About
HomeGrown Scales in Barre, Vermont is a small, passionate pet shop that takes animal welfare seriously — sometimes to a fault, and that's exactly what makes it special. Run by Morgan, who reviewers describe as incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated, this store focuses primarily on exotic pets and reptiles, though freshwater fish like bettas also make their way into the inventory. The shop has built a loyal following among reptile keepers in central Vermont.
Customers trust Morgan for everything from ball pythons to feeding supplies, enclosure setups, and maintenance equipment. She even boards animals when owners need to travel — a rare service that speaks to the level of personal care this store provides. Reviewers consistently note that the animals sold here are healthy and ethically bred, and the quality of feeder insects like crickets far surpasses what you'd find at big-box competitors.
One customer reported days without a single dead cricket, a stark contrast to their previous chain-store experience. The betta fish section offers an interesting window into the store's philosophy. 99 betta.
It's a polarizing approach, but it reveals a shop that genuinely prioritizes animal welfare over making a quick sale. For most customers, that level of care is exactly what draws them in. HomeGrown Scales also earns praise for its pet food and supply selection, with efficient curbside pickup for those who know what they need.
The store carries a wide variety of food brands and care products across multiple species. What sets this Barre shop apart is the personal relationship Morgan builds with her customers. She'll research answers she doesn't immediately have, remember your animals by name, and hold firm on ethical standards.
It's the kind of independently owned store where the expertise is real and the animals come first.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Bettas
- Services
- Fish BoardingConsultationDelivery
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner Morgan provides deeply knowledgeable, hands-on consultation for exotic pets and fish
- Offers animal boarding services for reptiles and exotics
- Ethically bred, healthy animals including ball pythons and bettas
- High-quality feeder insects with far better survival rates than chain stores
- Fast and efficient curbside pickup for food and supplies
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Amazing variety of pet food and supplies. Their curbside pickup is super fast and efficient. Great job!”
— Arafatul Islam Saon5.0a week ago“Homegrown is the only place I trust for my reptiles needs. Morgan is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful to keep my kids in top condition. On top of all the feeding supplies she has in stock she also has the set up and maintenance equipment. She boards when I have to go out of town. All the creatures Ive gotten from the store are healthy and ethically bred. I highly recommend this for any of your exotics needs.”
— Michele Flecchia5.02 months ago“I recommend this store and Morgan a million times over. She’s very knowledgeable and if she doesn’t know how to help she will figure it out!”
— Meg Martin5.02 months ago“Wanted to buy a betta fish they had for 6.99 the seller asked about it's habitat and gave me there advice then said it was up to me on habitat then after a long bit of there advice they changed there mind and would not sell me the fish and so I wanted to buy the fish and the temporary habitat it was in seller said they would need to ask there boss that he said he cant get a hold of,I thought the advice for a half hour was a little extreme for a 6.99 betta fish then get denied after so I'll take my business elsewhere and I bought one and plan to get a 2nd next week I understand the stricked advice if it was a costly animal but over a 6.99 common fish was bizarre”
— Tracy Cowan1.02 months ago“This is going to be my go to place for crickets! Been a few days now with no dead crickets. Used to go to the big pet store and half my crickets were dead next day..”
— Nicole Turner5.04 months ago“Got my ball python from there, amazing place awsome customer service”
— Tfunk Tofani5.05 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (802) 622-8040 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting HomeGrown Scales.