Allan's Pet Center - West LA — Attraction in Santa Monica

BEWARE Wild caught animals sold here! Worst customer service and unethical practices. Everyone who works here is absolutely soulless and uneducated. The staff will also give you improper husbandry information- join a fb group before getting an exotic animal where people who actually know what they are talking about will help educate you. They will say anything here to make a sale. The place is dingy and dirty, crickets everywhere, pets for sale in enclosures that are way too small. Lizards with tails they have lost due to stress, dead fish, I have seen two batches of poison dart frogs not make it, birds clearly stressed, and sadly, they promised the atelopus I purchased were captive bred, but are, in fact wild caught. The manager, drew told me he personally ordered them from the guy that bred them, the gentleman that runs the reptile super show (later going back on his story, which he couldn’t keep straight) I wanted to buy two, because they were a good price (which should have been a red flag for me) and three employees swore they were not wild caught, they threw the third one in for free, which had nose rub when I picked him up (I will post photos of them on the counter where you can see it, the toads should have never ever been put on the floor, unless they're not educated enough to identify nose rub- which occurs typically when frogs/toads are in enclosures that are too small for them) I found him dead in his enclosure a half hour ago. I am heartbroken. Instead of apologizing, they sent me this email I have posted a screenshot of- the manager, drew called me after this exchange and asked me to come in to talk- because he didn't want everything in writing. It sucks they are the only exotic pet shop around, please only buy food from these people if you have to. Do not support businesses like this, they are completely unethical. They didn't even quarantine or examine the frogs before they were put on the floor

Edit: drew called as soon as this post went up to try to calm me down and tell me I'm in the wrong/backtrack on info he gave me before I purchased them. Not willing to give me a refund to pay for vet bills, only if I return the toads to people who can't care for them properly. Absolutely not.

Edit: I found another one dead last night, I am devastated- the vet said he had a bacterial infection and I was treating it.

In terms of "making things right" I believe they should have offered to refund me without returning the frogs. The enclosure I built was $525 not including the mister system, the chytrid and ranavirus testing was $50 and the vet appt/fecal float for parasites/antibiotics was $200. So $140 doesn't even cover the testing I had already done. Their customer service is actually appalling and I beg you to not support them. If you want a pet, as the manager said, go to a breeder, not someone that doesn't have a paper trail they are willing to show you that leads back to the breeder.

If you want an atelopus, contact Nick Stacy aka indicator species- he's the premier breeder of the toads- the first to breed them and knows everyone who has done it successfully.

Worst customer service I have ever encountered, don’t bother calling the other location, they also extremely lack compassion. Owner doesn’t care, won’t call interact with customers and also has zero compassion. Contacting a lawyer due to the amount of emotional distress this has caused me...

UPDATE: Since the owner is spewing sarcastic, malicious and dishonest rhetoric, I feel compelled to defend my reason as to why I rated this center 2 stars originally, downgraded to 1 for unprofessional conduct. I am perplexed by Allan’s false narrative that I am a customer that complained to them about the fruit flies dying off for 20 minutes and one that never properly researched about my pet, as neither of these things are true. He must be trying desperately to save his business’s face, going as far as lying which is very concerning to future customers reading this review.

The staff, as nice as they are, give the impression that they have experience and authority to speak on preying mantises which might not be the case. I've been told by the staff I can feed crickets, which have been WIDELY discouraged by the mantis community for numerous reasons. This tells me that they lack the knowledge about this specific animal and are NOT telling newbies/amateurs to pay discretion to their advice - which could lead to fatal results for your precious pet. There are numerous occasions where their advice (regarding feeders and cage supplies) went against the opinions of mantis owners on Reddit and mantidforum. Are the black soldier flies the reason for my mantis's death? Maybe, maybe not. I am not blaming the business for the death of my pet, rather the history of carelessness with their communication. Therefore I DO NOT recommend mantis newbies to rely on them for recommendations when starting off in the hobby.

I am sure the ugly nature of your responses will deter people from your business. Wishing you peace my friend.

original:

i wouldn't rely on them for advice for just any being you care for. i have a preying mantis and was recommended soldier fly larvae which i fed without knowing the risks of poisoning (many people from the mantis community discourage this prey as they may have contaminants). i found out from my own research after my poor manty passed away suddenly, close to adulthood, and the only change was the prey i was feeding him. please do your own research prior to purchasing any prey item willy nilly! it is crucial to understand the validated knowledge from the special community you come from.

edit: after reading the very bitter response by the business owner i am taking away one star - clearly they are not emotionally equipped to receive honest, respectful critique. on top of that you have no empathy for someone that just lost their pet. please understand that i am not here to disparage your business but rather warn newbies/amateurs from making abrupt decisions and relying on people that may have no knowledge about their pet. on top of that you make assumptions about who i am as a customer because i've purchased mealworms and dubia roaches from you guys... hilarious

• I will be making all future purchases from bugsincyberspace and rainbow mealworms, both of which are highly recommended by mantis community! thanks for your business but happily won't be returning :)

please refer to below screenshot for very bitter and...

I have been a loyal customer at Alan's Exotic Pet Center for over five years, and I can confidently say that this establishment deserves the highest praise for its exceptional service, knowledgeable staff, and extraordinary collection of animals. Whether you're a reptile enthusiast or simply in search of a unique addition to your family, Alan's Exotic Pet Center is the perfect destination.

One of the standout qualities of Alan's Exotic Pet Center is the team's unparalleled care and dedication towards their animals. The staff members are not only passionate about their work but also possess a profound understanding of the animals they care for. Over the years, I have sought their advice on various reptiles I own, and each time, they have provided me with invaluable insights and guidance. Their expertise in reptile husbandry is truly commendable, ensuring that every customer receives accurate information to create a healthy and thriving environment for their pets.

The diversity of animal species available at Alan's Exotic Pet Center is truly astounding. From reptiles with their mesmerizing scales to birds with vibrant feathers, from aquatic creatures with graceful fins to the mysterious allure of eight-legged companions, this store has it all. Their inventory is not only extensive but also meticulously curated, showcasing a wide range of species that cater to every customer's preference. I have always been amazed at the incredible variety of animals they have in stock, making it possible for anyone to find their perfect, unique companion.

Alan's Exotic Pet Center excels not only in their range of animals but also in providing a holistic experience to their customers. The store is impeccably maintained, with habitats designed to mimic the natural environments of the animals. This attention to detail ensures that every creature feels comfortable and secure, contributing to their overall well-being. Furthermore, the staff members are always available to answer any questions or concerns, providing comprehensive guidance on pet care, nutrition, and enrichment.

Another notable aspect of Alan's Exotic Pet Center is their commitment to ethical and responsible practices. The animals available for purchase are ethically sourced, and the team prioritizes the well-being and conservation of the species they care for. This dedication to animal welfare is evident in every interaction, leaving customers with the peace of mind that they are supporting a business that truly cares about its animals.

In conclusion, my experience with Alan's Exotic Pet Center has been nothing short of outstanding. Their unwavering dedication to their animals, extensive knowledge of reptile husbandry, and wide selection of diverse species make them the go-to destination for any exotic pet enthusiast. I highly recommend paying a visit to Alan's Exotic Pet Center if you are seeking a new scaled, feathery, gilled, or eight-legged addition to your family. Your journey into the world of exotic pets begins here, where expertise and exceptional...