• Reptiles in the Philippines are still considered very niche as compared to the usual Dogs and Cats.
• The Reptile Super Store was created to be the safe space for anyone fond of reptiles.
• The Store will provide products that would be used by reptile enthusiasts.
To my husband and I, the Reptile Super Store concept has been in our heads for years. Taking care of exotic animals was not only the reason why we met in the first place back in 2018, but also a shared activity we continuously bond over to this day.
The store was more than a business idea for us; it was something that grew from years of passion, experience, and love for the community, which we wanted to share with people outside of our usual group of friends.
THE REPTILE SUPERSTORE HAS BEEN A LONG TIME COMING
My husband Lendl has always been active in the reptile community since he was a kid and became even more so when he worked in the product side of the industry, at Qmark Pet Products, the very company that carries brands like Zoo Med, Reptizoo, and Hikari.
For years, we’d constantly talk about one day owning a reptile shop. It was always in the back of our minds, a sort of long term dream. And after we got married in January 2025, we figured that since it was a new chapter in our lives, it would be the best time to finally take the plunge. There was no “perfect” place and time, so we just had to do it.
In just three months, we were already doing our soft opening.
We had a pretty clear vision for what we wanted the Reptile Super Store to be like and what our community will look for, because we ourselves are part of that community. So the main question was, what would we like to see and experience if we were the customer?
WHAT WAS MISSING
Unfortunately, until today, reptiles in the Philippines are still considered very niche as compared to the usual Dogs and Cats. There’s always that stigma: People saw them as wild animals or “underground” illegal companions. But with the continuous efforts of everyone caring for reptiles, that perception is slowly changing.
Then again, we still lack dedicated physical spaces for these animals.
At most pet shops, reptiles are included but are usually in small sections, and heavy priority is still given to Dogs and Cats. There are very few stores solely dedicated to reptiles, and even fewer that aim to be a complete one-stop shop.
The Reptile Super Store (RSS) was going to change that.
We wanted a place where you could walk in and find everything you’d need to get started properly with caring for a reptile companion. We have lighting, substrates, hides, supplements, enclosures, and friendly staff to help with any questions you might have, all in one place.
At the RSS, our tag line is, “Reptiles. Products. Hobby. Community.” Those would be the core pillars of the shop.
We wanted to create a safe space for anyone fond of reptiles, whether you’re committed to caring for one or just a curious passerby. A space where even kids can come and geek out about their animals.
Where questions are welcome and beginners don’t feel judged.
WHAT MAKES THE REPTILE SUPER STORE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PET STORES
Reptile Super Store isn’t just another pet shop; it’s a dedicated reptile hub. A space where reptiles aren’t just an exotic attraction or afterthought, but loving companions who deserve special care and attention.
We want to provide quality products, such as Zoo Med, ReptiZoo, and Hikari. Any brand we personally use, it’s there. We also work with reputable partners, such as Congo Charlie Reptile Farm, Gamma Exotics, and SLED, whose animals are covered legally.
But beyond inventory, what sets us apart is how we approach customers. We have a policy in our shop: Don’t sell just for the sake of selling.
If we feel that a customer doesn’t need a particular item for their animal companion, even if they want to buy it, we insist that they shouldn’t. We’re honest about what they truly need because our goal is not to make a sale; it’s to make sure our customers have what they need to properly take care of their reptiles.
And we feel that people trust us because of our transparency and experience. Between Lendl and I, we have decades of hands-on reptile care. While we are not veterinarians, we’ve learned a lot through books and real-life situations, as well as community knowledge – not to mention a crazy amount of trial and error over the years.
We like to go above and beyond because we know how scary and overwhelming starting out can feel, especially when you don’t have a lot of people to ask.
THE REPTILE SUPER STORE IS ALL ABOUT RESPONSIBLE OWNERSHIP
At the RSS, we firmly stand with responsible ownership, legal trade, and animal welfare. We are able to operate because we have all the proper documentation and permits in place. Our local regulations are clear: Only those with permits can legally sell animals. We also comply with import requirements for the products we carry.
Legitimacy matters to us.
We want customers to feel confident that they are buying from a proper, documented, transparent business, not from a sketchy backyard breeder.
We live in a time when caring for reptiles has evolved so much. Lendl would tell me that back in the 2000s, people didn’t have access to reptile equipment, so they had to make do with what the rest of the community was doing and figure it out along the way.
Today, we have advanced lighting systems, better supplements, and smarter enclosures, as well as a plethora of information. We want to encourage people to adapt to these improved standards and care for animals responsibly.
CHANGING PERCEPTIONS
We’ve heard heartbreaking stories of people’s reptiles being harmed simply because someone believed they were “evil” or “bad.” That kind of outdated thinking needs to change.
Reptiles are simply companions with a unique lifestyle. They don’t want to harm you, they won’t doom your family.
They often appeal to people who also love Fishes and plants. They are visually beautiful, fascinating to observe, and many of them prefer calm environments. Some reptiles enjoy interaction, while others prefer independence, a bit similar to Cats.
Fear is learned, not born with. They are not monsters, as some of the older generations might say. The more that people have positive interactions with them, the more that perception shifts, especially among younger generations. That is why we primarily cater to kids who are the next to change the reptile scene.
LOOKING AHEAD
We can say we’ve reached success once the Reptile Super Store has multiple successful branches across the country, spreading our message; when the government has fairer and more science-based regulations; and when we have an internationally recognized presence.
But more than growth, true success for us means having an impact on our community, when people finally see reptiles with curiosity rather than fear. Only then will we know we’ve done something meaningful for future generations. We hope more people give reptiles the love and respect they deserve.
And of course, you are more than welcome to join the RSS family, too!
