You walk in and the first thing you hear isn't a "hello." It’s a literal river.
Most people expect a pet store to be a row of sterile cages and some dusty bags of kibble. Preuss Pets in Lansing is nothing like that. Honestly, it’s more like a zoo that forgot to charge admission at the door. Located in a 22,000-square-foot building in Old Town, this place has become a landmark for a reason.
It’s humid. It’s loud. It’s a little chaotic.
But if you’re looking for Preuss Pets in Lansing, you probably already know it’s Michigan’s largest family-owned pet shop. What you might not know is that the family has been at this since the 1960s, starting with a woman named Lennah Jean who bred angelfish in Pennsylvania. Fast forward to 2026, and the third generation is running a Caribbean-themed paradise that features everything from hand-tame parrots to a full-time aquatic veterinarian.
The "Bug Bar" and Why the Atmosphere is Weird (in a Good Way)
The first thing you’ll notice is the decor. There is a lime-green bus inside. A literal bus.
Next to it, you’ll find the "Bug Bar." If you’ve got a lizard that only eats the finest crickets or dubia roaches, this is the place. It’s a quirky touch that reminds you this isn't a big-box corporate chain. Rick Preuss and his daughter Kirbay have spent decades making sure the store feels like an experience, not just a retail transaction.
Why the water matters
A lot of pet stores just hook up a garden hose and call it a day. Preuss is different. They have massive, high-tech water reservoirs—more like what you’d see in a brewery—to ensure the thousands of fish they stock are swimming in the best possible environment.
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- Freshwater: Massive selection of plants and rare species.
- Saltwater: They propagate their own coral on-site.
- Small Mammals: Think ferrets, chinchillas, and rats in custom-built habitats.
- Birds: They are famous for their tame, talking parrots.
Getting the Most Out of Preuss Pets in Lansing
If you’re planning a visit, don't just rush to the back to see the reptiles. Take your time.
The koi river near the entrance is a fan favorite for kids (and adults who won't admit it). You can actually feed them. It sets the tone for the "Pet Store with a Purpose" tagline they’ve used for years. They aren't just trying to sell you a goldfish that’ll be gone in a week; they want to teach you how to keep it alive for ten years.
Education over everything
One of the coolest things they do is host seminars. Whether it's "Aquascaping 101" or workshops for local Girl Scout troops, the goal is always education. Rick Preuss even speaks at Michigan State University and national conferences. He’s basically the "pet whisperer" of the Midwest.
They also partner with a group called "Able Eyes." This is huge for accessibility. It provides a virtual tour so people with anxiety or sensory issues can see the store layout before they arrive. It’s a thoughtful move that most businesses wouldn't bother with.
What Most People Get Wrong About Shopping Here
Some people complain that it’s crowded on weekends. Yeah, it is.
It’s a destination. People drive from Detroit, Grand Rapids, and even Ohio just to spend a Saturday here. If you want a quiet, 1-on-1 experience with the staff, show up on a Tuesday afternoon. Another misconception? That it’s "just for kids." While the waterfalls and the safari bus are great for toddlers, the hobbyist section is world-class. If you’re a serious reefer or a herpetology enthusiast, the depth of knowledge in the staff is hard to beat. They’ve got experts like Sean Murphy, who worked as a zookeeper for eight years before returning to the store.
Practical Tips for Your Trip
- Check the hours: Usually 10 AM to 8 PM on weekdays, but Sunday is shorter (11 AM to 6 PM).
- Bring a leash: Your (well-behaved) pet is actually allowed to come with you.
- Parking: They have a dedicated lot, which is a blessing in Old Town Lansing.
- The "Vibe" Check: It’s tropical. It gets warm. Dress in layers.
The Future of the Store in 2026
Even with the rise of online shopping, Preuss Pets has stayed relevant by doing things a website can't. They’ve leaned into "in-house propagation." This means they are breeding more of their own animals and growing their own corals rather than just importing them. It’s more sustainable and results in hardier pets.
They’ve also added modern conveniences like curbside pickup and delivery for heavy items like dog food, but the heart of the business is still that physical, humid, chirping building on North Cedar Street.
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Next Steps for Your Visit
If you're heading to Preuss Pets in Lansing this week, start by checking their social media or website for any special events. They often have "Storytime" for kids or specific fundraisers for conservation groups. When you get there, make a beeline for the bird room first—it's usually the loudest and most interactive part of the store. If you’re a fish keeper, bring a sample of your tank water; the staff provides professional testing and can help you troubleshoot any chemistry issues on the spot. Finally, grab a coffee in Old Town afterward to decompress from the sensory overload.