeder Insects & Rodents: A wide variety of feeder insects (e.g., crickets) and feeder rodents, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality nutrition for your reptiles.
- Expert Husbandry Advice: Unparalleled, honest, and direct advice on proper reptile care ("husbandry"). As customers attest, they "have no issue telling you what you're doing wrong," ensuring pet owners are well-informed to provide the best environment for their animals. This expertise covers feeding, lighting, heating, and enclosure setup.
- Reptile Rescues & Rehoming: They actively participate in rescuing and rehoming reptiles, with adoption fees contributing directly to their future rescue efforts. This provides a crucial service to the Michigan community by helping unwanted or neglected reptiles find loving, long-term homes.
- Reptile Boarding: Offering reptile boarding services for when owners go on holiday. They ensure your reptile's routine, lighting, and heating requirements are met, providing peace of mind for traveling Michigan pet parents.
- Natural Remedies & Health Products: Stocking products to assist with common reptile issues, including snake oil for shedding and mites, critical care nutritional recovery food, power boosts, and appetite stimulants. They can also offer tips on natural remedies for eating disorders, shedding problems, and bacterial/parasitic issues.
- Online Reptile Sales & Product Listings: Customers can view available reptiles online, and products are slowly being added to their website, with an encouragement to call if an item isn't listed, as it may still be in stock. They also offer shipping for reptiles to other states (with specific conditions).
- Breeders of Quality Animals: They actively breed certain species, such as bearded dragons, focusing on "select breed not mass breed," ensuring healthy, well-socialized animals raised in a home environment before coming to the store.
## Features / Highlights
- Unparalleled Reptile Expertise: Stingers Exotics is a true authority in reptile care. Reviewers consistently highlight their deep knowledge, stating, "Stingers is honestly the reptile only shop I trust. Knowledgeable and exceedingly obvious they put their animals first." Their staff, including Hazel, are described as "extremely knowledgeable and take a lot of pride in their work," offering valuable troubleshooting advice.
- Animal Welfare as Top Priority: A defining feature is their absolute commitment to the animals' well-being, even above human comfort. As one loyal customer states, "They care about the animals more than they care about humans. Alot of these bad reviews are because people have bad husbandry, and she has no issue telling you what you're doing wrong. I respect it greatly. There's too many people that think they know, but don't." This uncompromising stance on proper care ensures healthy animals and educated owners.
- Honest and Direct Advice: They are known for providing straightforward, no-nonsense advice regarding reptile husbandry. This directness, while perhaps not a "Petco experience," is precisely what serious hobbyists appreciate, offering practical guidance to avoid common pitfalls.
- High-Quality Animals and Feeders: Customers consistently report the health and quality of the animals purchased. One review noted their first snake "has been nothing but an absolute dream," and "feeders are the highest quality I’ve found in the area." They breed their own bearded dragons with a focus on quality, not mass production.
- Specialized Inventory: Unlike general pet stores, Stingers Exotics focuses solely on reptiles, allowing them to offer "the areas largest selection of reptile supplies" and a curated range of live animals, meeting specific needs that larger stores often overlook.
- Rescue and Rehoming Program: Their active participation in rescuing and rehoming reptiles demonstrates a strong ethical commitment to animal welfare, providing a vital service to the Michigan community and offering a second chance to animals in need.
- Long-Standing Reputation: Having been in business since 2002, Stingers Exotics has built a solid reputation within the Michigan reptile community for its reliability, expertise, and dedication. Loyal customers affirm, "I've bought many animals and arachnids from them over the years, and I'll keep coming back."
## Contact Information
To connect with the experts at Stingers Exotics, whether you're looking for a new reptile companion, need specialized supplies, or require expert advice, you can reach them using the following contact details:
- Address: 18774 Middlebelt Rd, Livonia, MI 48152, USA
- Phone: (248) 919-0056
Their current operating hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 12 PM to 7 PM, and Saturday from 12 PM to 5 PM. They are closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. It's always a good idea to call ahead, especially if you're looking for a specific animal, as not all reptiles may be on location at all times.
---## Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals
For Michigan residents, particularly those with a passion for or an interest in exotic reptiles, **Stingers Exotics in Livonia** is not merely suitable; it is an indispensable and highly trusted local resource. This specialized shop offers a depth of expertise and a commitment to animal welfare that simply cannot be found in general pet stores.
The core of its suitability for locals lies in its unwavering dedication to the animals themselves. As multiple reviews attest, they "care about the animals more than they care about humans" and are unhesitant in providing honest, direct advice on proper husbandry. This critical guidance ensures that Michigan pet owners are equipped with the knowledge needed to provide optimal care, preventing common pitfalls and fostering healthy, thriving pets. Their active rescue and rehoming efforts further solidify their positive impact on the local animal community.
Furthermore, the quality of their animals, from their own carefully bred bearded dragons to the high-quality feeders they provide, instills confidence in customers. The "area's largest selection of reptile supplies" means that Michigan hobbyists have convenient access to everything they need. For those who understand that exotic pets require specialized knowledge and a dedicated approach, Stingers Exotics offers a truly unique and invaluable "tradesman"-like partnership, making it the most reliable and trusted choice for reptile enthusiasts across Michigan.
Stingers Exotics Photos










Stingers Exotics Location
Stingers Exotics
18774 Middlebelt Rd, Livonia, MI 48152, USA
Stingers Exotics Reviews
Love these people. They care about the animals more than they care about humans. Alot of these bad reviews are because people have bad husbandry, and she has no issue telling you what you're doing wrong. I respect it greatly. There's too many people that think they know, but don't. I've bought many animals and arachnids from them over the years, and I'll keep coming back.
Mar 06, 2025 · Lawrence PStingers is honestly the reptile only shop I trust. Knowledgeable and exceedingly obvious they put their animals first.I bought my first snake from Hazel, and he’s been nothing but an absolute dream. She has been available to help troubleshoot and feeders are the highest quality I’ve found in the area.This place isn’t where you should go if you’re looking for a “petco” experience. It’s more equivalent to working with a tradesman. These women are extremely knowledgeable and take a lot of pride in their work.
Apr 17, 2025 · Goose _I was here one time and it was a smooth transaction. I am Laughing at these one star reviews especially the ones where the people don’t have any money for their purchase and think they should get something for free. I feel bad for the store for having to deal with these people. If you don’t have $5 for food you shouldn’t own an animal. This younger generation sense of entitlement is scary. With that attitude, the world will not be an easy place to navigate.
May 21, 2025 · Heidi Schmidt⭐ 1-Star Review (Would give 0 if I could)DO NOT GO HERE – Terrible Experience from Start to FinishI drove over an hour and a half with my wife and daughter to visit Stingers after seeing them at a recent Reptile Expo. We’re experienced reptile owners and were interested in getting either a Northern blue tongue skink or a bearded dragon after recently losing our beloved beardie. This was already a hard trip emotionally.When we arrived, we explained why we were there, and the woman helping us immediately responded with a nasty attitude:“WELL DID YOU LOOK ONLINE on what we have?”We had already checked, but her tone was rude and off-putting from the start.The store setup was strange — all the animals were locked in the back, and she had to bring each one out individually. My family noticed a juvenile bearded dragon and showed interest. After we explained our current setup, she snapped that she wouldn’t sell us a small one unless we bought an enclosure from her.Then she brought out an older citrus orange leatherback. I commented, “Oh, it looks like a leatherback,” to which she snapped, “It IS NOT a leatherback,” and when I asked to hold him, she said:“You better not let him go because I’m not chasing him — I’m allergic to their nails and I have shit to do tomorrow.”Completely unprofessional and inappropriate.I held the dragon, and when I tried to hand it back using the cloth she provided, she let it slip and had to grab it back herself with a dramatic sigh and snarl on her face. At that point, my wife and daughter left the store — rightfully upset.Even though I was mostly there to see the Northern blue tongue skink, things got worse. When she brought him out, she was handling him roughly to the point that he started hissing. She brushed it off and said, “He’s just breathing.” I was hesitant to hold him because he clearly looked irritated. She kept pushing me to buy him, even after I explained I preferred Northerns over Indonesians. She went on a rant about how “the internet is full of liars,” and claimed that “they’re the same damn care” and “the internet is ruining the way people look at my skinks.”At that point, even though I came ready to buy, I refused to give my money to someone so rude, condescending, and careless with her animals. We ended up driving 50 minutes out of our way to another shop that actually had Northerns, and the guy there was amazing — knowledgeable, patient, and even mentioned that they regularly hear complaints about Stingers.This was an awful and upsetting experience. I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone. If I could give zero stars, I would.
Jun 01, 2025 · Justin RinehartI got Annie the leopard gecko from here. She’s doing good and I love her I fw this place heavy.
Feb 14, 2025 · tico
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