If you’ve done your research and decided you want a lizard as a pet you also need to take day to day cost into consideration.

Food and supplements

It depends on the type of lizard you get as to what it will eat. Some eat are strictly carnivores and eat only meat (crickets, superworms, pinky mice, etc) some are omnivores and need both meat and vegetables for a well balanced diet, while others such as the Green Iguana are strictly vegetarians. You’ll need a fresh supply of food for your lizard. Unlike snakes feeding lizard frozen thawed food isn’t usually an option.

Lizards also need special supplementation to help prevent metabolic bone disease (MBD) which occurs in part from lack of calcium in the animal’s food. The supplements are very expensive, but the price will add up over time.

A cage and all the “features” in it

While a lizard needs regular interaction with people it is not an animal that should be allowed to run loose. You will need to provide it with an appropriately sized cage. The size of the cage will depend on the kind of lizard you have. Most people will buy a cage when they get their first lizard, but you can also make your own cage using a plastic tub. The video tells how to make a snake tank, but the general idea is the same.

You’ll also need to add features to the cage so it feels more “homey” for your lizard. A hide is an essential element as is a water bowl. You might also like to put in fake plants for the aesthetic benefit. The substrate can be as simple as paper towels or newspaper, but most people prefer something more natural like crushed coconut or cypress mulch. All of those things add up and the initial purchase can drive the price of a new lizard up significantly.

Veterinary checkup (highly recommended)

It is always a good idea to track down a local vet who specializes in reptiles and have your new lizard examined as soon as you can. Not only could it catch a potential problem early on, but the vet can also show you what signs of trouble to look for in the future. Figure on paying a normal office visit price (unless the vet discovers something that needs to be treated) which is around $60.

Heat and light sources

Your pet will also need to have heat sources to keep them at the proper temperature and for some lizards special light sources to ensure they get the right amount of UVA/B exposure. You’ll need to buy the appropriate equipment which could include:

• Bulbs
• Lamps
• Stands
• Shades
• Cords
• Under Tank Heater (UTH)

Ongoing costs associated with keeping a pet lizard

You should also consider the day to day costs of keeping a lizard. Here’s some things to think about:

• 24/7 electrical usage for heating and lighting
• Weekly cost of food
• Supplements
• Replacement substrate (every 2 to 4 weeks usually)

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