About
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.
Highlights
What makes them special
- Massive selection of reptiles including snakes, bearded dragons, chameleons, tegus, and jumping spiders
- Exotic bird sales and beak/talon maintenance services
- Notably clean, odor-free environment with healthy, well-handled animals
- Comprehensive reptile and avian supply inventory including cork bark and Repashy products
- Largest herp and avian specialty shop in the Pittsburgh area
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Absolutely would not buy any reptiles from this place. They sold us a “red Argentine tegu” … it’s 8+ months old and it’s absolutely not even red. They charged an arm and a leg ($600). Doubt it’s even Argentine given its terrible demeanor. I don’t care what anyone says, any ETHICAL reptile stores have some sort of return policy… not that I’d ever give them back our lizard with how they keep them… Irresponsible and unethical selling practices.”
— Amanda K.1.0a week ago“I’d say do your research before getting things here pretty over priced animals and equipment in general. I will say the temperament of the reptiles are good. Staff was rude to me”
— Martae King3.0a week ago“Picked up a warning lamp and bulb. Have also bought bird food too. Very helpful staff. May be a little more cost but convenient. The reptiles and animals also seem well taken care of.”
— Theresa Grieco5.0a week ago“Employees are rude, especially Rachel. Act like they know everything when they have no updated knowledge on reptiles. Just treats people plain scummy.”
— Sky Dragon1.02 weeks ago“I bring my bare eyed cockatoo for his beak & talon maintenance. Rachael is the absolute best!”
— Heather Grindle5.0Edited 3 weeks ago“Well worth the drive if you live far like me! They have an amazing variety of products and cool guys! The also have a lot of Cork Bark if you’re someone like me who can’t get enough of it for your scapes!”
— Lillian Vasilko5.0a month ago“huge variety of reptiles in the even have jumping spiders now”
— Ryan Emrick5.0a month ago“Very knowledgable and helpful staff. Our bearded dragon that we purchased here is now 2 years old and doing great!”
— Benjamin Ferguson5.0Edited 2 months ago“Always well stocked with a variety of your 2 to million legged pets. An adventure within awaits.”
— Amber Koshinsky5.02 months ago“Amazing place!! Everything for reptiles!”
— edgar patiño5.03 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (724) 325-2363 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Enclosure.