About
Tucked along the walk to the Santa Cruz harbor, Pet Shop Santa Cruz is a compact, family-run operation that punches well above its square footage. Owner Aaron and his wife have built a loyal following over many years — customers drive from as far as Gilroy — and the reason becomes clear the moment you step inside. This is a shop built on conversation, expertise, and genuine care for the animals behind the glass.
The store specializes in freshwater and pond fish and plants, with a selection of saltwater fish as well. Reviewers report purchasing healthy neon tetras, shrimp, guppies, platies, and black mollies, and several note that their livestock lived full lifespans after coming home. Aaron will source specific fish or supplies if the small shop doesn't have them in stock.
Beyond the aquarium side, there's an impressive collection of reptiles — ball pythons, leopard geckos, and various lizards — plus tarantulas and other exotic invertebrates, all housed in naturalistic enclosures decorated with live plants. The shop also carries hardscape materials and terrarium supplies, making it a one-stop destination for aquarium and terrarium hobbyists alike. What truly sets Pet Shop Santa Cruz apart is the depth of knowledge Aaron shares freely and patiently.
Multiple reviewers describe extended, educational conversations about fish tank troubleshooting, tarantula husbandry, and reptile care — all delivered without a hint of condescension. One customer credits the shop with helping them build custom live enclosures full of real plants for their spiders. Another found peace of mind after getting help diagnosing persistent fish tank issues.
The shop also sells feeder mice and rats at competitive prices, along with treats like duck heads and beef lung for dogs. It's small and jam-packed, and a few reviewers have noted that some enclosures feel tight for larger animals. But for anyone setting up a freshwater planted tank, starting a pond, or diving into reptile keeping in Santa Cruz, the personalized guidance here is unmatched by any big-box alternative.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationAquascaping
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Family-owned shop specializing in freshwater, pond, and saltwater fish plus reptiles and tarantulas
- Owner Aaron sources specific livestock and supplies on request
- Naturalistic live-plant enclosures for reptiles and invertebrates
- Carries hardscape materials, terrarium supplies, and feeder animals at competitive prices
- Customers report healthy, long-lived fish and shrimp purchases
From keepers
Customer reviews
“The best reptile shop in town!!! The owners are absolutely experts and always willing to share their wealth of knowlege. They not only want to give a good experience but remember all their customers (My brother and i switch off buying feeder mice so sometimes it will be a few months inbetween visits and they always remember me and ask how ive been). Plus small locally owned mom and Pop shop!! what more could you want???”
— Gabriel Forbes5.02 months ago“Great selection of reptiles, fish and equipment”
— Chris Meyer5.03 months ago“Went here with my friends to look at potentially buying fish for my college dorm. The owner immediately gave weird vibes when he told us not to harass the fish after I pointed at one of the tanks. He then proceeded to eye us the entire time and stare at us as if we were about to steal something. My friend was looking down at her phone, and he said "no photos" to her when it was very obvious she was not taking a photo. I understand caring for the business and the well-being of the fish, but the way he phrased things was very rude and impolite. On top of that, many of the fish, such as the guppies and platies, were sick with ick and other parasites, and I noticed multiple dead guppies in the tank. Tanks were crowded and inappropriately stocked, as multiple bettas were living in vases without filtration. One was in a cramped, flat tank that it could barely turn around in. I came to this place to look for fish, but the conditions and the owner quickly erased any interest I had in supporting this business. To anyone considering checking this place out, their pets are unhealthy and the owner is very strange, take your business elsewhere.”
— Nathan Park1.03 months ago“Small family owned shop. Aaron was such a genuine and knowledgeable person - truly a pleasure to speak with. You can tell they really care about their animals, will definitely come back! Worth the visit if you are in the area for a beach day.”
— Caroline Cencer5.07 months ago“You’ll be happy you stopped in. Excellent service and advice”
— Mia V5.08 months ago“It's not really a pet shop, it has various aquarium products, not really for all pets. Just be warned.”
— Dylan R1.08 months ago“We had such a fun an educational experience yesterday visiting this unique pet shop. The owner was the best part! He answered all of our questions and was a person I will never forget. Our dogs loved the duck heads and beef lung! Great shop!!!”
— Deedee5.08 months ago“The Gandalf of Pets 🥹🙌🏽❤️!!! 1,000/10 would definitely recommend!!! They are so knowledgeable, kind, supportive, and helpful. Also locally owned by some rad peeps. 🌱🦎🐍🐸❤️ #HelpSmallBusinessesThrive”
— Alexis Munoz5.08 months ago“The owner of Pet Shop Santa Cruz might just be the most magnanimous and personable man on earth. Truly a specially experience getting to chat with him. Thank you for bringing light and beautiful vibes.”
— Maxime Thompson5.08 months ago“We've been loyal patrons of Pet Shop Santa Cruz for years and years. They have everything we need for our fish and reptiles. There's always an excellent selection of interesting aquarium and terrarium pets, and they've got all the supplies we need as well. This is the place to go for expert advice and information about all the pets.”
— Sean Johnson5.08 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (831) 429-1242 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Pet Shop Santa Cruz.