The 176 Fairmount Ave. business, which opened in May, is indeed more zoo exhibit than pet store, home to saltwater fish, exotic birds, rodents, reptiles and other crawling critters.

While zoo-goers can never get too close, customers of Small Town Pets are welcome to touch and hold whatever they like, and if interested, make a purchase.

“We offer quality pets at affordable prices … that pretty much sums it up,” said owner Ray Lynch.

The Jamestown native and long-time lover of all things exotic said he’s raised birds for 17 years and has extensive knowledge of the animals he sells.

A few of the birds available at Small Town Pets, located at 176 Fairmount Ave., Lakewood. Small Town Pets is open seven days a week from noon to 7 p.m. Submitted photo

Despite what some may consider “hair-raising,” Lynch said there’s a huge demand for small exotic animals, both as pets and feeders.

“I never wanted a typical pet growing up,” Lynch said. “I’ve always had a love for different kinds of animals … for the strange and exotic.”

Animals available include parakeets, owl finches, love birds, Lady Gouldian finches, kakarikis, canaries, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, hamsters, gerbils, mice, pythons, geckos, skinks, Cuban knight anoles, frogs and fish. Small Town Pets also sells tanks, cages and other enclosures, as well as animal food, toys and various supplies.

Lynch encouraged the public to experience first-hand how owning one of these animals can be equally as rewarding as owning a dog or cat — not to mention easier to care for.

Small Town Pets is open seven days a week, from noon to 7 p.m. For more information, call Small Town Pets at 526-1115 or visit the shop’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/smalltownpets.