John’s Exotic Pet Store

Tucked beneath the I-70 overpass on Sterling Avenue in Kansas City, John's Exotic Pet Store is primarily a reptile, bird, and small animal shop — though it does carry fish, pet food, and supplies. Owner John is the heart of the operation, a hands-on proprietor who personally assists customers, stays late to accept rescued bearded dragons found in the woods, and clips bunny nails at a fair price. Multiple reviewers describe him offering phone consultations on everything from taming a cockatiel to caring for a newly purchased ferret.

The store's strongest draws are its feeder animals and exotic pets. Customers regularly praise the reliable stock of feeder rats and mice for their snakes, along with competitive prices on crickets and other feeders. The reptile selection includes bearded dragons, snakes, and lizards, while the bird section features parakeets, cockatiels, conures, and other species.

Small mammals — rabbits (lop-eared and lionhead varieties), guinea pigs, hamsters, and ferrets — round out the inventory, with ferrets running about $100 less than big-box competitors and coming de-scented. The supply side includes hides, bowls, cages, food, and toys for various pets. Several reviewers appreciate the pricing compared to PetSmart or Petco, noting that the mom-and-pop setup means John sometimes has to dig through back stock to find exactly what you need.

It's worth being honest: this is a polarizing store. Some visitors find the conditions concerning — dirty enclosures, a strong odor, and a strict no-photography policy that raises eyebrows. Others counter that the animals are well cared for, the store is clean, and that John shows genuine affection for every creature he sells.

9 rating reflects. For Kansas City pet owners who value personal service, affordable feeders, and a locally-owned alternative to corporate chains, John's offers something those bigger stores can't: a single knowledgeable owner who remembers your name and your snake's feeding schedule.