New shop offers interesting, exotic pets

HURON — Scorpions make good pets.So said Matt Hurst, owner of the Matt's Underwater Journey pet store in Huron."They are super easy to take care of," he said. "I like them because they are not boring."A few minutes later, Hurst said certain kinds of scorpions like to interact with people and can learn to crawl on your hand and arm."Just don't make any sudden movements," he said.Unusual pet shop advice, perhaps. But Hurst takes pride in the fact his pet store, which carries reptiles, fish, scorpions and other exotic pets, is different from a typical chain pet store.For one thing, Hurst said, he has much better prices on the crickets and dead rodents that exotic pet owners have to purchase to feed their animals.To illustrate his point, he placed a frozen rat in a bag on the counter and said it costs $11.99 at a well-known pet store. At his store, he said, it costs $2.50.Hurst's store is located at 509 Cleveland Road West in Huron, in the shopping mall on the west side that has the service station in the middle. He is switching to mostly weekend hours, opening by 2 p.m. and staying open until at least 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Hours are subject to change, he said, so check his website, mattsunderwaterjourney.com, or his Facebook page.Hurst, who lives in Huron, said he's enjoyed animals all his life and decided to turn his hobby into a business.His experience with exotic animals allows him to avoid mistakes and help other people try the hobby, he said.For example, he said he specializes in animals that remain small.A customer who buys his pets won't have to run out and get a bigger tank, and the animal won't have to suffer from being in a too small space, he said.Hurst said he has all of the supplies a pet owner would need, and also can share advice to make it easy to own an exotic animal.He's also willing to share his enthusiasm for animals."That Madagascar jewel?" he said, pointing to a small lizard with a beautiful green face. "That's a rare one. You won't find one in a box store."Reach reporter Tom Jackson at jackson@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @jacksontom.Matt Hurst, owner of Matt's Underwater Journey, stands inside his pet store in Huron on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017.Angelfish swim in a tank at Matt's Underwater Journey pet store in Huron on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017.Madagascar jewel lizards walk around their tank at Matt's Underwater Journey pet store in Huron on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017.