About
Zoo Med Laboratories, Inc. has been the #1 reptile product company worldwide for nearly five decades. Based on a deep passion for exotic animals, the company designs, tests, and manufactures a vast catalog of products for reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds, and other exotic pets. Their product lines span terrariums and enclosures, UVB and heat lighting, substrates, thermostats, water conditioners, vitamins and supplements, aquarium filtration, paludarium systems, and species-specific starter kits. What sets Zoo Med apart is their hands-on approach: every product is tested in their own facility housing over 200 terrariums, aquariums, and paludariums, home to 90+ species including chameleons, geckos, frogs, tarantulas, and 30 species of turtles and tortoises (several endangered). Their Turtle Nirvana Greenhouse and on-site Animal Room provide real-world validation before any product reaches shelves. Zoo Med also offers extensive educational resources including care sheets, UVB lighting guides, substrate and impaction guides, bioactive setup education, and video content. Whether you're a first-time bearded dragon owner or an experienced breeder managing hundreds of animals, Zoo Med provides the tools, nutrition, and habitats needed to keep exotic pets healthy and thriving.
Key Features
- Comprehensive Product Catalog: Covers terrariums, UVB & heat lighting, substrates, heating/thermostats, water conditioners, aquarium systems, paludariums, avian products, and more for dozens of exotic species.
- In-House Animal Testing: All products are tested on Zoo Med's own 90+ species collection housed across 200+ enclosures before reaching the market, ensuring real-world reliability.
- Education & Care Resources: Provides free care sheets, UVB and lighting guides, substrate/impaction guides, bioactive setup education, and video tutorials for reptile and exotic pet keepers.
- Species-Specific Starter Kits: Offers complete habitat kits tailored to specific animals like bearded dragons, turtles, hermit crabs, and jumping spiders, making setup easy for beginners.
- Paludarium & Aquatic Systems: Dedicated product lines for paludariums, aquariums, and betta setups including filters, heaters, LED lighting, and water conditioners.
Use Cases
- Setting up a complete terrarium habitat for a first-time bearded dragon or gecko owner using Zoo Med starter kits and lighting systems.
- Professional reptile breeders sourcing bulk heating, lighting, and substrate supplies to manage large collections of snakes or lizards.
- Aquarium hobbyists building paludarium or betta setups using Zoo Med's specialized filters, heaters, and LED lighting.
- Turtle and tortoise keepers finding appropriate UVB lighting, heating, and nutrition products tailored to their species.
- Exotic pet educators and zookeepers referencing Zoo Med care sheets and guides to ensure optimal husbandry standards.
Pros
- Nearly 50 Years of Industry Experience: With decades of expertise and a team of actual reptile hobbyists, Zoo Med brings unmatched credibility and product reliability to the exotic pet market.
- Extensive Product Range: One-stop shop for virtually every need — from enclosures and lighting to food, supplements, and monitoring systems — covering reptiles, fish, birds, and more.
- Strong Educational Support: Free care sheets, guides, and video content empower both beginners and experienced keepers to provide optimal care for their animals.
Cons
- Primarily a Product Retailer: Zoo Med focuses on physical products rather than digital or software tools, so its value is limited to those keeping exotic pets.
- No Subscription or Free Tier: All products are purchased individually; there is no subscription model or free product sampling program for customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of animals do Zoo Med products support?
Zoo Med products support a wide range of exotic pets including reptiles (lizards, snakes, turtles, tortoises), amphibians (frogs, newts), fish, birds, hermit crabs, insects (tarantulas, beetles), and more.
Are Zoo Med products tested on real animals before sale?
Yes. Zoo Med tests all products on their in-house animal collection of 90+ species housed across 200+ terrariums, aquariums, and paludariums at their facility before bringing products to market.
Where can I buy Zoo Med products?
Zoo Med products are available through their online store, a network of online retailers, and physical pet stores. Use the Store Locator on zoomed.com to find a nearby retailer.
Does Zoo Med provide care guidance for exotic pets?
Yes. Zoo Med's Education & Care Center offers free species care sheets, UVB and lighting guides, substrate/impaction guides, bioactive setup tutorials, and video resources.
What is the Turtle Nirvana Greenhouse?
The Turtle Nirvana Greenhouse is Zoo Med's outdoor facility where they care for 30 species of turtles and tortoises, including several endangered species, as part of their commitment to breeding and conservation.
