The Animal Store is a special place named for Rachel Field's poem to reflect the variety of pets offered and the feeling people get when they visit a pet store. Kenn Bearman has owned the store since 1992 and has transformed the 2,200 square foot store into THE place to go on Chicago's North Shore for pets and supplies.

The constantly changing inventory and new arrivals of aquarium fish and exotic animals mean there is always something new to see. Kenn and his knowledgeable staff keep up to date on the latest pet keeping trends and theories. They are always searching to bring in the best equipment, supplies and toys available to meet the needs of every pet and pet owner.

Welcome to our latest innovation, "www.theanimalstore.com", the online version of our store. We've been searching for ways to provide more information and better service to our customers. Here you'll find out how to care for your pet, new product information, featured pets, fun facts and a few surprises.

We have a strong commitment to friendly, knowledgeable service to the pet owners in our community, which now includes the web community. Our entire staff is experienced in the care of all kinds of pets and is here to serve you.

Bear with us! We are in the process of building our on-line catalog. If you want to purchase an animal or supplies, or check a price, please phone or e-mail us and one of our representatives will contact you. At this time, we are able to send out most items by UPS. We are able to ship birds, reptiles and small animals, where allowed by law. Special arrangements must be made to ship animals.

Both The Animal Store and our web site attract children of all ages, who come to learn about different animals, purchase their first pet, stock up on supplies, find the perfect treat for a beloved animal or just to visit. Online, check out our Children's Corner.

Our full-line store in Lincolnwood, Illinois features:

• A 1,500 gallon built-in tank starring Bert and Ernie, two giant three-foot gourami who can be tempted to come out of the water for a snack.

• More than 100 tanks of hand-selected tropical fish to satisfy the curiosity of first-time aquarium owners and the specialized needs of fish aficionados alike, including fancy goldfish and Koi. We stock all the equipment, food, chemicals, plants, decorations and supplies you need to keep your aquarium healthy and beautiful. Aquarium set-ups are our specialty.

• A wide variety of birds, from the world's smallest parrots to large and colorful Macaws. All Animal Store birds are hand-fed in preparation to become friendly members of your family. Visit our Baby Bird Nursery.

• The ultimate selection of reptiles and amphibians, including lizards, snakes, turtles and newts. The Animal Store is known for it's excellent selection of reptiles, for it's knowledge in keeping these unusual animals as pets and for it's complete line of reptile supplies.

• All kinds of small animals, from the expected mice, gerbils and guinea pigs, to more exotic ferrets, chinchillas and hedgehogs. And don't forget the kittens, who go out the door to new homes almost as soon as they come in.

• We have everything you need to house, feed and travel with your pet. Give us a call or send an e-mail now. Special orders are welcome!