Austin Exotic Pets

After a few changes in ownership and the business name, current owners Ryan South and Walter Sizemore settled on the name Austin Exotic Pets. South's wife, Alisa, who is a science teacher, gives presentations about different animals that the shop carries during special events hosted at the venue. Trained animal handlers bring in about 10 different species, and children are allowed to hold the animals under supervision.

Shumway said animals at the shop come from mostly local breeders, although some reptiles are flown in from other states such as Florida.

Adriane Hickman has been a volunteer at Austin Exotic Pets for four years. Throughout his 13 years as a customer, he has purchased 11 animals from the store.

"Not only do I feel that all of the staff know what they are talking about. I think it's one of the best spots here locally in Texas that you can get an exotic reptile," he said. "I know they take really good care of their reptiles, and I've never had any problems in the past."

Caring for reptiles

Austin Exotic Pets Manager Misia Shumway offers a few tips on how to take care of reptiles and amphibians, which she said are great for people with allergies to animals with hair.

• The inside of the terrarium is intended to mimic the reptile's natural environment, and ideal temperatures vary depending on the type of animal.
• Between 75 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit is a good temperature range for most reptiles, but check with the pet store to make sure you know the correct temperature for your pet.
• If left outside of their heat-controlled cages for too long, reptiles' metabolism do not function normally. The animals could become hungry and lethargic. Be careful not to leave them out of their terrariums for too long, especially during colder seasons.

Austin Exotic Pets, 9327 Burnet Road, 512-419-0077, www.austinexoticpets.com, Hours: Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. noon–6 p.m.