About
Pet Zone in Derby, Connecticut is primarily an exotic pet destination situated conveniently off Route 8, specializing in reptiles, birds, and small animals — though they do carry a selection of exotic fish as well. Owner Vinny (Vincent/Vincenzo) and his team have built a loyal following among exotic pet enthusiasts across the region, with the store also operating a second location in New Haven. The reptile selection stands out as a major draw.
Customers have purchased Green Tree Pythons, bearded dragons, chameleons, and geckos here, and the store stocks a variety of snakes and lizards at competitive prices. Vinny himself has earned a reputation for going above and beyond — one customer recounted how he worked well past closing hours to arrange shipping for a Green Tree Python, maintaining excellent communication throughout the process. The store also ships animals overnight with careful packaging, as multiple reviewers who purchased bearded dragons and other reptiles online have confirmed.
Beyond reptiles, Pet Zone carries colorful parrots (including owner-bred birds), bunnies, hermit crabs, small rodents, and feeder mice — a convenience that saves some customers a 30-minute drive. Staff members like "Q" the store manager, Tina, and Allie receive frequent shout-outs for their willingness to answer detailed questions about care, feeding, and habitat setups. The store also offers grooming services like cockatiel nail trims and dog baths.
Pricing is a consistent highlight, with multiple reviewers noting that pet food and supplies here undercut both Chewy and Petco. A rewards system sweetens the deal for regulars. The atmosphere is hands-on — customers are welcomed to hold and interact with animals before purchasing.
Note: Some reviews suggest the store may have experienced a temporary closure or inconsistent hours, so calling ahead is advisable. When open, Pet Zone delivers a personalized, knowledgeable shopping experience that chain stores simply cannot match.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Services
- Ships FishOnline StoreConsultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Ships reptiles overnight with careful packaging and excellent communication
- Owner-bred birds and wide selection of exotic reptiles including Green Tree Pythons and chameleons
- Pet food and supply prices that undercut Chewy and Petco
- Owner Vinny known for staying past closing hours to help customers
- Feeder mice and live dubia roaches available for reptile owners
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Save yourself a trip, place is closed down:)”
— Rabbit C1.0a month ago“I actually enjoyed going to this pet store, but it looks closed now for good, cleared out and empty. Maybe it couldn’t generate enough business, which is pretty sad for the area.”
— Wayne Bell5.02 months ago“Conveniently located off Rt 8 Friendly, Knowledgeable staff Fish,Reptiles,Small animals and Birds. The prices are fair. I was able to pick up some small rats for my noodles. Tina, Allie and avincent are awsome to deal with, My First time here and definitely my go to place for supplies and my pet needs. Amazing facility ,Call ahead they will assist if your in a tight spot.”
— Flavio Santana5.0Edited 2 months ago“I just purchased a Green Tree Python from Pet Zone and I can't say enough good things about this experience. Vincenzo worked with me well past closing hours (above and beyond the call of duty), answering my questions, making arrangements for shipping and responding to my emails. Communication was excellent throughout the process and my snake arrived exactly as promised in excellent condition. Vincenzo exceeded all my expectations and I highly recommend Pet Zone for your pet purchases!”
— ramhines5.03 months ago“They have friendly staff members. Very cute puppies & kitten. Thank you allowing for hold and pet the adorable animals ❤️”
— miriam lopez5.03 months ago“This is my new pet store! All the negative reviews could not be anymore wrong than they already are! Clean, friendly staff, happy looking animals I never have been in a pet store and was so overwhelmed with how great of a job they are doing. Shop PET ZONE! ☺️”
— Diandra Shafer5.03 months ago“I have not had the pleasure of visiting the store, however, I was able to purchase my sweet unnamed beardy online. He was shipped overnight with the utmost care and the communication with the representative was remarkable. Pretty sure I annoyed him a little bit, sorry, I can tell this little guy was handled a reasonable amount and was loved before he came to his forever home. He is not jumpy, loves being held and lives my shoulders and neck. This little guy is in great health. He is eating bugs and greens with no problem and is just a genuinely happy little dude. My daughter wants her own baby, I am thinking her Christmas gift, and if she gets her way I hope we can find her baby through PET ZONE. Thank you for your kindness and patience, knowledge and support. Thank you especially for being one of the good shops and taking care of these babies as if they were your own, until they go to their homes. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!”
— Cynthia Reid5.05 months ago“I am very pleased with the great service I received from Vincent and his staff to get my cockatiel's nails cut. He did a great job and I will be going back to him. Thanks!”
— Pat Santucci5.0Edited 5 months ago“Amazing store, but communication between staff is pretty much nonexistent. It’s a little upsetting because the few staff that are working barely pay any mind to customers. It’s also disappointing because even with the little staff they wouldn’t consider hiring even after going in for an interview and shadow weeks later. Little to no staff are ever available, and communication is lacking”
— Manny M.1.05 months ago“Lookin' good here, the recent attention to details is noticeable and the pets look healthy and happy! Baby bunnies and owner-bred birds here too!”
— Laura S5.05 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (203) 516-5317 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting PET ZONE.