It might come as a surprise, but amidst the vast selection of products on Amazon, from electronics to home goods, you can also find a section dedicated to live animals. While you won’t find puppies or kittens, Amazon does offer a variety of smaller creatures, perfect for aquarium and pond enthusiasts. If you’re wondering “Can You Buy Pets On Amazon,” the answer is yes, with a few interesting caveats.
When most people think of buying pets online, they might imagine larger animals. However, Amazon’s live animal offerings are currently focused on smaller aquatic life. Let’s dive into what kind of pets you can actually purchase on Amazon.
Discovering Live Animals on Amazon: What’s Available?
Amazon’s selection of live animals primarily consists of aquatic species ideal for home aquariums or ponds. Here’s a breakdown of what you can typically find:
Fish Variety Packs and Solitary Wonders
Amazon boasts a diverse collection of fish, often sold in packs to populate your aquarium quickly. You can find assortments of popular goldfish and guppies, perfect for beginners and adding a vibrant splash of color to any tank. For those seeking more exotic options, Amazon also lists Butterfly Koi and Sarasa Comet fish, known for their beauty and graceful movements in larger tanks or ponds.
Beyond variety packs, you can also purchase individual fish like the Betta, also known as Siamese fighting fish. These fish are known for their vibrant colors and flowing fins, but it’s important to remember that Bettas are territorial and best kept alone or with very peaceful tank mates.
Algae-Eating Snails for a Clean Ecosystem
If you’re looking for natural tank cleaners, Amazon offers various species of snails. These snails are primarily sold for their practical purpose: to keep your aquarium or pond clean by consuming algae buildup. Species like Mystery Snails are popular choices for their effectiveness and relatively low cost.
Shrimp for Aquariums: Beauty and Function
Shrimp are another category of live animals available on Amazon. These tiny crustaceans come in various species, some prized for their color and ornamental value in aquariums, while others are purchased as live food for larger fish. Blue Velvet Shrimp are a popular choice for adding color and activity to a freshwater tank.
Shipping and Handling: Ensuring Live Arrival
Purchasing live animals online naturally raises concerns about shipping. Amazon sellers who offer live pets typically have specific and often strict shipping procedures to ensure the animals arrive alive and healthy.
Many listings specify overnight shipping and designated shipping days to minimize transit time. Sellers often include instructions to ensure someone is home to receive the package immediately upon arrival, preventing the animals from sitting outside in potentially harmful conditions.
Furthermore, some sellers guarantee live arrival and may offer refunds or replacements if the animals do not survive the journey. It’s crucial to carefully review the shipping policies and guarantees of each seller before making a purchase.
Cost Considerations When Buying Live Pets on Amazon
The price 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.
However, more exotic or designer fish, like certain types of Koi, can be more expensive. A pack of six Koi fish, for instance, could cost around $70 or more, reflecting their rarity and beauty. Consider your budget and the type of aquatic pet you desire when exploring your options on Amazon.
Conclusion: Amazon’s Niche Pet Market
So, can you buy pets on Amazon? Yes, you can, but primarily smaller aquatic creatures like fish, snails, and shrimp. While you might not find larger pets like dogs or cats listed, Amazon offers a convenient platform to purchase these smaller companions and aquarium maintenance helpers. If you are setting up a new aquarium or pond and looking to populate it with aquatic life, Amazon’s live animal section is worth exploring, keeping in mind the specific shipping and handling requirements to ensure a successful and ethical purchase.
