---
type: store
name: "John’s Exotic Pet Store"
city: "Kansas City"
state: "MO"
rating: 3.9
reviews: 580
url: https://www.fishstores.org/missouri/kansas-city/johns-exotic-pet-store
---

# John’s Exotic Pet Store

Fish store in Kansas City, Missouri

- **Address**: 4015 Sterling Ave, Kansas City, MO 64133, Kansas City, MO, 64133
- **Phone**: (816) 265-0028
- **Rating**: 3.9/5 (580 reviews)

## Hours

| Day | Hours |
| --- | --- |
| Monday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 12:00 – 6:00 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 – 7:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 – 4:00 PM |

## About

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. The reviews split roughly along these lines, which the 3.9 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.

## Specializations

- **Water Types**: Freshwater
- **Livestock & Products**: Dry Goods, Fish Food
- **Services**: Consultation
- **Known For**: Premium Equipment

## Highlights

- Reliable stock of feeder rats, mice, and crickets at competitive prices
- Wide selection of exotic birds including conures, cockatiels, and parakeets
- Owner John provides hands-on consultation for animal care and taming
- Ferrets priced ~$100 less than big-box stores, de-scented included
- Reptiles, rabbits, hamsters, and small mammals with supplies and accessories

## Customer Reviews

**"Jamie Richardson"** - 4/5 - a week ago
> Clean and well organized. I was unsure because of other reviews but there was virtually no odor and Im super sensitive. Animals all looked well cared for and the few who were sick had signs explaining they were rescues being nursed.

**"D L"** - 1/5 - 2 weeks ago
> Those poor animals. Smells awful. Everything looked sick.

**"Stephanie Hardwick"** - 2/5 - 4 weeks ago
> Very dirty felt sorry for the critters. The guy was nice.  That's why for the 2 stars.  Otherwise it would be zero.

**"Dawn"** - 5/5 - a month ago
> Great place with knowledgable staff!

**"Ekim Harding"** - 3/5 - a month ago
> Higher priced then others and most the birds looked really rough

**"Liz Dakota"** - 5/5 - a month ago
> So many wonderful birds! John was able and willing to help me pick the perfect bird for my situation. I am thrilled! As we're all the other customers who visited while I was here.

**"J Ortz7"** - 5/5 - a month ago
> Un lugar muy bueno para una mascota linda 🥰🥰me encantó mi pequeño conejo 🐇😍😍es tan lindo y tan obediente, hay mucha variedad de animales

**"Tabossco"** - 5/5 - a month ago
> Great friendly service

**"Syd Masden"** - 5/5 - 2 months ago
> Helpful place for feeders

**"Sebra Scrogum"** - 3/5 - 2 months ago
> Always have feeder mice available

## Nearby Stores

- [Pet-Topia](https://www.fishstores.org/missouri/kansas-city/pet-topia) - Kansas City, MO - 4.6/5
- [The Liquid Zoo](https://www.fishstores.org/missouri/joplin/the-liquid-zoo) - Joplin, MO - 5.0/5
- [Liberty Reef](https://www.fishstores.org/missouri/ofallon/liberty-reef) - O'Fallon, MO - 4.9/5
- [Mississippi Mutts](https://www.fishstores.org/missouri/cape-girardeau/mississippi-mutts) - Cape Girardeau, MO - 4.9/5
- [Pure Fish Magic LLC](https://www.fishstores.org/missouri/valley-park/pure-fish-magic-llc) - Valley Park, MO - 4.9/5
- [Art Of Aquaria](https://www.fishstores.org/missouri/st-louis/art-of-aquaria) - St. Louis, MO - 4.8/5

---
*Source: [FishStores.org](https://www.fishstores.org/missouri/kansas-city/johns-exotic-pet-store)*
*Last updated: February 7, 2026*