Petco sells a wide variety of pets, pet food, and pet accessories, including several types of amphibians.
Axolotls are exotic creatures that most people keep as pets. So, if you’re thinking of getting one and are considering going to Petco, read this article!
Key Takeaways
Does Petco Sell Axolotls In 2022?
Unfortunately, Petco as a whole does not sell axolotls in 2022. This is not unusual, as axolotls are very exotic creatures, but some Petco stores could carry actual ones in limited numbers from local suppliers. We advise that you buy axolotls from local exotic pet breeders, or ask your local vet for help.
Keep reading to find out where and how you can own an axolotl of your own, the options available at Petco, and more!
Why Doesn’t Petco Sell Axolotls?
Petco possibly stays away from axolotls because they’re illegal to sell and keep in some states, including California, Maine, New Jerseym and Virginia as they are an endangered species.
Due to the exotic nature of axolotls that makes them less common as pets and the restrictions by law in some states, axolotls are not a very viable business for Petco and most other pet stores.
Additionally, axolotls require temperature conditions that are somewhat different from what is required by most snakes and lizards, making them difficult to keep alive in the stores.
Where Can I Buy an Axolotl?
There are a few rare instances where you can buy an axolotl from a Petco store. We found one instance where someone spotted a couple of them at a store.
In this case, the store was getting them from the local college. Other people in the thread said they have seen axolotls at their local Petco from people who surrendered them there.
Whatever the case, the few Petco locations that have axolotls in stock from time to time seem to have them in the areas designated for other amphibians that are out of stock at the time.
However, you should be careful not to buy something that only looks like an axolotl.
We found a different case of a customer that bought a pet from Petco, thinking it was an axolotl, only to find out later that it was a tiger salamander.
Some amphibians closely resemble axolotls at certain stages of their life cycle, so you should know exactly what to look for.
That said, if your local Petco never has them, you can consider the following options:
- Animal shelters – You can find axolotls that were surrendered to your local animal shelter by someone who could no longer take care of them and apply for adoption
- Other pet stores – smaller independent pet stores are a good place to look for less common pet types, including axolotls
- Private breeders – Private breeders are the most common source of exotic pets, including axolotls. Since they are heavily regulated, consider getting one from a reputable breeder that is compliant with all the related laws
- Ask a vet – You can pay a visit to your local vet, and ask them if they know any reputable places to get an axolotl ,or someone that’s looking to give up one they already have
- Shows and expos – Animal expos and other similar shows are a good place to get exotic pets like axolotls. Aside from the private breeders with their supply on display, you can meet other axolotl enthusiasts who know where to get them
- Look for an unwanted axolotl online – You can use platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist to find people in your area that are looking to give away their pet axolotl, because they can’t keep it any longer. Look for one that isn’t charging any money so there’s less chance of getting scammed
How Much Does an Axolotl Cost?
A simple axolotl costs between $30 and $75 for a basic but healthy one, while the more exotic ones will cost you between $100 to $200.
Axolotl prices can vary greatly depending on the color and breed, and that’s before we get into the cost of keeping one.
Aside from the initial cost of the axolotls, there are additional costs involved, such as getting an appropriate tank and material. You can buy a quality 20-gallon tank for $100 to $120.
In addition to the aquarium, you will also need to purchase a filter to clean the water. You can buy filters for between $30 to $50.
There is also the cost of feeding an axolotl. An axolotl is a carnivore and can feed on worms, snails, crustaceans, small fish, and salmon fish pellets.
Food will cost between $5 to $30, depending on type and quantity.
Does Petco Sell Supplies for Axolotls?
Petco sells supplies you can use for your axolotl.
All the items mentioned in the section above are available through Petco, because they work for most types of fish and amphibian pets, not just axolotls.
Axolotls are kept in aquariums, and they can reach just over a foot in length.
Therefore, you should get an aquarium that can hold between 10 and 20 gallons of water, as well as some rocks to line the bottom of the tank.
Petco also sells a wide variety of worms that you can use to feed your axolotl.
You can also pick up other supplies like filters, thermometers, and treatment supplies for your axolotl from Petco, either through Petco stores or online.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on whether or not Petco sells ducks, Petco fish return policy, and Petco hamster return policy.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, Petco generally doesn’t sell axolotls, but you can get them through private breeders, small pet stores, referrals from your local vet, exotic animal shows, and local owners looking to rehome theirs.
Axolotls could cost a few hundred bucks. You can get axolotl supplies from Petco, such as filters, tanks, rocks, live worms, thermometers, filters, treatment agents, and more.