What Should I Know Before Buying A Pet Reptile?

Do you know the laws and regulations of your state regarding reptile ownership?

Are you aware that reptiles can carry salmonella?

Do you know about housing needs for reptiles?

Do you know about light and heat's importance to reptiles?

Do you know about humidity's importance to reptiles?

Do you know that most reptiles shouldn't be handled often?

Do you know where to buy a pet reptile?

Do you know of any veterinarian that specializes in reptiles?

Some are general and some are quite specific but many areas have enacted laws on keeping exotic reptiles as pets. In many places any reptiles that are considered dangerous (venomous snakes, alligators, etc.) are illegal but some places are even more restrictive. The first step in deciding on whether a reptile is a right pet for you is finding out whether you can even have one where you live.

All reptile owners need to be informed about Salmonella infections. The risks shouldn't keep most people from keeping reptiles since with the proper management and hygiene they are minimal but the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that certain risk groups should be careful about contact with reptiles and amphibians.

One of the most common mistakes is that people buy enclosures that are too small. While the enclosure may fit the animal at the time of purchase, reptiles grow, often reaching adult size within a year or two. It is cruel and inhumane to house an animal in an enclosure that is too small. It not only causes severe stress which leads to illness and behavioral problems – but it also makes taming and working with territorial species that much more difficult.

Many problems with keeping reptiles can be traced back to not providing the proper environmental conditions, particularly heat. Providing proper heat and light to captive reptiles is often quite expensive but is essential to keeping pet reptiles healthy. It is important to find out exactly what conditions your reptile needs and never cut corners when it comes to providing those conditions!

Reptiles in the wild are accustomed to locations with fairly stable humidity. Depending on the animal’s needs, you will need to provide a means to regulate the humidity in your pet’s home. You may need to install misting equipment, drippers, or foggers. And, of course, if your pet is sensitive to humidity, a good humidity alert device is an absolute requirement.

If you’re looking for a pet you can handle a lot, you probably don’t want a reptile. Among these creatures, there’s a wide range in the amount of handling that is necessary, possible, or desirable. How you will, or can, approach the handling of your pet is something you must factor into the decision about which species to purchase. As always, after handling any reptile, hands must be washed to prevent the spread of disease.

It’s important to buy your animals from well-known reputable breeders or specialist pet stores. There, you can check out the conditions under which they are kept & raised, as well as getting the chance to inspect them before you buy them and make sure they are feeding properly. Too many of these animals die from neglect, being kept in less than ideal conditions, and/or not being fed an appropriate diet.

You are already familiar with the most important things you need to know before buying a pet reptile.

Not all veterinarians are knowledgeable about reptile medicine. If you cannot find a reptile vet in your area, be prepared to widen your search, geographically. You should not rely on pet store personnel for medical advice. Take the time to find a veterinarian specially trained in the medical care of reptiles.