Thinking about getting a pet reptile? Fascinated with snakes, turtles, and lizards, but not sure if you have the time or money to look after one? Then take the first step - educate yourself before welcoming a reptile to your family.
Start with these 3 important points:
Point #1: It is illegal to hold any wild animal in captivity It is against the law to capture and hold in captivity any wild animal found in British Columbia. You cannot capture and keep a wild reptile. Not only is it illegal, but wild-caught animals do not make good pets!
Point #2: Reptiles do not domesticate like cats and dogs do.Reptiles do not become pets in the same way that cats and dogs do, or even birds. They are not as interactive as mammals and birds, and they do not "play games" with their owners. In addition, they have very specific (and often expensive) housing requirements. So if you want a pet reptile simply because you think it is "cool" or it will be a good status symbol, please think again.
Point #3: It is hard to determine the health of a reptile.Compared to a cat, dog or bird, it is much more difficult to tell whether a captive reptile is ill. The early signs of health problems in these animals are much more subtle. We more easily recognize that a pet dog is sick because it behaves and displays symptoms similar to us (another mammal). By the time many reptile owners realize their pet is ill, it is too late to save the animal. Think carefully. Do the research. Talk to experts.
If you are still interested in having a reptile as a pet, then read on. We hope any other questions you have will be answered along the way.
Click on one of the questions below, or just scroll down to find the section you're looking for.
"Recently, a customer came into the pet store seeking supplies for an iguana he'd been given. The man ignored a salesclerk's advice to buy a $60 ultraviolet lamp to keep the lizard's bones strong. A year later, says Parrella with disgust, "he brought me back a dead lizard that was all puffed up from metabolic bone disorder." "There's carnage out there," says Richard Bartlett, a Gainesville, Fla., reptile consultant. "People justify it by saying, `They're cold-blooded.' But they're alive, and they deserve better." Excerpts from "The Iguana Next Door", by Traci Watson, US New & World Report, July 28, 1997
"Recently, a customer came into the pet store seeking supplies for an iguana he'd been given. The man ignored a salesclerk's advice to buy a $60 ultraviolet lamp to keep the lizard's bones strong. A year later, says Parrella with disgust, "he brought me back a dead lizard that was all puffed up from metabolic bone disorder."
"There's carnage out there," says Richard Bartlett, a Gainesville, Fla., reptile consultant. "People justify it by saying, `They're cold-blooded.' But they're alive, and they deserve better."
Excerpts from "The Iguana Next Door", by Traci Watson, US New & World Report, July 28, 1997
When you decide to get a pet, especially an exotic pet like a reptile, you need to think beyond what you want, and consider what your pet will need.
Typically, the closer the pet's requirements are to your own, the easier the pet will be to care for. In addition, species that have lived with humans for hundreds of years have adapted to captivity. Unfortunately, reptiles do not fall into this category - that means you need to think extra hard about whether you can provide the specialized care your pet will need.
Given the proper preparation and commitment, certain reptiles can be suitable pets, and can help educate us and encourage a fascination in these creatures. Unfortunately, these experiences are rare.
Unwanted turtles and snakes often are abandoned outdoors, or foisted off on the nearest zoo or wildlife refuge (which usually cannot take unwanted pets). Before you get a reptile, please understand that these are not responsible options.
Released to the wild, most pets will quickly (or worse yet, slowly) die due to exposure, starvation or predation.
Occasionally, these alien species will adapt to their new environment and flourish. This can create huge problems for local species. In fact, after habitat loss, introduced species are the greatest threat to ecosystem health and biodiversity world-wide.
So think seriously about whether you can commit yourself to the care of your new pet, for as long as it can expect to live (sometimes decades!).
In fact, if you live or are visiting the lower Mainland and want an eye-opening view of reptile ownership, visit the Rainforest Reptile Refuge in Surrey. They are a non-profit society dedicated to the care of unwanted, abused and abandoned exotics such as reptiles and amphibians. See their website for hours and admission rates.
The Rainforest Reptile Refuge
Here are a few more articles with some food for thought:
British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsThe BCSPCA has some excellent general information on the exotic pet trade, and things to consider before acquiring a pet like an amphibian or a reptile.BCSPCA - Exotic Animal BackgrounderBCSPCA - Exotic Pets - why wild animals DO NOT make good pets
A little further down this page you'll find a checklist of other important things to consider before purchasing a reptile.
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There are potential health problems associated with any type of pet. Reptiles, even those considered suitable pets, are no exception. Any animal with teeth can bite if scared, hurt or angry. Some reptiles like iguanas (NOT a recommended pet) have sharp claws and strong tails that can cause injury. And some reptiles carry potentially harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, bacteria that can cause illness or very rarely, death. Children, seniors, and immune-compromised individuals are more vulnerable.
Here is another site with more information on human health hazards associated with reptile ownership:
Melissa Kaplan's Herp Care Collection - Herps and Zoonoses This page has information on Salmonella and other zoonoses (diseases carried by animals that can be passed to humans), as well as some good medical links.
Melissa Kaplan's Herp Care Collection - Herps and Zoonoses
While native species may easily be acquired, it is against the law in British Columbia to keep native wildlife in captivity without a permit or a license. While it may be tempting, please remember that it is illegal to keep the garter snake from your backyard or the lizard you found at the park in captivity. While we encourage respectful observation of these unique creatures, they are wild animals, and deserve to remain within their native habitats.
The other source of reptiles is your local pet store. As a consumer, it is here where you can make a positive difference. Never buy a pet that has been taken from the wild - not only is it an unethical practise that results in distress for the animal as well as ecological damage, you often end up with a suffering reptile that will die within a year. Reptiles are good at hiding their pain and suffering, and you may not notice the trauma of collection and transport until it is too late.
There is no excuse for supporting pet stores or dealers that remove wild animals from their homes for profit.
And if you're still tempted...read the article at the link below for a reptilian view:
Reptilia.org: Why Reptilia Strongly Recommends Domestically Bred Reptiles for Pets Wherever Possible
Your only ethical choice is a captive bred (also termed domestically bred) reptile, preferably one of the species addressed in the articles below. Even here, however, your work is not done. Like any pet, you should ensure that the animal comes from a reputable breeder with humane breeding conditions - you don't want to support 'puppy mill' type breeding establishments. The best way to ensure this is to deal with a reputable pet store that is willing and able to provide you with all the information you ask for.
There are several good websites that discuss what reptiles make good (and not so good) pets. Here are a few:
Sciensational Sssnakes! - Reptiles as pets An Ontario company dedicated to hands-on education about snakes. This article has a slightly different perspective of pet reptiles. There also are links to info on species that make suitable (and unsuitable) pets (given you follow the pet checklist). Melissa Kaplan's Herp Care Collection - So, you think you want a reptile? An excellent site with good links on all aspects of reptile care. This page has suggestions as to what species make suitable pets, and provides some good information for want-to-be reptile owners. The Green Iguana Society - Better Reptile Pets for Kids
Sciensational Sssnakes! - Reptiles as pets
Melissa Kaplan's Herp Care Collection - So, you think you want a reptile?
The Green Iguana Society - Better Reptile Pets for Kids
Cost - the actual cost of buying your reptile is just the beginning. You will need to buy an enclosure (often a large aquarium), appropriate lighting and heating devices, water filters if you have an aquatic reptile, humidity and temperature measuring devices, and enclosure accessories. There also are the obvious ongoing expenses of food, vitamin supplements, and any necessary veterinary bills. And then there are the expenses we often forget about - electricity to run all of the heating and lighting your reptile needs. See Melissa Kaplan's article for some guidance on how to calculate the cost of the necessary electricity.
Housing At the least, a reptile will need: - a properly sized enclosure - suitable substrate
- environmental enrichment (such as climbing, burrowing, or basking features) - adequate light (more than what we are used to in many cases) - increased heat and sometimes increased humidity demands.
Due to their specific heating and lighting needs, it is important to consider whether you have a suitable spot in your home. Many reptiles do best in quiet, draft-free areas with lots of natural light. And remember to consider the size of the enclosure you'll need - do you have a spot large enough, and the necessary furniture to support the enclosure in your chosen location?
Feeding and maintenance - Depending on the type of reptile you get, you may find yourself adding crickets, mealworms, rodents, or extra fruits and vegetables to your weekly grocery list. Research what kind of diet your pet will need. Is there a secure source of these items where you live? Are you prepared to buy, handle, and feed live insects or pre-killed rodents? If your reptile is herbivorous, do you have time to wash and prepare the necessary fruits and vegetables?
Keeping your pet healthy - an absolute must, but something that new reptile owners often forget. Is there a qualified veterinarian with reptile knowledge in your area? Someone who has experience dealing with the unique metabolism and disorders of captive reptiles? While you may know many vets skilled in the care of cats and dogs, reptile-savvy veterinarians are hard to find, especially outside of major urban centres. You may have to travel for hours to find an experienced practitioner. Do your homework, and phone around. Reputable pet stores that sell reptiles may be able to suggest a local vet.
In addition, you must be willing to spend time observing your pet and keeping its home clean. Common health problems include skin abrasions (often from trying to escape the enclosure) and incomplete shedding. If left too long, these minor problems can become debilitating or even life threatening.
Life span - have you thoroughly researched how long your pet could live? Given the appropriate care (which should be the goal of any responsible pet owner), some reptiles can live for decades. Go to a few sources for this information. Can you sustain the level of care and all its associated costs for the estimated life span of your pet?
For many reptiles there is limited information available. That makes it even more important to do your research and find out what is out there. You may find out what kind of microhabitats your reptile needs, or some common problems other reptile keepers have had. Why repeat the mistakes of others? Do the research and learn as much as you can.
In summary, you should be able to complete every item on the checklist below before you acquire your pet. (Click here for a PDF version of this list)
Pet Reptile Checklist
Buying my reptile. I've found an ethical, humane source for the reptile species I wish to acquire. I am satisfied that this animal was bred and born in captivity and that it is in good health. Cost. I have calculated and am prepared to pay for the required husbandry supplies, ongoing electrical and heating costs, ongoing food costs, and possible veterinary bills, for the estimated life span of my pet. Housing. I have secured appropriate housing, lighting and heating. I have a secure supply of the required lighting and heating supplies (for example, full spectrum bulbs). Food. I am prepared to acquire and handle the necessary vitamin supplements and food items (which may include live insects, worms, and pre-killed rodents) on an ongoing basis. Or, in the case of an herbivorous reptile, I am prepared to acquire and properly prepare (buy, wash, chop) the necessary variety of fruits and vegetables. Veterinary Care. I have located a veterinarian that is knowledgeable in the care of reptiles (ideally someone who treats more than 1 or 2 cases a year). I am prepared to pay for veterinary care, should my reptile require it. My pet requires conscientious care, just like any other pet - there is no excuse for allowing my pet to suffer. Time. I am fully committed to giving my pet the care and consideration it deserves. This includes spending time on a daily basis cleaning the enclosure, feeding and watering my pet, handling and taming my pet, and general observation time to ensure my pet remains in good health.
Buying my reptile. I've found an ethical, humane source for the reptile species I wish to acquire. I am satisfied that this animal was bred and born in captivity and that it is in good health.
Cost. I have calculated and am prepared to pay for the required husbandry supplies, ongoing electrical and heating costs, ongoing food costs, and possible veterinary bills, for the estimated life span of my pet.
Housing. I have secured appropriate housing, lighting and heating. I have a secure supply of the required lighting and heating supplies (for example, full spectrum bulbs).
Food. I am prepared to acquire and handle the necessary vitamin supplements and food items (which may include live insects, worms, and pre-killed rodents) on an ongoing basis. Or, in the case of an herbivorous reptile, I am prepared to acquire and properly prepare (buy, wash, chop) the necessary variety of fruits and vegetables.
Veterinary Care. I have located a veterinarian that is knowledgeable in the care of reptiles (ideally someone who treats more than 1 or 2 cases a year). I am prepared to pay for veterinary care, should my reptile require it. My pet requires conscientious care, just like any other pet - there is no excuse for allowing my pet to suffer.
Time. I am fully committed to giving my pet the care and consideration it deserves. This includes spending time on a daily basis cleaning the enclosure, feeding and watering my pet, handling and taming my pet, and general observation time to ensure my pet remains in good health.