Reptile Information

Vacations

If you family takes vacations together, you may have trouble finding someone to care for a pet reptile while you are away. While your neighbor may gladly feed you cats or fish while you are gone, they may not be so willing to feed your pet snake - especially if your eats live mice! Some pet stores or veterinarians will offer boarding service for reptiles, but the fees may be quite high. Consider your travel habits, and even ask some friends of relatives if they would be willing to care for your pet in your absence, before you buy one.

Growing

Animals do grow! Be sure that you are aware of the size your pet may grow to. Consider not just the average size, but the range of sizes they can get to. For some species of snakes and lizards, this may mean that they will need their own room to live in. This also applies when buying a "kit" that includes a terrarium. Often small terrariums are sold with the pets to keep the price low, and these may need replacing after a year as your animal grows. It's usually less expensive to just start off with something that is the right size, or at least large enough for the next 2-3 years.

It's worth it!

Although this may seem like an awful lot, the rewards of seeing your pet grow, healthy and happy are more than worth the effort. Be sure to ask your local pet store or vet for additional information. If you are seriously considering a new pet, you might want to read a book or two on the subject so that you will be better informed when you go to make your selection.

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Thinking about an Iguana as a first pet? See our guide to buying an iguana.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Reptiles & Amphibians.