About
Dinky Reptiles And Aquatics in Auburn, Massachusetts is primarily a reptile destination, but it carries enough aquatic life to earn a visit from fish and invertebrate enthusiasts in the central Mass area. Owner Brian is the heart of the operation — a hands-on proprietor who personally walks customers through care requirements, from turtles to axolotls to the various freshwater species on display. The store's aquatic side features yellow belly turtles, snapping turtles, and axolotls alongside its substantial reptile inventory of bearded dragons, leopard geckos, ball pythons, crested geckos, and red foot tortoises.
Customers consistently praise Brian's willingness to spend time explaining proper husbandry, and he's known for fielding phone calls from existing customers with follow-up care questions long after the sale. The shop has a distinctly personal feel — this isn't a polished chain store but a passion project where the owner knows his stock and takes pride in matching animals with prepared owners. Multiple reviewers mention the reasonable pricing across the board, from live animals to feeder insects for tarantulas and other exotic pets.
Brian has also offered layaway for customers planning gift purchases, and the store ships animals for those outside driving distance. Beyond sales, Brian provides something of an informal veterinary consultation service. Several customers describe bringing sick bearded dragons and other reptiles to him for diagnosis and treatment advice, often at a fraction of what a traditional vet visit would cost.
He's helped with conditions ranging from prolapses to general illness, earning genuine gratitude from families with sick pets. The store does have its critics — some reviewers have expressed frustration with inconsistent hours, and a few have raised concerns about animal husbandry standards. It's worth calling ahead to confirm they're open before making the drive.
But for Auburn-area residents seeking freshwater aquatic life, turtles, axolotls, or reptiles from someone who genuinely engages with every customer, Dinky Reptiles And Aquatics delivers a personal touch that's increasingly hard to find.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Axolotls
- Services
- ConsultationShips Fish
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner Brian provides hands-on care guidance and follow-up support for all purchases
- Stocks axolotls, yellow belly turtles, and other freshwater aquatic species
- Offers informal veterinary consultations for sick reptiles at reasonable prices
- Ships animals to customers outside the central Massachusetts area
- Layaway options available for planned purchases
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Bought a crested at an expo. If i had known it was from dinkys i wouldnt have. They told me 4-6 weeks old. Find out its only maybe 2 weeks. I have to teach him how to eat. Also when my wife and I went to an expo in hanover and bought a jumping spider it was in basically a smoothie cup with a crudely cut screen siliconed to the top. The jumpers abdomen looked so small. These people dont care about their creatures. All for a profit. Stay far away.”
— Impicklerick RICK1.02 weeks ago“Cool spot to get reptiles”
— Pinina Rodriguez2.0a month ago“I’d give 0 stars but that’s not an option! Owner is horrible especially the way he handles them and cares for them! Not even proper husbandry. I’ll never go back again.”
— Deanna Lambert1.02 months ago“Amazing store! Had to bring a snapping turtle in so she could have a better home and the owner of this store was absolutely amazing! All the pets looked taken care of and any info you need he has.”
— Chelsey Young5.03 months ago“Not as professional as it used to be and can't get what you are looking for and when you have a reptile on hold it suddenly dies when honestly I think it was sold. I gave Dinky so much of my business and now they don't have any good reptiles like they used to 😩but lucky for me I found a place that has everything I'm looking for and if they don't have it they order it and I have it in my hands the very next day 😀”
— Stacey A. Burks2.04 months ago“Clean and good service.”
— Collin Deugan5.04 months ago“Drove an hour away because it says they are open and they where closed and all lights where on .. not reliable and not the first time”
— Yenitza Marquez1.05 months ago“The customer service is very good”
— Gianna Barbour5.06 months ago“This is a great local option with knowledgeable staff who take their time with customers to ensure important care questions are answered.”
— Duane Cobb4.06 months ago“Reptile rescue shelter”
— Michael Mante5.06 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (508) 832-3344 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Dinky Reptiles And Aquatics.