All the arguments to prove man’s superiority cannot shatter this hard fact: in suffering the animals are our equals. - Pete Singer
Enjoy the Exotic: Reptile and Amphibian Pets
Reptiles and amphibians offer a wide variety of fascinating and unusual pet options, such as lizards, snakes, frogs, salamanders, and turtles. While reptiles and amphibians are distantly related, they do have a few differences in physical appearance and make-up.
Reptiles |
Amphibians |
|---|---|
Live on land |
Live on land and water |
Skin is dry and scaly |
Skin is smooth, moist, and sticky |
Waterproof bodies |
Not waterproof and require a water source |
Breathe air through lungs |
Have gills but grow lungs as they age; may breathe through their skin and the lining of their mouths |
May or may not have limbs |
Have four limbs |
A reptile or amphibian is an excellent choice for those who are allergic to pets with fur or feathers, or for those with a busy lifestyle who prefer a less socially oriented or hands-on pet such as a dog. It is important to understand, however, that these exotic pets come with unique challenges for an inexperienced owner.
The care of reptiles and amphibians is unique to their type and each requires very specific care, equipment, and diet. Unless you live in a warmer climate, a heat-controlled environment with regulated temperature and moisture will likely be required. It can be difficult to duplicate their ideal living conditions because these pets cannot control their own body temperature and need precise environmental circumstances.
Size is another important factor in choosing a reptilian or amphibian pet. A snake, for example, may grow to be much too large to contain in your apartment aquarium and a mature iguana may grow to be 4 feet long. A large tortoise may grow to be over 2 ½ feet long and weigh up to 250 lbs., requiring both extensive indoor and outdoor housing areas. Skin type is also an issue, as many pet owners are squeamish about handling “slimy” animals or those without limbs. In addition, some of these pets require a “live” diet and this experience may not be for you.
Owners of these pets run the risk of exposure to the Salmonella bacteria, which can cause illness in humans, especially children. Therefore, sound education, good hygiene, and regular veterinary care is critical to the health of these pets and their owners.
Should you decide on a reptile or amphibian pet, we recommend consulting with us prior to your purchase or adoption. We are experienced in treating a wide variety of these pets, and we can advise you about some of the veterinary concerns as well as their natural habitat, health and wellness, basic needs, and long-term care.
Learn about captive care for many types of reptiles and amphibians, as well as their biology, health, behavior, and conservation, from author and educator Melissa Kaplan.
Visit the Tortoise Trust, the world’s largest tortoise and turtle organization.
Read the CDC guidelines for preventing Salmonella from passing to you and your family.
For scholarly publications about these exotic pets, you may also wish to visit the website of the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians.