About
Jurassic Aquatics & Pets sits tucked inside the Willoughby Target parking lot near the intersection of Target and Giant Eagle — a spot that's genuinely hard to find unless you know to look for it on the hill by the stop sign, near Starbucks and the bin store. The shop carries both freshwater and saltwater fish alongside reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates like snails and hermit crabs. Some reviewers note decent pricing and a selection of freshwater livestock that includes cichlids, bristlenose plecos, and occasionally rare species you won't see elsewhere in the greater Cleveland area.
However, the store's reputation is deeply divided, and the negatives dominate the conversation. A significant number of visitors report overwhelming odors upon entering, tanks coated in algae, and disorganized merchandise scattered across the floor alongside random furniture. Reptile enclosures have been described as lacking heat lamps, hides, and clean water — conditions that multiple reviewers found distressing enough to consider contacting the Humane Society.
Reports of dead animals visible in tanks and on the counter surface repeatedly across reviews spanning different visits, suggesting these are not isolated incidents. The owner and staff receive some praise for friendliness and willingness to share knowledge, particularly regarding saltwater fish care. A handful of loyal customers consider it the best fish store in Lake County and appreciate the advice they receive.
But those positive experiences are dramatically outnumbered by accounts of sick fish that don't survive even in established quarantine tanks, and animals purchased here requiring expensive veterinary treatment for infections and mites contracted before sale. The store clearly has potential — its variety of freshwater and saltwater livestock, competitive pricing, and a knowledgeable owner form a foundation that could support something much better. But the persistent cleanliness and animal welfare concerns make it difficult to recommend without serious caveats.
Buyers should be prepared to quarantine and potentially treat any livestock purchased here.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Carries both freshwater and saltwater fish with competitive pricing
- Located in Willoughby Target parking lot near Starbucks — hard to find but accessible
- Selection includes cichlids, plecos, snails, and occasionally rare species
- Owner described as knowledgeable especially about saltwater fish
- Significant and recurring concerns about store cleanliness and animal welfare
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Smelled terrible. Place was dirty. Animals in poor shape. Left Felt sad seeing so many dead animals. The dead tarantula in the counter did it for me. Will not be returning.”
— Jasmine Ford1.0a day ago“This place needs to be shut down. All the reptiles have no heat lamps, no hides, mites everywhere, all the snakes are laying in their water bowls, very bad conditions. DO NOT BUY FROM HERE”
— Tom Cannell1.02 days ago“I showed up the other day, but they were not open yet. This led me to examine their reviews. Mind blown. These comments are so incredibly disturbing that I have to wonder how the hell this place hasn't been shut down yet!?!?”
— Truth Hurts1.03 days ago“I was just in there looking around. None of the snakes have water, or a hide or basking lights!! What is wrong with whoever owns this place? It a mess in there too! Don't sell snakes if you can't even give them their basic needs!! I will be calling the Humane Society if it still looks this way next time I check.”
— Cyndi Schultz1.0a week ago“a couple months ago i saved two rats from here that would have otherwise been snake food. (literally was just about to feed them to a snake) but i wish i could have saved all of the rats. They were in a nasty moldy bin and their only food was dry cat food given sparingly. since getting them i've spent over $1000 at exotic vets because of their URIs and mite treament from being kept in such poor conditions. they are now finally fully recovered and very happy, healthy babies, see photo below of them happily snoozing on me! Yes of course snakes need to eat too but it is inhumane to live-feed for the rodents and the snakes. Frozen is the way. Adopt, dont shop. definitely dont shop here or buy animals at pet stores. Rescues are everywhere! The rodent mill industry is the worst thing on this planet.”
— Girl Meets Pup1.02 months ago“I thought I was in the basement. I walked around looking for stairs to the main level. It needs a serious overhaul.”
— Chris Hardy1.0Edited 5 months ago“Yikes...first of, the entire place smelt HORRIBLE. Many of the tanks and stands for sale had mold growing. The tanks with fish in them were dirty, some of them had so much algea that you could barely see in the tank. The store was a mess, stuff was everywhere and I wasn't even sure where I was supposed to go. And to top it all off, the turtles were eating a dead baby turtle carcass...not exactly what i wanted to see today”
— Oliver Martinez1.05 months ago“i bought duck wheat from there a week ago. my fish are sick, there’s white gunk all on the bottom of my tank. worst thing i’ve ever done. don’t waste the money here it’s dirty and all and all not worth it.”
— Payton Yates1.06 months ago“Best place to buy freshwater and saltwater fish in Lake County. They also have reptile supplies, and second hand tanks. Located inside the Willoughby Target parking lot, across from Famous Footwear, next to the bin store. On the same side of parking lot as Starbucks. Hard to find. Hope that helps. It's on the hill by stop sign, between target and Giant Eagle.”
— Joyful Ham5.06 months ago“Great establishment. Great workers, very friendly. I'd go back again an again. Check them out.”
— Darrel Harris5.08 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (440) 510-8205 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Jurassic Aquatics & Pets.