The internet has made it easier than ever to buy a pet lizard. But before you get out your credit card and place an order there are some things you should know. In this article we will cover those things.
Do your research
This can’t be emphasized enough. Before you even think about buying a lizard as a pet be sure to research everything you can find about the following topics:
- The species of lizards you are interested in:
This includes their care requirements, how long they will live, special concerns when it comes to keeping them as pets and whatever else you can think of that will impact your decision. - Sources where you can buy the lizard:
While it is true that all men are created equal not all lizard sellers are. The first thing you want to do is check out their reputation. Unfortunately there are a lot of fly-by-night characters out there who are trying to cash in on the exotic pet craze. An invaluable resource is the Board of Inquiry (BOI) located at Fauna Classifieds. - Veterinarians in your area who can treat pet lizards:
As exotic pets become more popular it is more likely you’ll find vets that can treat them however you should not assume that there is one nearby. Call nearby vets and ask them specifically if they treat exotics and specifically if they can treat the kind of lizard you are considering. It should be noted that just because a vet says the treat exotic animals that might not include lizards or other reptiles. They might only treat exotic mammals such as sugar gliders or chinchillas. - Local reptile rescues:
Lizards and other reptiles are often fad pets that parents get their kids to teach them responsibility or college aged young adults get for their dorm rooms. Sometimes those animals end up in a reptile rescue center waiting to be adopted. There are a lot of iguanas out there that need adopting. If it works for you then consider doing that before buying.
Prepare your household for a new lizard before it arrives
Buying pet lizards is not like getting a dog. You can’t do things on the fly. Everything must be in order before that lizard ever arrives. If you don’t there is a very real chance your lizard could end up the worse for wear. Be sure prior to placing an online order you have the following ready:
- An adequate enclosure:
This should be self explanatory but I’ve seen enough situations where people got their lizard home and had no place to put it that I feel it is important to cover this. Part of your research into the species of lizard you are considering should lead you to learn about what kind of housing it needs. You’ll also find it’s easier to read about the housing and keeping temperature and humidity at the correct levels than it is to do it. So practice before you order because if the housing is off it could kill your lizard. - The rest of the people in the house agree:
Pet lizards and other reptiles cause strong reactions in some people. If you live with someone who is scared of them bringing one into the house is a bad idea. There are people who literally passout at the site of lizards. I worked with a guy who would hyperventilate and start shaking when he saw one. It’s no fun to live in that kind of environment so be sure everyone is very clear on what you plan to do and carefully consider not doing it if it is going to cause undue stress on another person. - Other household pets:
In this case I’m speaking about dogs and cats. They can be very dangerous to your pet lizards. Lizards will usually run when threatened or scared and this can cause the predatory instinct in dogs and cats to trigger. It’s true that there are people who manage to have their Tegus, Monitors, Iguanas and other larger lizards hang out with their dogs however don’t assume this is going to be the case. Prepare for them not to get along and keep them separated except under close supervision. - Young children and infants in the home:
Due to the fact that lizards harbor salmonella you have to be especially careful with young children and infants around them. Prevailing wisdom says that you shouldn’t let children under three handle them. Keeping disinfectant near the cage and teaching kids to use it is a good practice to start.
In closing let me say that some people believe shopping for pet lizards should only be done at a local pet store. I could not disagree more. If you happen to live near a local specialty reptile store then it makes sense however when you buy something at a large pet store chain you aren’t doing the animals or yourself any favors. The mortality rate for lizards at those stores is very high. They simply don’t have the time or expertise to properly care for the lizards. Not to mention company policies can often get in the way of best practices when it comes to care. If your only choice is online or a large chain store do your research, find a breeder, speak with them and buy online. If you can buy at a local specialty reptile store consider doing business there.
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