Pet Reptiles
A pet owner's guide to bringing home a reptile
If you’re a reptile enthusiast or are on your way to becoming one, you know that a reptile makes a unique, fun and fascinating pet. Unfortunately, reptile pets also require a lot of care and an investment of both time and money.
Are You Ready for a Reptile?
Pet reptiles are a big commitment. A lifespan of well over 10 years means a lot of water changes to your reptile aquarium, a lot of trips to the pet store for fresh food and a lot of time spent seeing your pet through its entire life cycle. Ask yourself these questions before you buy:
- Do I have the time to put into caring for a reptile? Reptile care involves a complex schedule of daylight to nighttime hours, feeding times, cage cleanings and much more. They may also require frequent handling to be properly trained.
- Do I have the money to buy reptile supplies? The cost of caring for a reptile, from buying a cage to feeding costs and much more, can add up over time.
- Will I have the time, the money and the interest for the next 10 years? A lot of reptiles are quickly abandoned by owners who grow bored of them or who don’t want to continue to invest in their care.
Yes, Now Where Can I Get One?
Most species of reptiles are readily available from both reptile breeders and pet stores. The catch is to know where the reptile is coming from. Unfortunately, many reptile species are being driven to near-extinction because of over-capturing to provide pet stores and disreputable breeders with their stock. When you buy your reptile, be sure to ask for proof of its captive breeding to avoid contributing to the problem of population depletion.
Another source for finding reptiles for sale is to search online. Many reptile owners who can no longer care for their pets are searching for adoptive homes. Often, this route is cheaper than buying from a store or breeder.
No matter where you buy from, you’ll want to make sure your pet is healthy. Look for signs of disease or illness such as skin wounds, lethargy, cloudy or swollen eyes and bloating. If you’re buying from a store or breeder, you can also ask for a two-week minimum guarantee on the pet’s health.
