It might come as a surprise, but Amazon’s vast marketplace extends beyond books and electronics to some truly unexpected items. Among these surprising categories, you can actually find listings for live animals, making you wonder – Can You Buy A Pet On Amazon? While you won’t find larger pets like dogs or cats, Amazon does offer a selection of smaller, aquatic creatures perfect for your home aquarium or pond.
Live Animals on Amazon: What Can You Find?
Amazon’s live animal section is a niche area, but it’s stocked with a variety of aquatic life. If you’re looking to populate a fish tank or outdoor pond, Amazon has options. You can discover assortments of goldfish, from common varieties to more exotic Butterfly Koi and Sarasa Comet fish. These are often sold in packs, allowing you to quickly add a school of fish to your aquatic environment.
Beyond goldfish, you can also find Betta fish, known for their vibrant colors and territorial nature. These fish are typically sold individually and are a popular choice for smaller tanks due to their solitary habits.
For aquarium maintenance, Amazon offers various species of snails. These aren’t just any snails; many are specifically chosen for their algae-cleaning capabilities, helping to keep your tank sparkling. You can find species like Mystery Snails, known for their efficiency in consuming algae and keeping your aquarium ecosystem balanced.
Shrimp are another category of live animals available. From colorful Blue Velvet Shrimp, perfect for adding visual interest to your aquarium, to shrimp intended as live food for larger fish, Amazon caters to different aquatic needs. These invertebrates can be a fascinating addition to a freshwater setup.
Shipping and Handling: Ensuring Live Arrival of Your Amazon Pets
Purchasing live animals online naturally raises concerns about shipping. Amazon sellers who list live animals typically have specific protocols to ensure the safe arrival of your new pets. Many listings require expedited or overnight shipping to minimize transit time and stress on the animals. Sellers often specify shipping days to avoid weekend delays and ensure animals aren’t left in transit over extended periods. It’s common for instructions to request someone to be home to receive the package immediately upon arrival.
Adding to buyer confidence, some sellers offer guarantees that the animals will arrive alive. In some cases, they even promise refunds if the animals do not survive the journey, showing a commitment to responsible shipping of live creatures.
The Cost of Buying Live Pets on Amazon
The cost of live animals on Amazon can vary significantly depending on the species and quantity. Algae-eating snails, for example, can be quite inexpensive, especially when purchased in bulk. You might find them available for less than a dollar each, making them an affordable option for aquarium maintenance. On the other hand, more sought-after or exotic fish breeds, like certain types of Koi, can be more of an investment. A pack of designer Koi fish could cost upwards of $70, reflecting their rarity and beauty.
Conclusion: Amazon as a Source for Aquatic Pets
So, to answer the question “can you buy a pet on Amazon?”, the answer is yes, with a focus on smaller aquatic life. While you won’t be ordering a puppy or kitten, Amazon provides a marketplace for purchasing fish, snails, and shrimp delivered directly to your door. For those looking to enhance their aquarium or pond, Amazon’s live animal section offers a surprising and convenient avenue to acquire these fascinating creatures.
