08/14/2026
One of the things we’re especially proud to offer here at OZ Exotics & Aquatics is our Special Order Program.
While we try to keep a diverse selection of animals and plants available in-store, there’s simply no way for us to stock everything. Special ordering gives us the ability to offer a much wider selection of freshwater fish, aquatic plants and other aquatic livestock, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates that we may not normally carry at the shop.
We work with a variety of local breeders as well as wholesalers throughout Los Angeles and Orange County. Whenever possible, this gives us the opportunity to personally hand-select animals rather than simply having an animal shipped to us sight unseen. If you’re looking for something specific, we can discuss things like size, s*x, coloration, pattern, temperament, or other characteristics that are important to you and do our best to find an animal that matches what you have in mind. *We do not guarantee the s*x of animals but do our best to work with the breeders/wholesalers to pick the requested gender.*
Special-order livestock also goes through quarantine just like the animals we bring in for the shop. QT is typically 1–2+ weeks, depending on the species and its condition when it arrives. Some animals need additional time before we’re comfortable clearing them for pickup. Our priority is making sure the animal is eating, behaving normally, and appears healthy before it goes home with you.
For livestock special orders, we do ask for a description and/or photos of the enclosure or aquarium the animal will be going into. This isn’t meant to make the ordering process difficult — we simply want to make sure the species you’re interested in is a good fit for the setup and that you’re prepared for its long-term care before we bring it in specifically for you.
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required when the special order is placed, with the remaining balance due at pickup. The deposit helps cover a portion of the animal’s cost as well as the quarantine, housing, feeding, and care involved once the animal is brought into the shop specifically for your order.
Because we begin investing in that animal as soon as the order is placed, the deposit is forfeited if you change your mind during quarantine, decide not to pick up the animal, or purchase one elsewhere.
While we do everything reasonably possible to keep special-order animals healthy—including veterinary care when appropriate—livestock unfortunately carries an inherent risk. If an animal does not make it through quarantine, the deposit remains non-refundable due to the costs already incurred bringing in and caring for that animal.
There are, however, situations where the deposit would be refunded, including if the animal is unavailable from the breeder or wholesaler when we go to obtain it, or if we inspect the available animal and do not feel it is healthy enough to bring into our quarantine program in the first place.
If there’s a particular fish, reptile, amphibian, invertebrate, or aquatic plant you’ve been searching for, feel free to reach out or stop by the shop. We’re always happy to look through our available sources and see what we may be able to find for you.
*Photos of our most recent orders & some from the past👀😍😁
OZ Exotics & Aquatics
1012 North H Street, Suite A
Lompoc, CA
Check out our website:
ozexoticsandaquatics.com
