One Stop Pet Shop: An old business doing new things

One Stop Pet Shop opened in 1991. In those days, family-owned, non-franchise pet stores were not uncommon. Today, One Stop is the only store in the area that isn’t a national brand. Jonathan Lee, the owner, takes pride in his store. He worked at One Stop before the purchased the business with his uncle, Thomas Lee, in 2003, and today he enjoys running an old business doing new things.

Walking into One Stop Pet Shop is an experience. As soon as you step through the doors, you’re sure to notice the latest addition to the shop: the American alligator (alligator mississipienes) enclosure. Alligators are illegal to own without a permit, and One Stop has worked with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to obtain permits for Alabama, acquire the gator, and insure that the crocodilian is properly cared for. And how fascinating it is to see a three-and-a-half foot gator, Thelma, fish in the pond or bath on the sandy beach.

This is what One Stop does best. Specializing in fresh and saltwater aquatics and ornamental ponds and exotic pets, the experts at One Stop are the ones to see when you’re looking for something out of the ordinary. Sugar gliders, hedgehogs, reptiles of all kinds, Jonathan and his team have the resources and know-how to cater to your wild side. When you visit the shop, take some time to look around. You’ll want to visit the reptile room, where you will find turtles and tortoises, as well as all sorts of snake species. There’s also Darwin, the wallaby, who you’ll find in his corral.

Visiting One Stop, you can really get to know some of these animals. Every Saturday and Sunday, between 2 and 3 p.m., stop by to have your photo taken with the gator in her enclosure. One Stop Pet Shop also offers Zoo Parties for private events. This isn’t the same old pet-a-goat show. For one hour, One Stop will turn your birthday party or school event into a zoo. Tailored to different age groups, the show begins with a half hour of fascinating information about Darwin, the turtles, tortoises, hedgehogs, snakes and sugar gliders. After that, there’s a half hour during which you get to take photos and handle the different species.

One Stop Pet Shop is the family-owned pet store that’s bursting with fresh ideas. Come to visit with the many different interesting species, and you’ll see the friendly, informative service Jonathan and his family deliver.