About
The Animal Store in Lincolnwood, Illinois is a family-run pet shop tucked into a strip mall that generates strong opinions from its customers. While it's primarily known as a general exotic pet store — carrying birds, reptiles, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, rabbits, and small mammals — its freshwater fish section has earned a devoted following among longtime aquarists. One 45-year hobbyist swears by the store's high-quality, disease-free tropical fish, noting that owner Ken maintains a strong selection of African cichlids, including deals on juvenile fish for new tank setups.
The store also stocks bettas and livebearers like guppies, though the fish department advice has drawn mixed reviews — one family recounted being sold incompatible tiger barbs and guppies for a 10-gallon tank with unfortunate results. The store's real identity is as a neighborhood pet emporium. Birds are a major draw, with customers praising the large selection of bird toys across all sizes and staff knowledge about avian care.
Owner Ken (also referred to as Kenn or Kenneth in reviews) is a polarizing figure — many customers describe him as patient, informative, and genuinely helpful, particularly when setting up new pet owners with hedgehogs, budgies, or degus. He's known for offering practical care tips and even follow-up training advice. Others have found him abrupt and dismissive, especially over the phone.
The store offers boarding services for small animals, a rarity among independent pet shops. The inventory tends to run deeper than typical chain stores, with harder-to-find items like land snails and feeder insects alongside standard supplies. Animal housing conditions inside the store are a recurring concern in reviews, with some customers troubled by enclosure sizes for larger birds.
The store's smell — an inevitable byproduct of housing diverse exotic animals indoors — is noted but generally forgiven. For freshwater fish keepers in the Lincolnwood area seeking healthy stock and cichlid variety, The Animal Store remains a go-to destination worth the visit.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- African CichlidsBettasLivebearers
- Services
- Fish BoardingConsultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Longtime freshwater enthusiasts praise disease-free, high-quality tropical fish
- Strong African cichlid selection with deals on juvenile fish
- Large variety of bird toys and knowledgeable avian staff
- Pet boarding services available for small animals
- Family-run shop carrying hard-to-find animals like land snails, sugar gliders, and hedgehogs
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Got my lionhead bunny from here about four months ago - He is happy and healthy! Worth the hour drive.”
— Talia5.0a day ago“Owner sold me a cockatiel like 10 years ago it was dead with in a week he was ruded when I called him said it was my fault he is very rude”
— Lori Morrison1.0a week ago“Look at these pictures of the space these animals are in. It’s so sad. Animals deserve better than this. And why is the owner responding to each of these bad reviews with only “.” Shut this place down!”
— Maricela Marquez1.0a week ago“Don’t call with questions and expect a pleasant experience. The man had an arrogant attitude with me. I called asking about the ferrets they have & he started questioning me. I wouldn’t give them a penny. Don’t waste your time or hard earned money here!”
— Maricela Marquez1.0a week ago“Only place I could find land snails, large variety of animals. Workers were very kind and helpful.”
— Sundae!!5.02 weeks ago“Absolutely love the selection of bird toys they have! Super large selection of large medium and small bird toys. You can always find enrichment for your bird. The staff is very knowledgeable about birds and what their needs are! My new bird set up with several new toys!”
— Griffin Elfant5.02 weeks ago“Bought my two baby rats , so happy , great customer service.”
— kristal rodriguez5.03 weeks ago“The young lady was helpful and patient. The gentleman was rough and tough with the pet that I was purchasing. Their prices are a little higher then the other local stores that I also go to, but this place seems to have a little better inventory. I'm not familiar with reptiles and small furry animals, but lord have mercy, the smell once you entered is quiet strong. Don't think there's much the shop can do about that, but just a heads up.”
— K W3.0a month ago“Great local store & very knowledgeable/friendly staff! Highly recommend! And the selection of animal is cool too.”
— Mike Johnson5.0a month ago“The macaws are horribly mistreated and deserve much bigger enclosures than the ones they have. I feel awful for them and wish I could afford to save them :(”
— Ajla Oz1.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (847) 675-5133 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Animal Store.