House of Exotics fills a real gap in Cañon City, giving pet owners a local alternative to driving all the way to Pueblo or Colorado Springs for supplies and livestock. Run by Leslie and her family, this independent shop stocks a broad range of animals — from freshwater and saltwater fish to reptiles, rodents, feeder insects, and invertebrates like tarantulas and jumping spiders. For aquarium hobbyists, the store carries both freshwater and saltwater fish, bettas, shrimp, snails, and live plants.
One customer described how Leslie special-ordered live plants and mopani wood to help build a 15-gallon freshwater aquascape, along with flashy fish and shrimp to stock the tank — the kind of personalized service that's hard to find at chain stores. The shop doubles as a reliable source for feeder crickets and rodents, which keeps reptile and amphibian keepers coming back weekly. Cages, bedding, food, and toys round out the dry goods selection, and the store will order in items they don't currently stock.
Several reviewers mention the family-friendly atmosphere — kids enjoy browsing the animal displays like a small zoo, while parents appreciate the reasonable prices and approachable staff. That said, the store has drawn some pointed criticism. A few customers have reported difficulty reaching anyone by phone, inconsistent opening hours, and occasional lapses in fish quarantine practices.
One experienced fishkeeper was concerned about the lack of quarantine protocols, particularly given the risk to established tanks with rare cichlids. Another reviewer raised serious concerns about the condition of spider and rodent enclosures, noting old molts, debris, and overcrowding. Customer service experiences also vary — while many praise the friendly, helpful staff, others have felt ignored during visits.
At its best, House of Exotics offers genuine enthusiasm, custom ordering, and a personal touch that big-box stores can't match. The willingness to source specific livestock and décor for individual customers is a real strength, making it a meaningful resource for Cañon City's aquarium and exotic pet community.
Gail Davis
5 reviews
I've tried....gone in there 4-5 times with this owner. Have NEVER been acknowledged by an associate in ANY visit. It's grown in merchandise ALOT since my last visit, so was hopeful initially, but never have had what I was looking for at the visit, always out....dwarf African frogs, mystery snails, male Bettas, Anubis plants....I saw a female betta I really liked but again I walked through the fish dept twice, looking at each tank & shelf carefully, making sure I wasn't missing what I was looking for, & entire store once intently, but no one acknowledged me at 4pm on a Sat. I saw an older, inactive male betta in quarantine area. Two associates tied up at the register entire time, NOT acknowledging anyone who entered or shopping. Maybe move register closer to the front door? I work at a small business in Canon, & I can tell you our cashiers greet everyone who enters. I hear them all day. Going to Pueblo tomorrow for doctor's appt & will try Pet Paradise I think is the name this time as I've been fighting a sick betta for 4 months, impulse buy, from Petsmart who finally passed. I had really hoped things were better now here in town. I grew up in a smaller town over the Sangre's who had an awesome pet/fish store in the 1980s thru early 2000s, at least so I truly want to like you. I need to be acknowledged and helped when I enter your store.
Chad Browder
6 reviews
They are always kind and helpful when I go in, and I go in there pretty much every week. They have a wide variety of pets, and they also have everything you need to get your setups going. Love this store!
GhostOfVahalla
19 reviews
I was in a pickle with last-minute plans, and and they were willing to work with me. I happen to forget my shoes, and they were still willing to run the product out to me and allow me to pay . They have excellent customer service, friendly staff and a well-maintained Store. I highly recommend house of exotics to anyone with pets 10 out of 10.
spiderman 101
31 reviews
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Jason Bohlken
8 reviews
Love this shop. The owner and staff are kind and helpful. If there's something they don't have that I want, they do what they can to get it in for me. The animals are all priced nice and so is all the gear for the critters. They love their animals, and their customers.
Jamie C
Our go-to place for crickets, much more convenient than driving to scales n tails. Huge variety of both rodent and bug feeders
Akira Beans
Our daughter really loves coming in to look at all of the animals and the staff is always so friendly and informative. We love this place!
Knotty Sisters
So happy to have a local option to get all our pets needs without having to drive all the way to Pueblo or the Springs. Its always clean, well-lit and everything is easy to find. Our family and our animals appreciate you guys!
Jamie
Huge selection of cages, bedding, food, toys and beautiful/healthy rats. Our go to place for all of our furry babies needs, highly recommend!
Fae Valentine
17 reviews
always a great place to visit! takes amazing care of their animals and very knowledgeable. if there's something you're needing that they dont have, they will order it for you! Here's my handsome man Cap'n !!!
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (719) 320-0454 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting House of Exotics.
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708 Main St, Cañon City, CO 81212
February 7, 2026
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