Advantages of Keeping Reptiles and Amphibians as Pets

Let me start by saying that although I do have pet cats, I also have a pet Anole, and a Red Eyed Tree Frog, it is not uncommon for people to ask me what I do with those pets since you cannot pat them or play with them.

Reptiles and amphibians make great pets for people who want a fairly simple pet, one that does not require constant attention. It is pretty hard to come home and relax when your dog is greeting you at the door wanting a walk, but a pet snake might not even care if you are home or gone.

Not everyone has the time for a cat or dog, it is unfair for these animals to be home alone for long periods of time and many suffer from being left alone when this happens. As such a reptile or amphibian can be a better pet for a person who works long hours or who may be away for 2-3 days at a time.

Of course there are also people who have allergies to cats and dogs, they may want a pet but their allergies prevent them from owning a pet with fur, or feathers. While there are hairless pets not everyone finds them attractive, and they can be costly and hard to find. As such a pet reptile or amphibian can be a great pet, some are more interactive with their human owners than others, so a person can select accordingly.

There is also a landlord issue sometimes where people who rent their home are not allowed to have a pet that could potentially damage the property like cats and dogs can sometimes do if neglected. For people who still want a companion animal a reptile or amphibian is a good consideration.

Kids who are told they can have a pet but only if they keep it in their room might also select an amphibian or reptile for their pet, particularly since some other pets are nocturnal and can be noisy at night when the kids are trying to sleep.

Image by brian.gratwicke via Flickr

Some Common Reptile or Amphibian Pets

Some of the most popular pets are Anoles, Bearded Dragons, Snakes, Tree Frogs, and Salamanders. Turtles are also common as pets.  In most areas it is illegal to catch wild animals to keep them as pets.  Iguanas were once common as pets but no longer recommended due to their needs for a lot of space when mature.

Warning

Some of these pets can spread salmonella so owners should wash their hands after handling the pet. Some herps absorb things through their skin so hands should also be washed, and rinsed, well before handling them too!

Each pet reptile or amphibian will have specific needs when it comes to lighting, heating, and humidity, these needs must be met with care.

No not release unwanted pets into the wild.  In most areas this is illegal.

Each has a different dietary requirement which is important to follow carefully.

Finally, note that some reptiles grow very large, if a person cannot accommodate a full grown animal properly they should not even consider getting one as a pet.

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Article has been republished at Full of Knowledge.