About
Mrs. Toad's Depot in Perry, Georgia is a family-run pet shop that has earned fierce loyalty across central Georgia — not through flashy marketing, but through genuine care for animals and the people who love them. Owner Melissa and her sons run the operation with hands-on expertise that spans reptiles, birds, small mammals, and a solid freshwater fish section that keeps aquarists coming back.
The fish side of the business, while not the store's sole focus, has developed a devoted following. Staff member Joseph earned particular praise for his deep knowledge of African cichlids during a phone consultation, and the store carries species like golden dojo loaches that customers have reported thriving long after purchase. Reviewers mention coming back repeatedly for fish tank needs, and the staff takes care in bagging and dividing fish purchases — small touches that matter when you're trusting someone with live animals.
The store's real strength is its breadth. Ball pythons, bearded dragons, tortoises, cockatiels, Indian ringnecks, red-bellied parrots, guinea pigs, ferrets, hamsters, rats, and tarantulas (including rose hair Ts that one customer had been hunting for) all share space in what multiple reviewers describe as a clean, well-organized shop. Animals consistently look healthy and well-socialized, from the birds playing in their water bowls to the friendly bearded dragons ready for adoption.
The staff — Stephanie, Kari, Joseph, Carrie, and others — come up by name repeatedly in reviews, which says something about the personal connections being built here. Kari helped a customer set up layaway for a tortoise. Joseph guided a family toward adopting an adult beardie instead of a baby, complete with habitat.
These aren't transactions; they're relationships. Mrs. Toad's also accepts animal surrenders and offers a layaway program, making pet ownership more accessible.
For Perry and the surrounding central Georgia area, this shop delivers something big-box stores simply cannot: people who genuinely know and care about every species on their shelves.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- African Cichlids
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Staff member Joseph praised for deep African cichlid knowledge
- Golden dojo loaches available and reported thriving post-purchase
- Family-owned by Melissa and her sons with hands-on expertise
- Layaway program available for animals and habitats
- Clean, well-organized store with healthy, well-socialized animals across species
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Love this place there so friendly and cool def should shop there!!”
— Destiny Mitchell5.0an hour ago“Great staff and so sweet! The dumbo rat was well socialized and the staff love their animals!”
— Kit5.04 days ago“I got triplets today !! (3 rats lol) i love them and i loved the worker ! I didnt get her name but she was lovely ! Thank youu”
— Kayla C5.04 weeks ago“This place is great! Well organized, clean and super friendly and knowledgeable staff. I wasn’t in the market for a new family member today but I ended up coming home with a red bellied parrot. The sweetest little baby. Thanks to Mrs. Toad’s staff for helping us to make this happen and for your patience!”
— Victoria Smith5.0a month ago“Hands down the best pet store in central Georgia! The staff was super friendly, upbeat and eager to assist with our needs! They gained lifetime customers today”
— Joshua Smith5.0a month ago“Stephanie is absolutely amazing! She was so sweet and helpful. Thank you again Stephanie!”
— Shiann Farlett5.0a month ago“I love this place there absolutely grate .”
— Melissa Ojeda5.0a month ago“Great shop they had my Rainbow Loirket food I had been looking everywhere for it. I give the 100 stars not five but a 100 stars”
— LATONYA BUTLER5.0a month ago“Very nice and clean place. Employee's very knowledgeable.”
— Matt Gullion5.0a month ago“Joseph was really helpful and knowledgeable about everything he was talking about when I called into the store today. I really appreciate the dedication and knowledge that he knew when I called ex about African cichlids. I love people that actually take pride in their job and actually enjoy their job. Keep up the good work, Joseph.”
— Anthony JAYY5.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (478) 224-8623 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Mrs. Toad's Depot.