MVPets

05/14/2024

I was interviewed by the Fox Weather channel today.

About a week after the deadly Portage, Michigan tornado, pet shop owner Steve Vernon tells FOX Weather how his destroyed business is recovering.

05/13/2024

https://www.wlns.com/news/pet-store-housing-fish-for-portage-store-hit-by-tornado/

A Lansing pet store is temporarily housing fish and coral from a pet store damaged in Wednesday’s tornado in Portage.

05/08/2024

UPDATE. Thank you for all of the offers to help cleanup and volunteering to care for our fish.
I would have loved send fish to your home tanks but the situation made that impossible because Westnedge was still closed when I left the store this afternoon. For the fishes sake I was able place the fish and corals with Preuss Pets in Lansing. I'm afraid that one more night without electricity they wouldn't survive. As far as cleanup goes the insurance company taking care of all the details.

05/08/2024

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR SUPPORT. UNFORTUNATELY GENERATORS WON'T HELP BECAUSE OF THE DANGER. I AM TRYING TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS WITH A STORE IN LANSING TO TAKE ANY FISH THAT SURVIVE OVER NIGHT. Included more pictures.

05/08/2024

It's a sad night for MVPets tonight. Our store took a direct hit from the tornado. Everyone that was in the store at the time is safe with no injuries!

While most of the building is in shambles, most of the tanks were fortunately unharmed. We are putting plans in place to save all the fish we can.

The future of the store is uncertain right now, so please keep an eye out for any news from us here! Thank you all for your support ❤️

05/08/2024

Mvpets took a direct tornado hit today.

12/27/2023

🐟⚠️Attention goldfish lovers!⚠️🐟

We have some chunky guys (comets) at the store who need homes! We also have our adorable Fancy goldfish back in stock!
Bring a bucket for the big guys!

🐟Reminder!🐟

Goldfish get BIG. The saying "they grow to the size of their environment" is actually a myth! Goldfish's bodies will grow to their environment yes, but their organs will continue to grow causing a variety of health issues.

🐟 Goldfish can live 20+ years! 🐟
We recommend at least 50 gallons per goldfish, or a pond for the best quality of life!

Come on in and check them out, and while you're here take a peak at our entire selection of wet pets!

12/17/2023

⚠️ NEW PRODUCT ALERT! ⚠️

We've introduced the Next Level dog food brand into our store!
Comparable to Victor brand food, Next Level comes in 4lb, 40lb, and 50lb bags! This makes Next Level a great choice for big families of dogs!
Come on in and check out all the different flavors, you might find your dog's new favorite!

12/06/2023

It's happening. 🐠 Reef fish and saltwater clean-up crew are back in stock!

We will be observing our new arrivals for a while before we sell them. Sale date TBD until we know more about their condition. Feel free to call us during store hours if you have questions! 269-492-7387

11/25/2023

🐟🔥Ends TODAY! Buy one freshwater fish or plant and get another for only 2 CENTS‼️

We also have other in-store promotions! Don't miss your chance to get up to 20% off select items in-store!

11/21/2023

🚨IT'S BACK FOR BLACK FRIDAY!🚨

🐟All FRESHWATER FISH and🌱PLANTS of the same species are BUY ONE GET ONE for ONLY 2 CENTS!

Sale will last from Friday 11/24 to Saturday 11/25!
Don't miss our other in-store promotions as well and stock up on pet supplies for the holiday season!

11/14/2023

🐟Got some gorgeous skunk botias in stock! Getting to a max size of 3.5 inches, they make great pest snail control, since they love snacking on mollusks!

‼️Be sure to get them in schools though, or they could become aggressive towards your other fish.

Don't miss out on other great bottom-dwelling fish like our Paleatus Corydoras or Pictus Catfish either!

11/10/2023

Ghost Shrimp are back in stock!
Get them while they're hot!
🦐

09/27/2023

🦐 Fluval EBI Shrimp Kits are in stock with us!

These nano tanks are only 2.6 gallons, making them perfect aquariums for an office desktop or kitchen counters.

💧The internal sump chambers come equipped with a sponge guard to keep any shrimplets from getting trapped in the filter!

🌱Not only that, but the kit also comes with a 7000k plant light and the perfect amount of bioactive substrate to create a beautiful aquascaped jungle for shrimp to thrive in!

Each one is 124.99, come grab yours today and help yourself to our colorful neocaridina shrimp selection as well!

09/26/2023

🐛Delicious Top Hat Hornworms are in stock!

💧These big green gummies make great hydrating snacks for any amphibian or reptile!

‼️They grow fast however, so make sure to get them quick!

14.99 for each cup, with at least 6 juicy critters of assorted sizes in each, sometimes more!

09/19/2023

Driftwood is back!
-
We just received our shipment and we're restocked!
Come one in and grab a few pieces!

09/19/2023

We know you like Oscars!
🐟
These two are looking for a new home! They appear to get along but please keep in mind that Oscars are EXTREMELY aggressive fish and can decide they no longer like their tank mates at any given point.
🐟
These two are about 5in long each but will grow even larger. Males can get up to 12in+ and females 9+! You will need a large tank to house an Oscar, we recommend at least a 125 gallon tank for the best quality of life.
🐟
$30 each
Or
$50 for the pair!
🐟
Come in and say hi!

09/08/2023

Did you know we have a TikTok account?
🐟
Give us a follow and keep an eye out for funny and educational videos!
🐡
https://www.tiktok.com/.pets?_t=8fWkTSk9kKt&_r=1

09/05/2023

We had a handsome little visitor today, meet Griffin!
🐭
Did you know that rats make wonderful pets? If trained and properly socialized rats are similar to dogs! Rats are very hygienic and spend a large part of their day grooming themselves.
They are also extremely intelligent and can be trained to do tricks or even potty training.
🐭
Fur or scales, we love seeing your little family members.
Stop in and say hi!

08/30/2023

🐟 Do you know about tannins in aquariums?

🍁Tannic acid, or tannins, are released into aquarium water by organic objects such as driftwood, leaves or soil. It will often turn the water a yellow or brown color, like tea. Environments with heavy amounts of tannins will have very dark water, often referred to as blackwater environments.

🦐Despite the discoloration of water, tannins are very beneficial to the home aquarium, especially for species of tetras, bettas, and neocaridina shrimp! These tannins act as a natural antibiotic for mild infections and injuries, and help promote breeding in livebearing fish and shrimp.

‼️Tannins will also help buffer pH and soften the super hard water present here in southwestern Michigan!

Check out some of our products designed to bring tannins easily to your home aquarium so you can create the healthiest environment for your wet pets!

08/23/2023

We had a spikey little visitor today! Ember the bearded dragon.
Any visitors furry or scaley are welcome here!
Bring in your critters and come say hi to us!

08/23/2023

We have Vampire Crabs in stock!
🦀
$19.99 for a single crab OR three crabs for $55!
🦀
Vampire Crabs are best kept in a species only tank, meaning only Vampire Crabs! We recommend a 20 gallon long aquarium, paired with an internal filter to keep your water section from getting gross. Perform a 20 - 30% water change every two weeks!
🦀
Stop in and say hi! We can walk you through how to build your own paludarium!
🦀
MVPets is open
Monday - Friday: 10am - 6pm
Saturday: 10am - 5pm
Sunday: 12pm - 5pm

06/29/2023

🐶🐱 Hello critter enthusiasts! 🐟🐍
Friendly reminder we are CLOSED Tuesday, July 4th!

We also have updated our weekend hours to our summer hours!

Saturday: 10AM - 5PM
Sunday: 12PM - 5PM

*Mon-Fri are still 10AM - 6PM.

05/23/2023

Looking for something to do this weekend? The West Michigan Apple Blossom Cluster dog show starts Thursday Morning at the Kalamazoo County Expo and Fairgrounds. Here is the link to the schedule https://pdf.infodog.com/jps/384/jpg384.pdf.Some of you may have met Cooper my newest Brittany, He will be showing all 5 days of the show. His schedule is Thursday ring 12 at 10 am, Friday ring 12 at 10:15 am, Saturday ring 13 at p:15, Sunday ring 12 at 8 am and Monday ring 12 at 9 am.

The only cost to attend is a parking fee for each car.

Here is a picture of Cooper when he won in Lansing earlier this year.

05/20/2023

We just received a large Tiger Oscar and we don't have room!
Diesel is currently in quarantine but we need him out!
🐟
Please view the pictures of his pectoral fins before you consider adopting.
Oscars need HUGE tanks, they are extremely aggressive and live best when they are the only fish in the tank.
If you're interested feel free to come in and make us an offer. He is sold as is!
🐟
We are open:
10am - 6pm Monday - Saturday
12pm - 5pm Sunday

05/12/2023

🐟🐟
EDIT: All we have left are young comet goldfish!
🐟🐟

Pond season is here! Stop by and grab some chunky goldfish for your outdoor setup!
We've got LARGE comets and fancy's in store!
🐟
Reminder that Comets can get 24in+
Fancy's can get up to 8in!
These guys love big spaces to grow in so the bigger the pond the better!
🐟
Prices vary, stop on in we are open 10am-6pm Monday - Saturday
And
12pm-5pm on Sundays.

05/09/2023

Fetch 🥎 or Fish 🐟?

05/02/2023

We are looking for some part-time help, particularly weekends! Join our team and pick up an application in-store!

Call us at 269-492-7387 if there are any questions!

02/24/2023

With all the power outages in the area, we decided to type up a quick reference for anyone currently in a crisis with their aquariums! Please share this around for your aquarium friends or call our store at 269-492-7387!

1. Oxygen
Lack of oxygen will cause tank death MUCH FASTER than the cold. It is important to find a way to agitate your tank's surface to increase oxygen levels. Battery-powered air pumps are the most effective way to provide oxygen in a pinch. We are currently sold out, but you can find battery-powered air pumps at most sport fishing stores that carry livewells!
In a pinch, splashing your tank's surface every so often can help a little too. We recommend doing it every half-hour or more if you can.

2. Temperature
Most freshwater species of fish can handle a drop in temperature. Your fish will slow down and probably stop eating while the water is cooled down. This is very normal, so try not to worry about feeding right now!
If you have any way to heat water at this time, fill bottles of water with warm water (not hot or boiling!!) and floating them in the tank can provide a little warmth for your creatures at this time.
You can also use hand warmers wrapped in a washcloth and sealed in a small tupperware or ziploc bag to create a small floating heat source to prevent your tank water from becoming dangerously low.
Placing some towels around the tank can also help provide insulation at this time.

3. Coolers/Livewells
If you have any coolers or livewells that are well insulated, you can move your fish into these containers and keep them in warmer areas with you. Be sure to provide oxygen still (refer to #1), or your fish are at risk of suffocating!
You can tape hand warmers to the top of the lids to help provide heat, just be sure to check the temp every once in a while to make sure the container isn't getting too hot!

As a last resort, our store does accept drop-offs! Please call the store ahead before you do so, just so we can make sure we have room. **Any fish dropped off to us become property of the store, and we do not guarantee they will be available to be resold to you!**

We are getting a lot of calls both about fish being dropped off or for general questions about this crisis. Answering times may be slow, but don't be afraid to call us at 269-492-7387 if you have any questions or concerns! We are happy to help!

02/15/2023

We are looking for some part-time help, so if you love chatting about animals and animal care, feel free to apply to join our team today!

Employment requirements:
Must be at least 16 years of age.
Be able to work for an 8 hour shift, 10am-6pm.
Have reliable transportation.
Be able to work in a hot, humid environment.

Job details:
Customer service (chatting with customers, answering questions and concerns)
Register (counting money and handling cards)
Stocking (cleaning and dusting shelves, organizing product and labels)
Heavy lifting (lifting bags of kibble and cat litter, up to 40lbs in weight, lifting buckets of water)
Cleaning (sweeping and mopping with chemicals)
Handling insects (crickets and worms)
Working in hot, humid conditions (fish room)
Catching & advising on fish care and health

Applications are available in-store only. Come visit us to pick one up today, or call us at (269)-492-7387 if you have any questions!