Store of the Month – March 2026

Wet Pets N Critters

103 West Loop 281, Longview, Texas
(903) 663-1012

https://wetpetsncritters.com/

Wet Pets N Critters has been a cornerstone of the East Texas pet community since 1988, built on a commitment to knowledge, proper care, and long‑term success for both animals and their owners. From the beginning, the goal was never just to sell pets, but to create a place where animals are truly cared for, and customers are guided in setting up healthy environments from day one. That philosophy continues to shape everything we do nearly four decades later, as we serve multiple generations of families—many of whom first visited our store as children.

Reptiles are a major part of our identity, and bearded dragons are among the most rewarding animals we work with. They are interactive, engaging, and make excellent ambassadors for reptiles, especially during our children’s birthday parties. Leopard geckos and crested geckos are also wonderful beginner species that thrive when provided with the proper lighting and habitat setup. On the other end of the spectrum, the most challenging animals are those with very specific environmental requirements. Species that need precise humidity control, UVB exposure, and careful supplementation—such as chameleons—demand a higher level of commitment and consistency and are best suited for experienced keepers. Our role is to ensure customers fully understand husbandry before they take any animal home.

My personal connection to animals started early. I grew up with pets, but cats were always my favorite. Their independence, curiosity, and unique personalities drew me in, and there is something special about earning a cat’s trust and watching their traits emerge over time. Even as a child, I felt a strong sense of responsibility toward the animals in my care, and that feeling never left. Today, in addition to running the store, we operate a year‑round cat rescue and adopt out cats and kittens. We also have four store cats that roam freely and happily interact with customers, making it feel very full circle to still have cats at the heart of what we do.

Animals are just as central to my life outside of work. At home, our family shares life with four rescue cats, two rescue dogs, and an aquarium, many of whom came to us through rescue. Caring for animals has never been just a job; it is part of who we are as a family. Whether we are maintaining a healthy aquarium or giving a rescue pet a second chance, animals continue to bring joy and purpose to our home.

My fascination with reptiles comes from how unique and often misunderstood they are. Once you truly understand their lighting, heating, and nutritional needs, they become incredibly rewarding animals to care for. I enjoy the challenge of creating the right environment and watching them thrive in a properly set‑up habitat. Bearded dragons, with their expressive personalities and strong interaction, are hard to beat and are wonderful for families. I also appreciate crested geckos for their adaptability and how well they do when provided with correct habitat design and proper UVB lighting.

A major milestone for our reptile department was bringing in Zoo Med reptile enclosures. Their quality and design allowed us to set up habitats correctly and consistently, which in turn made it possible to expand our reptile section and responsibly offer a wider variety of species. Reliable enclosure systems have made a significant difference in both presentation and animal care, and over the years, I have seen firsthand that when a habitat is set up properly from the beginning, reptiles truly thrive.

Looking ahead, our focus is on continued growth while maintaining the standards that have guided us since 1988. We plan to keep elevating our reptile habitats, expanding educational support for customers, and promoting proper lighting, heating, and supplementation practices. Strengthening partnerships with trusted brands like Zoo Med will remain a priority, as these relationships help us provide reliable, high‑quality habitat systems and responsibly expand our selection. Beyond reptiles, we will continue our year‑round cat rescue efforts, children’s animal birthday parties, and professional photography services so that Wet Pets N Critters remains not just a pet store, but a destination where families can connect with animals in meaningful, memorable ways.

Part of what sets us apart is that we are more than a traditional pet store. We host animal‑themed birthday parties for children in a dedicated party room, where kids can safely interact with a variety of animals while learning about proper care. We also operate a professional photography studio connected to the store, photographing pets and families, both with and without animals, allowing us to celebrate the bond between people and their pets in a unique way. In addition, our year‑round cat rescue, free‑roaming store cats, and emphasis on hands‑on interaction with small animals—such as rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, and hamsters—help customers better understand temperament and care needs before bringing an animal home and contribute to the warm, welcoming atmosphere we are known for.

We are also noticing several positive trends among our customers. There is a strong shift toward more naturalistic and bioactive enclosures, with growing awareness of proper UVB lighting, temperature gradients, and supplementation. More people want to create environments that truly reflect a species’ natural habitat rather than relying on minimal setups. At the same time, families are actively seeking hands‑on experiences for their children as an alternative to screen time. Whether through birthday parties, in‑store interaction, or setting up a first habitat at home, parents are looking for meaningful, real‑world connections, and animals provide that. It is encouraging to see customers asking detailed questions and taking a long‑term approach to ownership.

Outside the store, my time is still devoted to animals and creativity. Running our cat rescue and rehoming cats and kittens is a major commitment and something I care deeply about. I am also a professional photographer, capturing families, seniors, corporate events, and pets. Photography gives me a creative outlet and another way to preserve meaningful moments for others, further tying together my passion for animals, family, and community.