For those who are not cat or dog people and might be looking for a little more exoticism in their pet, a reptile might be the perfect option. It’s also a great idea to consider supporting non-chain pet stores to buy a scaly new friend. Here are several D.C. area stores that sell snakes, lizards and other unique reptiles. 

Hours: Mon to Sat 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.

This store has an awesome reptile collection. They offer a variety of reptiles and amphibians as well as a healthy stock of fish. Check back often if you are looking for an exotic animal as they have them delivered weekly. The staff is knowledgeable and their store carries everything a first time reptile owner would need to raise their animal.

Hours: Sun 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Mon 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday Closed; Wed – Fri 10 a.m.- 6:30 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Vienna Aquarium and Pets is known for their knowledgeable staff and hands-on owner. They have turtles, lizards, snakes and fish, and work diligently to keep their animals in the store healthy and ready to find a reptile-loving household.

Hours: Mon to Sat 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.

This family-owned pet store is located in Burke, VA. The Burke Pet Center has an array of reptiles and other unique animals, including Madagascar and Albino lizards. The staff gives helpful information and advice for caring for your new cold-blooded pet.

Hours: Mon – Sat 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sun 12 p.m.- 5 p.m.

Pets Galore is a store with a nostalgic feel. They offer great prices for reptiles and even have food for your reptile on site. Pets Galore carries snakes, lizards and usually has some hard to find animals available.

Hours: Mon to Sat 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sun 11 p.m.- 6 p.m.

Annandale Super Pets will be even better than before as they have moved to a bigger retail store enabling them to have more animals. Annandale Super Pets has an extensive collection of reptiles ranging from boas to iguanas. They sell various sizes of crickets for your lizards and frogs. They also carry frozen and live rats, mice and pinkies for your snake.

Already have  a furry friend? Here are the best places to hang out with your dog in D.C.

Carly Mannava is a freelance writer living in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.