The Enclosure

Note: The Enclosure in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is primarily a reptile and exotic bird store rather than a fish shop. While it doesn't appear to carry aquatic livestock, it's worth documenting for anyone in the Pittsburgh area who might stumble upon the listing while searching for pet stores. Walk into The Enclosure and you're immediately surrounded by terrariums housing an impressive array of snakes, lizards, bearded dragons, chameleons, and even jumping spiders.

The store has built a devoted following among reptile enthusiasts in the Pittsburgh area, with visitors praising the sheer variety of herps on display and the healthy condition of the animals. One Australian tourist was so taken with the place that he called it a highlight of his entire Pittsburgh trip, noting that every animal looked well-kept and properly housed — a far cry from the overcrowded conditions he'd seen elsewhere. Birds are the other major draw, with cockatoos and other exotic avians available alongside beak and talon maintenance services.

The store stocks a deep inventory of reptile and avian supplies, from heat lamps and bulbs to cork bark for terrarium scaping, plus specialty products like Repashy supplements that can be hard to find locally. Multiple reviewers note it's the only shop in the greater Pittsburgh area with such a comprehensive selection of herp and avian gear under one roof. Staff opinions are polarized.

Many customers single out Rachel as blunt but deeply knowledgeable — the kind of person who treats selling a living animal with the seriousness it deserves. Others have found interactions less pleasant. Prices run on the higher side across the board, from animals to equipment, which is a recurring theme in reviews.

Several customers view it as a worthwhile trade-off for animal quality and selection; others feel the markup is excessive. The store is notably clean and odor-free, a detail mentioned repeatedly and something anyone who's visited lesser pet shops will appreciate. If you're in the Pittsburgh area looking for reptiles, exotic birds, or their associated supplies, The Enclosure is a significant local destination — just come prepared for premium pricing.