Animal Krackers

Animal Krackers (often spelled with a "K") was a popular pet store and an original tenant of Monroeville Mall when it opened in 1969.

Store Profile

• Type of Store: It was a full-service pet shop that sold live animals, including fish, birds, hamsters, and reptiles.
• Location: The store was located on the Upper Level (UL-7) of the mall, specifically near the mall's famous Ice Palace skating rink.
• Unique Features: Like many 1970s mall pet stores, it was known for its open-front display that allowed shoppers to see the animals as they walked by. It was part of a small local chain that also included a location at South Hills Village.

Significance and Decline

• Dawn of the Dead: The store is frequently mentioned by fans of the 1978 film Dawn of the Dead, as it was one of the many recognizable storefronts present during the movie's filming at the mall.
• Closure: Animal Krackers eventually closed as the retail landscape shifted away from live animal sales in enclosed shopping malls.