
Pet-Only Policy & Animal Care
At West Florida Axolotls & Exotics, I want two things: healthy axolotls and happy customers!
Sounds simple enough, right?
Well, there's a little more to it than that!
Quality Pets, Not Breeding Stock
One thing I take VERY seriously is responsible breeding.
Axolotl genetics have become pretty muddled over the years, and unfortunately, many animals have little to no reliable lineage information.
Just because two axolotls can breed doesn't mean they should!
All of my axolotls are sold as pets only. I do not provide breeding rights or lineage information.
That doesn't mean they're somehow lesser-quality animals. Quite the opposite! I take pride in raising healthy, quality pets.
I just don't believe every axolotl needs to become someone's next breeding project.
I'd Rather Delay a Sale!
Here's something you should know about me.
I am NOT going to tell you your aquarium is ready just because you're excited to bring an axolotl home!
If it's not ready, I'm going to tell you.
And I'll explain why!
I would much rather delay a sale than have an axolotl suffer because someone rushed into bringing one home.
And believe me, I understand the excitement. Remember, I was once determined to get my hands on an axolotl, too!
But these little creatures have very specific needs, especially when it comes to water quality.
Unfortunately, there's a LOT of misinformation out there. And just because someone works at a pet store doesn't automatically mean they know how to care for an axolotl.
That's why I've spent so much time putting together detailed care guides.
Please take the time to read them!
I've worked hard to make the information understandable because I want you to feel confident caring for your new pet.
And if you don't understand something? ASK!
I'd much rather answer your questions than have you guess and hope for the best.
I'm Still Here After the Sale!
Buying an axolotl from me doesn't mean you're suddenly on your own.
Sometimes you can read something ten times and still be standing in front of your aquarium wondering, "What on earth is going on?!"
Trust me, I get it!
I don't expect everyone to know everything. I certainly didn't when I started!
What I do expect is that you're willing to learn and take proper care of your animal.
If you read through my customer reviews, you'll notice people frequently mention the time I've spent helping them, sometimes LONG after their purchase.
I genuinely want you and your axolotl to succeed.
Because the last thing I want is for someone to bring home one of my animals, become overwhelmed, and regret getting it.
Owning an axolotl should be an enjoyable experience, not a constant headache!
And if that means spending a little extra time helping you get everything right, I'm perfectly fine with that.
At the end of the day, I'm not just trying to sell you an axolotl. I want to make sure you're prepared to care for one.
And yes, sometimes that means telling you something you don't necessarily want to hear!
Mariel
Owner, West Florida Axolotls & Exotics