About
9-star rating across nearly 400 reviews. The store specializes in reptiles — corn snakes, pythons, bearded dragons, lizards, tortoises, and other exotic animals — along with the feeders, enclosures, and supplies needed to keep them thriving. Walk in and you'll find baby reptiles available for adoption, bioactive enclosure supplies, manzanita wood pieces, hides, and a rotating stock of feeder insects including superworms and mealworms.
The selection of animals changes regularly, giving repeat visitors something new to discover on each trip. Prices consistently undercut the big-box pet chains, with multiple reviewers noting significant savings on pythons and dragon food compared to PetSmart and Petco. What truly sets Cross City Exotics apart is the staff.
Names like Ariana and Kevin come up repeatedly in reviews, praised for their deep knowledge of reptile husbandry and genuine willingness to help. One customer called just to ask about tortoise care and received thorough, patient guidance over the phone — without buying a thing. First-time reptile owners report leaving the store feeling educated and confident, while experienced keepers appreciate the detailed bioactive enclosure advice.
One family drives 45 minutes each way specifically because of the quality of service. The shop is on the smaller side, and a few reviewers have noted ventilation could be improved. The store also doesn't currently carry feeder fish, which a couple of aquatic hobbyists have wished for.
But the animals are visibly well cared for, the space is kept clean, and the staff clearly vet potential adopters to ensure good homes. For Las Cruces residents looking for a locally owned alternative to chain pet stores — especially for reptiles, exotic animals, and feeder insects — Cross City Exotics delivers knowledgeable service and competitive pricing with a personal touch.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Services
- Consultation
Highlights
What makes them special
- Highly rated reptile and exotic animal shop with 4.9 stars across 391 reviews
- Staff members like Ariana and Kevin praised for deep reptile knowledge
- Prices significantly lower than PetSmart and Petco on animals and supplies
- Rotating stock of baby reptiles including pythons, corn snakes, and lizards
- Bioactive enclosure supplies and feeder insects available
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Good products to buy at a good price, but they seriously need a better ventilation system. It smelled so bad in there. I was in there for less than 5 minutes and that was 5 minutes too long.”
— Christine5.0Edited 3 days ago“Best experience ever! The service was amazing and the staff were very knowledgeable and friendly! They had all the answers and were willing to look it up even if they didn’t! . their store always looks so clean and well cared for. I would rather support them over petsmart and petco any day.”
— Mark L5.0Edited a week ago“Very cool place”
— Ronald Roberson5.0a week ago“Got a huge peice of manzanita for a good price however they dont have much in the way of pets for sale, mainly displaying reptiles and selling corn snakes and the garden variety reptiles, cool place to check out if you're in the area!”
— Marshall Bliven4.0a month ago“I bought nothing from the store just called and asked for tips & recommendations on how to better care for my tortoise the young lady who answered the phone super helpful I highly recommend thins store for its knowledgeable and friendly staff”
— Irvin Reyna5.02 months ago“I live this place! The girls were so nice and knowledgeable. I got to learn a lot as a first time reptile owner, I’ll definitely be using this place for anything I need!”
— Stephanie Hernandez5.02 months ago“Went in about a week ago, bought some “super worms”. First they were not big. I asked for large, and they gave me a bucket full of small mealworms claiming they were large, and that any bigger they will become beetles. I raised mealworms so I know they were not anywhere near the adult stage. Since I was already at the store I purchased the worms. When I get home, 35 of the 100 count were dead. I still keep finding them dead to this day. I do not recommend getting mealworms from them. They are more alive at both PetSmart and PetCo. First and last time going to this store. If you continue to buy mealworms. check to make sure that they are Alive.”
— Mercedes Lucero1.02 months ago“I was able to get what I needed to care for my lizard. They have lots of baby reptiles for you to adopt.”
— Deborah Parr5.03 months ago“This store is exceptional!!! They have a great variety of reptiles and pretty much everything you need to keep them happy. Very knowledgeable staff.”
— Hector Castro5.03 months ago“Cross City Exotics is always wonderful to me, I've been coming in regularly to ask questions and buy things from hides to insects. Super knowledgeable and friendly, and I appreciate their patience with all my questions! They're the best!”
— Kiva5.0Edited 5 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (575) 652-4059 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Cross City Exotics.