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States/Kansas/Derby/Tails & Scales Pet Shop
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Tails & Scales Pet Shop

4.6(1344 reviews)
·
Closed· 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
1718 Nelson Dr, Derby, KS 67037
Freshwater
Call (316) 788-1100Get DirectionsVisit Website
About Tails & Scales Pet Shop

Tails & Scales Pet Shop in Derby, Kansas has been a fixture in the local pet community for years, drawing customers from across the Wichita metro area with its combination of aquatic livestock, reptiles, and exotic pets. While the store is best known for its reptile collection — snakes, geckos, tortoises, and iguanas — its freshwater fish section is a steady draw, with reviewers praising the variety and consistently available feeder fish at prices that undercut the competition. The fish department carries a rotating selection that includes plecos, bettas, cherry barbs, and other freshwater staples, with new stock arriving weekly according to regular customers.

Supplies for both fish and reptile keepers line the shelves, including tanks, proper lighting setups, and food that multiple reviewers note is cheaper than what you'd find at big-box competitors. The store also takes in abandoned pets that owners can no longer care for, giving them proper enclosures and lighting — a practice that loyal customers specifically call out as a reason they keep coming back. Staff knowledge is the most frequently cited positive across hundreds of reviews.

Employees — including younger team members — are described as genuinely informed about the animals they sell, from betta compatibility basics to reptile husbandry. Several reviewers mention getting reliable care advice that they couldn't find at chain pet stores. Free nail clipping for small pets is another quiet perk.

It's worth noting that the store changed ownership a few years back, and a handful of reviewers have flagged concerns about fish health, including ich in community tanks and betta housing conditions. The store clearly inspires strong loyalty among its regulars, many of whom make long drives to shop here weekly, but prospective fish buyers should inspect livestock carefully before purchasing. For Derby and greater Wichita residents looking for affordable freshwater fish, feeders, reptile supplies, and staff who can actually answer husbandry questions, Tails & Scales remains a locally rooted alternative to the chain store experience.

What They Offer

Livestock & Products

Live PlantsBettasPlecosDry GoodsFish Food

Services

Consultation

Specializes In

Freshwater
What Makes Them Special
  • Feeder fish at prices reviewers say are unmatched locally
  • New fish and animal stock arriving weekly
  • Staff praised for deep knowledge of both aquatic and reptile care
  • Free nail clipping for small pets
  • Fish and reptile supplies priced below big-box competitors
Customer Reviews
4.6(1344)

Cayden Gawthrop

2 reviews

3 days ago

I ordered a double bacon cheeseburger, they declined my order because they said they were a “pet shop” so I asked to speak to the manager. Lo and behold, they weren’t much help. So I had to walk all the way to the Himalaya mountains to find a piece of lettuce, then I had to go to the Galápagos Islands to find some tomatoes for ketchup, almost broke my foot in the rocky hills of Iran to find some wheat for the buns. Had to raise a pig for 7ish months then I also had to raise a cow for about 2 years. At this point I am furious cause all I wanted was a double bacon cheeseburger and they couldn’t even serve it up. Had to go to the store to buy some cheese, and to top it all off I had to go all the way to Terai region in Nepal to get mustard seeds for mustard. I completely forgot the onion so I had to go back to the store to get some onions. At the end of it all i finally got my double bacon cheeseburger and all is well Oh yeah I forgot to mention this place has good variety of fish and cheap prices on feeders you don’t see anywhere else.

Ashley Spellman

31 reviews

6 days ago

I bought a snow hognose and as soon as I got him home he BIT the crap out of me which I didn’t understand. I’ve owned 3 and NEVER had one bite me. Then he said he hand feeds them. If you don’t know anything about snakes, when you hand feed them, they affiliated hands with food. As soon as I got him home I put him in the proper enclosure with a hot and cool side plenty of clutter. The next morning no more than 12 hours since I bought him, I could tell he had severe neurological issues. The next morning when I woke up I found him wobbling around like crazy in his enclosure. He offered us store credit for another animal. If you look at those animals they aren’t healthy. The hognose was underweight. He said he fed them frogs. Never heard that either. I had to call and scream at the owner to give us back our cash. DONT BUY ANYTHING FROM HERE. Even if they’re the ones that sold you a sick animal, they only want to give you store credit to buy more or their defective pets. Go to Exotic Pets because I’ve never had an issue there. Ever. This guy is an idiot truly. The animals are agitated and in awful conditions you can smell it. He will tell you animals bite it’s no big deal but I have an adult hand and that hognose LATCHED on to me. He gives you a bunch of excuses. Again, I had to SCREAM at the owner for my money back. HORRRRIBLEEEEEEEE

Audra Brownlee

5 reviews

a week ago

Friendly staff and very helpful!

Cas Brown

13 reviews

Edited 3 weeks ago

Limited selection for small pets but very helpful and will clip nails for free

Steve Miller

14 reviews

a month ago

Please update your website!

Derby Detailing

93 reviews

a month ago

Super fun place my kids love it!

Tahnee Perry

13 reviews

a month ago

Staffed by incredibly knowledgeable people who care deeply about their customers and their pets! Could not recommend this place more! If you are looking for aquatic or reptilian pets, this is the only place to go!

Michael Jones

45 reviews

a month ago

How about posting feeder prices somewhere. Insane thought huh

Nick Stephenson

135 reviews

a month ago

Always helpful with any needs and!!!! Go in and say hi to Lucy!! Sweetest little GSD ever!!!

Sindy Alvarez

6 reviews

a month ago

10000000% love this place!!!! I always feel welcomed. I love that fact that , they acknowledge my kids when walking in the door and taking time to learn their names ! I also love that there was a new team members Lucie ( the puppy ). She very well socialized and gentle with kid. Gets very excited when she see my youngest child come to the store. Her owner does an amazing job on her recall. We are very much a shepherd family and this puppy is doing a very well job for her age!!! I will always come to this place , due to their atmosphere of good vibes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tails & Scales Pet Shop

Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (316) 788-1100 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Tails & Scales Pet Shop.

Hours & Contact
Monday:11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday:11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday:11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday:11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday:11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday:11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday:11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Phone

(316) 788-1100

Website

www.tailsnscales.com/

Address

1718 Nelson Dr, Derby, KS 67037

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1718 Nelson Dr, Derby, KS 67037

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Known For
Reptiles & AmphibiansPremium EquipmentKnowledgeable StaffBeginner Friendly
Information Updated

February 7, 2026

Verified Data

Information verified through Google Places API and community contributions.

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