Why a Beloved Acushnet Reptile Shop Is Closing After 22 Years

Cold Blooded Pets in Acushnet is closing after more than two decades in business, and owner Nicholas Chandanais said it comes down to a tough reality for small specialty shops: he just can’t compete with online pricing, especially Amazon.

Chandanais opened the reptile and exotic pet store in 2003. Over the years, it became a go-to spot for SouthCoast families looking for everything from bearded dragons to the day-to-day supplies that keep reptiles healthy. He was such an expert that local vets would regularly reach out to him for advice.

With the rise of popularity in Amazon, he said the business model that once worked has changed completely.

A Business Built on Passion, Not Profit

“The animals don’t really make much money,” Chandanais explained. Feeding and caring for reptiles is expensive, and he said marking animals up too high isn’t realistic. A bearded dragon that sells for around $75 might cost him close to $60 in feeding and care by the time it leaves the store. The store has traditionally relied on sales of tanks, lights, and supplies to stay afloat.

How Amazon Changed the Pet Supply Game

That’s where Amazon has hit the hardest.

Chandanais said this past Christmas season was the turning point. The store sold about 30 animals, but not a single customer bought a tank in store. Instead, shoppers went online. He added that even the major brands he carries now sell directly on Amazon, sometimes pricing items only about a dollar more than what he pays wholesale.

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What Customers Should Know Going Forward

Chandanais said he hasn’t taken a paycheck in about four months and decided it was time to close before going into debt. He’s returning full time to veterinary work at New England Animal Hospital in Fairhaven, where the practice is looking to expand into reptile care.

Where Reptile Owners Can Still Find Help

For customers wondering where to go next, Chandanais recommends Bird and Reptile Connection in Walpole, which also offers boarding. He noted that while most people won’t drive 40 minutes for a small purchase like crickets, the Walpole shop is a trusted option for animals, boarding, and support.

Even with the storefront closing, Chandanais said he plans to keep Cold Blooded Pets’ Facebook and Instagram pages active so customers can still reach out for advice and care tips. He said reliable information can be hard to find, and he doesn’t want longtime customers to feel abandoned.

Cold Blooded Pets will close its doors permanently on February 28, 2026. The tortoises will be moving into Chandanais' home.