Axolotls have exploded in popularity as exotic pets in recent years, and it‘s no wonder why. With their permanent "smile", flowing external gills, and variety of beautiful color patterns, these fully-aquatic salamanders are undeniably adorable and fascinating to keep. If you‘ve fallen in love with axolotls after seeing them online or in person, you may be ready to get one of your own.
As one of the largest and most well-known pet store chains in North America, PetSmart seems like an obvious place to start your search for an axolotl. But does PetSmart actually sell axolotls? I dove deep into research mode to get the full scoop on PetSmart‘s axolotl policy and what you need to know as a prospective axolotl owner.
About Axolotls
First, let‘s cover some essential axolotl facts. Axolotls (pronounced ACK-suh-LAH-tuhl) are a type of salamander that spends their entire lives underwater. They are native to only two lakes, Xochimilco and Chalco, near Mexico City.
In the wild, axolotls can grow up to a foot long, but in captivity they typically max out around 9 inches total length. They have a thick, tubular-shaped body, short limbs, a long tail, and feathery gills behind their wide head.
Some quick axolotl stats:
- Lifespan: 10-15 years in captivity
- Adult size: 6-9 inches on average, up to 12 inches
- Recommended tank size: 20+ gallons for one axolotl, 30+ gallons for two
- Temperature range: 60-64°F (16-18°C)
Axolotls come in a dazzling array of color morphs, with more being developed all the time by breeders. Some common colors include dark gray-green (wild type), black, white albino, golden albino, and leucistic (pale pink with black eyes). Rarer designer morphs like piebald, chimera, and GFP (glow-in-the-dark) can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Axolotl Endangerment
Sadly, while axolotls thrive in captivity, they are critically endangered in the wild. A 2020 study estimated that fewer than 50 axolotls remain across their entire native range, a 99% population decrease since 2001.
The primary threats to wild axolotls are pollution, loss of habitat, and introduced predatory fish species. Agricultural and industrial runoff has heavily contaminated their lake habitat. Meanwhile, non-native carp and tilapia prey on axolotl eggs and juveniles.
| Year | Wild Population Estimate |
| —- | ———————— |
| 1998 | 6,000 |
| 2001 | 1,000-1,200 |
| 2008 | 100-300 |
| 2013 | 0 (declared extinct) |
| 2014 | 1 (single sighting) |
| 2020 | 35-50 |
Table: Estimates of critically endangered wild axolotl population over time. Source: Barragán‐Ramírez et al. 2021
Axolotls are protected by the Mexican government and are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is illegal to capture or export axolotls from the wild in Mexico. Dedicated conservation programs are working to restore their habitat and boost wild numbers through captive breeding and release.
All pet axolotls today are many generations removed from the original wild-caught animals and have been selectively bred in captivity, similar to domestic dogs. Buying a captive-bred pet axolotl does not negatively impact the tiny remaining wild populations. In fact, the thriving pet trade helps ensure a stable backup gene pool in case of complete extinction in nature.
Does PetSmart Sell Axolotls?
The short answer is no, unfortunately you cannot buy axolotls at PetSmart stores or on their website. In fact, you are unlikely to find axolotls for sale at any major pet store chain. There are a few key reasons for this:
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Axolotls have very specific care requirements. They need cold, pristine water, a carefully controlled diet, and a spacious aquarium setup. This is more than most pet stores can provide for long-term housing. It‘s also difficult to offer care advice to inexperienced owners.
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Axolotl care is a niche interest. Most people have never heard of axolotls or aren‘t ready for the responsibility. Stocking them would result in a lot of unsold animals that the store then has to care for long-term. It‘s just not profitable compared to species with more mass appeal.
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Axolotls are fragile to ship. They are highly sensitive and can easily die from the stress of shipping. Big chain stores rely on animals being shipped from distant breeding facilities. Axolotls just aren‘t well-suited for this model and have much better survival rates when sold in person.
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Axolotls are illegal to own in some places. Axolotls are a protected species in Mexico. Some US states like California, Maine, New Jersey, and Virginia completely ban keeping axolotls as pets. Other states have restrictions on importing them across state lines. Big chains like PetSmart don‘t want the liability of potentially violating these regulations.
So in short, axolotls are a highly specialized pet that doesn‘t align well with PetSmart‘s business model as a mass-market retailer. Independently owned exotic pet stores or reptile/amphibian specialty shops are more likely to carry axolotls. But by far the most common way to acquire a pet axolotl is directly from a breeder.
Finding an Axolotl Breeder
A reputable axolotl breeder is your best bet for finding a healthy, well-started pet. Look for a breeder that specializes in axolotls and is registered with USDA APHIS. Ask to see photos of their breeding facility and ask questions about their husbandry practices. Avoid "backyard breeders" or resellers that import their axolotls.
Some good places to connect with axolotl breeders:
- Reptile expos and trade shows
- Exotic pet veterinarian recommendations
- Caudata.org Breeder Directory (international)
- Axolotl Planet Breeder List (US only)
When you find a promising breeder, ask if you can tour their facility in person to see the breeding stock and juveniles. The axolotls should have bright, clear eyes, intact gills, and smooth skin with no visible wounds. Avoid breeders with overcrowded tanks or dirty water.
Axolotl prices from breeders typically range from $30-75 for basic colors up to $100-200+ for rare morphs. Expect to pay around $50-100 for a healthy juvenile from an experienced breeder. It‘s always best to pick up your axolotl in person if possible rather than risking the stress of shipping.
Axolotl Supplies at PetSmart
While you can‘t buy the axolotl itself at PetSmart, they do carry many products that can be used to set up a proper axolotl habitat. At a minimum, you will need:
- 20+ gallon aquarium
- Secure screen top lid
- Water filter rated for tank size
- Fine sand substrate (~1 lb per gallon)
- Water test kit (liquid drops, not strips)
- Water dechlorinator/conditioner
- Thermometer
- Plastic plants and hide decor
- Turkey baster for spot cleaning
- Aquarium water chiller (if room temp is >70°F)
PetSmart stocks all of these items and more. You can often get a better deal buying an aquarium kit vs individual components. For example, the Top Fin Essentials 20 Gallon Aquarium Starter Kit comes with the tank, hood, LED light, power filter, heater (which you won‘t need), and some sample food and care products for around $100.
However, you will need to visit a specialty aquarium store or online retailer for your axolotl‘s frozen/live food, which PetSmart does not carry. Juvenile axolotls should be fed daily and adults every 2-3 days. Good basic diet options include:
- Live blackworms or earthworms
- Frozen bloodworms
- Soft-shelled live crayfish or freshwater shrimp
- Frozen axolotl pellets (for adults)
Expect to spend around $200-300 for a complete axolotl tank setup, plus ongoing costs for food and filtered water. Check out the Axolotl Care Sheet on Caudata.org for more detailed housing specs.
Other Exotic Pets at PetSmart
PetSmart does offer a variety of other exotic animals that can make great pets for the right owner. Their availability varies by store, but you may find:
Reptiles and Amphibians
- Bearded Dragon
- Leopard Gecko
- Green Anole
- Ball Python
- Pac-Man Frog
- Fire-Bellied Toad
Fish
- Betta
- African Dwarf Frog
- Freshwater Puffer Fish
- Elephant Nose Fish
- Discus
- Angelfish
Small Mammals
- Fancy Hamster
- Guinea Pig
- Fancy Mouse
- Dumbo Rat
- Degu
- Short-Tailed Opossum
Of course, always thoroughly research the specific requirements of any species before bringing one home. Many exotics have complex care needs. Avoid impulse buys and make sure you can commit to providing a proper habitat and diet for the animal‘s entire lifespan.
Responsible Exotic Pet Ownership
As an exotic pet retailer, PetSmart has a vested interest in promoting responsible pet ownership for all species. This includes carefully screening their animal suppliers, providing accurate care information, and advising against acquiring pets on a whim.
Purchasing any pet, especially an exotic one, should be an intentional decision that aligns with your lifestyle, experience level, and ability to meet that species‘ needs. Don‘t just get an axolotl because they are trendy or you think they are cute. Make sure you have a genuine fascination with the animal and are prepare to give them the specialized care they deserve.
Here is PetSmart‘s official stance on animal welfare and ethics:
"PetSmart is committed to helping every pet find a lifelong, loving home. We are dedicated to improving the quality of life for all pets by using our size and resources to provide the very best pet care solutions to pet parents everywhere."
"We work hand-in-hand with our vendor partners to ensure we provide our pet parents with a broad assortment of happy, healthy pets. We have a dedicated team of pet care experts, who build and maintain strong relationships with our vendor partners. We know who we purchase our pets from and we put each one through a stringent animal care and health screening process."
PetSmart partners with PIJAC (Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council), the largest pet trade association, to develop standards of animal care and educate pet owners. While no pet store is perfect, it‘s clear that PetSmart strives to source their animals from responsible breeders and promote their welfare through every stage from breeding to sale to the home.
Conclusion
To sum up, PetSmart does not sell axolotls as of 2023. Axolotls are a highly specialized species that is difficult to maintain in a retail setting and illegal to own in some regions.
Your best option for finding a pet axolotl is to contact a licensed axolotl breeder directly. Always do your research and choose a breeder that is transparent about their practices and lets you see the animals before purchasing.
Although you can‘t get the axolotl itself at PetSmart, they do carry a wide variety of tank supplies and equipment that can be used to create a suitable habitat. You can feel good about shopping at PetSmart knowing they have high standards for animal care and sourcing.
Owning an exotic pet like an axolotl is a big responsibility that should not be taken lightly. If you feel you are ready to commit to an axolotl‘s unique needs, a wealth of resources are available to help you get started. But if you decide that an axolotl is not the right fit, consider some of the other incredible exotic pets that you can find at your local PetSmart!
Disclaimer: The contents of this guide are intended to provide general information about axolotls and should not be considered a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinarian or other expert. The author is a knowledgeable consumer but not a professional breeder, biologist, or exotic animal specialist.
