At Critters, Reptiles & Exotics, the mission begins with education—because the best way to protect exotic animals is to prevent poor care or neglect before it ever happens.

Founded on the belief that the best way to protect exotic animals is to stop poor husbandry before it starts, the store was created as an immersive, experience-based learning environment. Here, guests of all ages can engage with exotic creatures firsthand, ask questions, and discover the commitment required to properly care for them—long before bringing one home.

The vision behind Critters, Reptiles & Exotics belongs to Christopher R. Enders, a lifelong animal lover who, at 34 years old, finally decided to turn his passion into a purpose. What started as an idea for a YouTube channel on exotic animal care quickly evolved into something deeper when Christopher rescued Luigi—a severely malnourished bearded dragon suffering from blindness and metabolic bone disease (MBD). That moment became the spark for everything that followed.

The next year, Christopher began offering exotic pet sitting services, his first client being an African Grey Parrot with neurological issues caused by MBD and a lifetime of improper care. Realizing the parrot would receive better care with Christopher and his family, the owners relinquished the bird. Unfortunately, the parrot eventually passed away—well before her prime—but her story only solidified Christopher's drive to make a difference.

In the months that followed, he rescued two red-footed tortoises with MBD and respiratory problems, along with an Asian forest scorpion and a leopard gecko—each one a new chapter in his growing commitment to exotic animal welfare.

While the idea of starting a rescue organization was a natural next step, Christopher realized that most of these heartbreaking situations could be prevented through proper education up-front. Rather than starting a "reactive” exotic pet rescue, he chose to create a proactive solution: a pet store built around hands-on learning, guidance, and compassionate care.

Critters, Reptiles & Exotics will be more than a pet store—it will be a community hub for exotic animal lovers, future pet parents, and curious minds alike.

Stay Tuned for updates on our official grand opening!