Reptile Information

Most of all, you need to feel comfortable. Whether it's a big super-store, or a small shop, if you make a few visits and still feel good about the purchase, then it's probably the right place. Don't worry too much about the price. The actual cost of the animal is usually the smallest part of the overall picture. Most of time, you will spend ten times the price in the first year in setting up the habitat, feeding and other costs.

References

There's nothing like a good reference to reassure you. If you don't know any other reptile owners, you can ask a vet. They usually have a pretty good idea of which stores will sell healthy animals.

There are many newsgroups and message boards on the internet, and you can probably get in touch with some people in your area who may be able to help you.

If things go wrong

If you do end up making the wrong choice, don't let it get you down. If you have really been mislead, or you sincerely feel that you have been taken advantage of, call your local better business bureau and make a complaint. You could consider legal action, but I wouldn't. You can also make use of the internet to let others know about your experience. Be careful, however. Don't make accusations unless you have irrefutable evidence to back you up, or you may be the one at the wrong end of a lawsuit!

The most effective thing you can do is to learn from your mistake, and go on. Don't let one bad experience spoil the pleasures of pet keeping for you.

It's not all bad

For the most part, people sell pets because they love animals, and like to be around them. The majority of pet stores are honest, and really make an effort to help you choose the most suitable pet.

You can do your part by learning all you can about the pet you are thinking of buying before going shopping. That way, you will be in a good position to judge for yourself the qualifications of the vendor.

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