About
Happy Axolotls in New Castle, Pennsylvania is exactly what the name promises — a small, focused breeding operation run by Tina, dedicated entirely to raising and selling healthy axolotls. This isn't a traditional fish store with rows of tanks and aisles of equipment. It's a specialty breeder working primarily by appointment and text message, offering various axolotl morphs in different sizes and colors, along with starter kits and basic supplies like sponge filters and live plants.
Tina's operation has built a loyal following among axolotl enthusiasts across the region and beyond, thanks to her willingness to ship animals with careful packaging and her hands-on approach to customer education. Multiple buyers mention receiving detailed care packets with their axolotls, and several highlight that Tina insisted their tanks be properly cycled before she would send or hand over an animal — a sign of a breeder who genuinely prioritizes the welfare of her stock. Customers have named their new pets everything from Clementine to Chips to Hands, and many report their axolotls arriving vibrant, healthy, and already comfortable with human interaction.
The buying process typically starts with a text or call to Tina, who will walk you through available morphs, including ones not yet listed publicly. She's known for being patient with first-time owners, answering questions about tank setup, water parameters, and feeding before and after purchase. Her pricing is frequently cited as competitive compared to other breeders, and several reviewers note that this was a birthday or Christmas gift purchase — the kind of special occasion where reliability matters.
That said, communication can be inconsistent. A handful of customers report difficulty reaching Tina after the initial purchase, and a few had frustrating experiences with unanswered calls and missed appointments. The consensus from satisfied buyers is that texting tends to work best.
For anyone in the New Castle area — or willing to have a freshwater axolotl shipped — Happy Axolotls offers a personal, small-scale alternative to large online breeders, with real care behind each animal sold.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Axolotls
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Specialized axolotl breeder with various morphs, sizes, and colors available
- Ships axolotls with careful packaging and detailed care information packets
- Tina ensures tanks are properly cycled before releasing animals to buyers
- Starter kits available including sponge filters and live plants
- Competitive pricing compared to other axolotl breeders
From keepers
Customer reviews
“So cool, I love the idea of your business! I just started my own business with Axolotls! It’s called pink aliens 👽😙”
— Arianna Simkins - Student5.0a month ago“UNRELIABLE!!!! We were suppose to meet with Tina last Wednesday to pick out our axolotl for our son for Christmas. Unfortunately we never heard from her to confirm a time. After multiple attempts from myself and my husband via phone and text she has never responded. Still to this day we haven’t heard a word. Unfortunately we have to look elsewhere.”
— Dana Denove1.0a month ago“Update: I would highly recommend Happy Axolotl. Tina was informative and very helpful in setting you up for success with your axolotl. I am very pleased with Happy Axolotl. The first pictures from two years ago (10/15/23) Just wanted to give an update with new photos (11/14/25). We just upgraded to a 40-gallon tank, and two years later, he is a happy axolotl.”
— Paul5.0Edited 2 months ago“Update. This place exists and it's easier to leave a text and she will get back to you. VERY helpful and knowledgeable. I am excited to update after I get out little friend our daughter”
— Joe Funkhouser4.0Edited 3 months ago“terrible service never answered back drove over an hour and a half. just to wait for absolutely no reason”
— Nathan Yancey1.05 months ago“No contact. Have reached out multiple times. Don’t post you’re “open” and never answer calls or texts.”
— shaina Riley1.010 months ago“My son received a very happy and healthy axolotl.”
— Steven Eric Corson4.010 months ago“Never got back to me had 3 axolotls die needed to get info of what I did which I did every thing right not helpful at all she can't even get back with you”
— james mcburney1.010 months ago“Love the welcome sign”
— Ryan5.0a year ago“Thank you so much for helping make her 11th birthday so amazing! She is so beyond excited and we can not wait to watch Hands the Axolotl grow and be a part of our family! Tina was so amazing, always available when I had questions. Thank you so much again!”
— Amber Burghy5.0a year ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (516) 695-9415 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Happy axolotls.