About
Wildlife Safari Animal Emporium in Roswell, New Mexico is a sprawling independent pet store that defies the big-box model. Owner David has built a reputation as a walking encyclopedia of animal care, and reviewers consistently praise his willingness to sit down and talk through everything from chameleon husbandry to dog nutrition to Costa Rican exotic frogs. This is not a store that limits itself to one niche — the inventory spans freshwater fish, reptiles, birds, rabbits, scorpions, piglets, and feeder rats, with a supply section covering tanks, accessories, and food for dogs and cats as well.
" Reviewers also note the tanks are notably free of dead fish, which speaks to David's attention to the aquatic livestock. The reptile section draws particular interest, with a wide array of snakes, lizards, chameleons, and geckos that you won't find at chain stores. One customer left with both a snake and a scorpion on their first visit — the kind of impulse that only happens when you trust the person behind the counter.
Honesty demands acknowledging a recurring theme in the reviews: several visitors have raised serious concerns about enclosure cleanliness, particularly in the snake rack system and some reptile habitats. Multiple reviewers noted dirty conditions and overcrowding among certain animals, suggesting the store could benefit from additional staff to keep up with the sheer volume of creatures David houses. It's a tension that runs through many small exotic pet shops — passion and inventory outpacing the labor available to maintain everything.
For Roswell residents and visitors looking for an alternative to cookie-cutter pet retail, the Emporium offers genuine expertise, hard-to-find species, and a sense of adventure. David's mentorship-style approach to customer interaction — whether advising on allergic reactions in dogs or walking a father and son through frog care — makes this a community resource as much as a retail shop.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner David provides in-depth consultations on reptile, fish, and dog care
- Beautiful discus and diverse freshwater fish at reasonable prices
- Extensive exotic animal inventory including snakes, lizards, chameleons, scorpions, frogs, and birds
- Independent alternative to chain pet stores in Roswell
- No dead fish spotted in tanks — a rarity among pet stores
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Here's the harsh reality. Running a pet store is hard, even more so when stuck with limited staff. Even so you must hold store owners accountable! I specifically went out of my way to travel to this very store because I heard the prices were affordable and the variety was good. I own many reptiles and have an entire room dedicated to their care and was looking forward to this encounter. I'm not sure if roswell just has no other alternatives or if what is deemed "acceptable" is a different standard here but in my brief time there. I would never purchase an animal from this place and here's why: 1. Right now if you go the day I'm writing this, you will see a dried up carcass of a tree frog directly above the tree frog enclosure. 2. The leopard geckos are terribly darkened some missing tails in overcrowded and dirty conditions. 3. Large species reptiles in enclosures so small they can't even turn around in them. 4. Every cage is dirty, every single one, any reptile owner knows that a cage only gets to that severity of dirtiness if no one is caring for them at all. We're talking months of buildup. 5. The bird section looks terribly overcrowded. 6. The snake rack system also terribly dirty. The most low maintenance solution for keeping snakes and even that was dirty, a bad sign indeed. This is not lack of knowledge or "a bad day" this is long term poor animal husbandry and a lack of caring by the community. I rarely post reviews but this, I can't stop thinking about. Those animals need rescuing. My only regret is that I didn't take photos while I was there. But I encourage you and go! See it for yourself! This needs more attention and raise awareness you must seek out this store and view it for yourself!!!!”
— Ahizer Farrera2.0a month ago“Not very well maintained and the animals looked sick”
— Victoria Farrera1.0a month ago“I appreciate the mentorship DS demonstrated to my son and I regarding the Costa Rican”
— Lenore Savage5.0a month ago“This guy sells the healthiest rats I've ever seen in my life and I used to frequent rat shows.”
— R5.0a month ago“Very helpful, very friendly. Gave us super good information that was needed, & answered every question. Store was great, & our experience in here was fun!”
— Destiny5.02 months ago“Enjoyed talking with David about our parrots.”
— Lori Landsaw5.02 months ago“Please try harder to care for your animals. These conditions are horrible even if its temporary. :(”
— Britany Nelson1.02 months ago“Dave is really informative and have everything you need for all your pets.”
— Pedro Ysasi5.03 months ago“Lots of fish with reasonable prices. Good selection of reptiles & small animals”
— Karen Thompson5.0Edited 4 months ago“Best place around”
— gabriel orquiz5.05 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (575) 625-9453 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Wildlife Safari Animal Emporium, Inc..