Jurassic Aquatics & Pets

For local users searching for a "Pet Store Near Me" in Willoughby, Ohio, it is crucial to be aware of recent customer experiences at Jurassic Aquatics & Pets located at 36245 Euclid Ave b. Multiple reviews paint a concerning picture of the store's environment and animal husbandry practices, which potential customers should consider carefully.

Several reviewers describe a strong and unpleasant odor upon entering the premises. One customer likened the smell to "puddles that you find in the woods that’s been sitting there for too long," and another described it as "almost like a septic tank." This suggests potential issues with sanitation and air quality within the store environment.

Furthermore, the physical environment of the store is described as disorganized and cluttered. One review mentions "random bits of furniture (chairs, couches, tables) scattered everywhere" and "trash everywhere," indicating a lack of organization and potentially impacting the overall cleanliness and accessibility of products.

A significant concern raised by multiple reviewers pertains to the living conditions of the animals housed at Jurassic Aquatics & Pets. There are claims of animals being kept in enclosures that are too small or overcrowded, leading to visibly distressing conditions. Specifically, one review mentions tegus being housed in 75-gallon tanks, which is described as "incredibly inhumane" due to the space requirements of these reptiles.

The cleanliness of the animal enclosures is also a major point of criticism. Reviewers describe reptile sections as "bare" and the enclosures as "dirty and unclean," with one noting that "every square inch of the empty enclosures are kept dirty." Another reviewer reported seeing "filthy tanks" filled with "gnats/flies flying around," highlighting unsanitary conditions that could pose health risks to the animals.

Concerns extend to the specific care provided to different types of animals. Fish are reportedly kept without proper "hides," which are essential for their sense of security and well-being. Reptiles such as bearded dragons, leopard geckos, and crested geckos are allegedly kept without proper heating and UVB lighting, which are critical for their physiological health. The lack of these essential environmental controls raises serious welfare concerns.

One particularly distressing account involves a juvenile tarantula kept at the checkout desk. While the enclosure size was deemed "okay," the substrate was described as inadequate for burrowing, with only half an inch of wood chips provided instead of the required 4-8 inches. The enclosure also lacked a proper cork bark hide, and the water dish contained a wet sponge, which is known to harbor mold. The presence of an old molt that needed removal further suggests a lack of attentive care. The reviewer's attempt to purchase the tarantula for rehousing was met with a "ridiculous price" for an animal already in potentially compromised health.

The reviewers strongly advise against giving this establishment business, primarily due to concerns about animal welfare and the potential risk of purchasing unhealthy animals due to unsanitary maintenance practices. One reviewer specifically warns against trusting the feeder insects, which are reportedly kept in "large storage bins," raising concerns about their hygiene and potential to transmit diseases.

Adding to the negative feedback, one review mentions overhearing employees "joking about dead animals in the store," which, if accurate, indicates a concerning lack of empathy and professionalism regarding animal welfare.

Based on the consistent themes of these recent customer reviews, potential local users searching for a "Pet Store Near Me" should be aware of the serious concerns raised about the environmental conditions and animal care practices at Jurassic Aquatics & Pets in Willoughby, OH. The feedback suggests a need for significant improvements in sanitation, animal housing, and overall welfare standards. While no promotional information is available, the overwhelming sentiment of the reviews urges caution and advises potential customers to consider these experiences before making a visit or a purchase. The information presented here is based solely on publicly available customer reviews and aims to provide an objective summary of the concerns raised.