Store of the Month – October 2022

Animal Ark American Fork

175 South 500 East, American Fork UT 84003
(801) 763-8200

Website: https://animalarkaf.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalarkaf/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/animalarkaf

Now three generations deep, Animal Ark is a strong family business with an infectious attitude. Esther is the owner of Animal Ark American Fork, but her pet-loving dreams took flight as a child while she was still under the wing of her parents’ guidance. She grew up in her family’s pet store and loved taking animals home for extra attention. She especially loved bringing home birds to train after store hours. She learned the ropes of animal husbandry from the time she was 11, and in 2003 took over Animal Ark American Fork. Now her son (13) is carrying on the tradition and helps at the store.

From the beginning, Esther bred and hand-raised cockatiels for the store. After establishing a thriving operation, she branched out into breeding other animals for the store, such as corn snakes, king snakes, milk snakes, hognose snakes, Kenyan sand boas, leopard geckos, crested geckos, mourning geckos and more! Many of Animal Arks’ animals come from Esther’s breeding projects, but they also support local breeders and hobbyists to supplement their supply.

In addition to the animals Esther produces, Animal Ark offers a variety of freshwater fish, amphibians, reptiles, arachnids, birds, and small animals. They also are proud of their customer service and will walk people through every step of a project from setting up their first pet, to building a bioactive terrarium. Employees are knowledgeable and service driven.

After 19 years at Animal Ark American Fork, and 30 years in the industry, Esther has not slowed down in her passion for animals. In her own words:

“I love my job! I love the people I get to meet. The pet industry has been my home for over 30 years. I am so excited to see the growth and change during that time. I am so lucky to have the staff that I have. Without them, I would not be able to do what I do. I am lucky to have had the chance to learn about animals that I am interested in. I always say: you can’t get bored in the pet industry, there is always something to learn. I don’t want to do anything else (except hiking and exploring beautiful Utah and hanging out with my family).

I am so glad that the pet industry grows with people. I feel like pet keeping will be better than ever with more captive breeding, and animal husbandry knowledge just becoming so much better.  I am a USARK and PIJAC supporter. I think pets teach us so much about ourselves.

-Esther”

Animal Ark American Fork is known for their healthy animals, a very clean store, and great customer service. If you find yourself in the area, be sure to stop by and check them out!