Should I Let My Child Have A Pet Reptile?
So, your child has expressed interest in getting a pet reptile, and you’re wondering if it’s a good idea to bring a scaly pet into your household. Reptiles can be fascinating, low-maintenance, and educational pets, but they also require specific care that may not be ideal for every family. Here’s a look at the pros, cons, and realistic expectations when considering a reptilian addition to your household.
The Pros of a Pet Reptile
-
Low Allergen Risk – Unlike furry pets, reptiles don’t shed dander, making them a good choice for kids with allergies.
-
Educational Value – Caring for a reptile teaches responsibility, patience, and science-based learning about ecosystems, habitats, and biology.
-
Minimal Noise – No barking, meowing, or chirping! Most reptiles are silent, or at the very least very quiet, making them ideal for quiet homes.
-
Space Efficient – Many reptiles live comfortably in well-maintained enclosures, requiring less space than larger pets.
-
Low Mess / Low Smell – With a pet reptile, shedding on carpets or furniture, or dirty paw prints on hardwood floors is not a concern! Reptile’s enclosures are practically odor free if kept clean, unlike small mammals like hamsters that may give your house that “pet store” smell.
The Cons of a Pet Reptile
-
Specialized Care Requirements – Many reptiles need precise temperature, humidity, lighting, and diet requirements that can be complex to manage.
-
Dietary Considerations – Reptiles have specialized diets; some eat live insects or rodents (which can typically be fed after thawing from the freezer), which can be a challenge for squeamish owners.
-
Potential Health Risks – Reptiles can carry salmonella; risks can be eliminated by teaching proper handwashing and hygiene practices.
-
Limited Interaction – Unlike dogs or cats, reptiles are not typically affectionate and may not enjoy being handled frequently.
Things to Consider
Longevity – Many reptiles have long lifespans, especially reptiles like turtles and tortoises. It is important to research the lifespan of the reptile you are interested in.
Feeding Schedule – While some reptiles eat every day to every few days, some adult reptiles like snakes may only eat every week to once per month! Knowing how often your desired reptile eats can help you decide if you should get a pet that needs more frequent feeding or just needs their water bowl checked daily and fed less frequently.
Specialized Veterinarians – Reptiles are very different than dogs or cats, and should be taken to a vet that specializes or is familiar with treating reptiles. Exotic veterinarians can be more costly than regular small animal veterinarians and may require you to travel a bit further to get specialized care.
Need help finding a reptile vet near you? Check out the exotic vet finder here!
Setting Realistic Expectations
Before bringing home a pet reptile, consider:
-
Your Child’s Age & Responsibility Level – Younger kids may need more supervision, and not all reptiles are beginner-friendly.
-
Researching the Species – Some reptiles, like leopard geckos and corn snakes, are easier for beginners, while others, like bearded dragons and ball pythons, have complex needs.
-
Initial & Ongoing Costs – Setting up a proper habitat with heating, lighting, and substrate can be costly, and ongoing expenses include food, vet care, and maintenance.
-
Family Involvement – Who will take care of the reptile when your child is busy or loses interest? Parents should be prepared to assist with care.
Good Starter Reptiles for Kids
-
Leopard Gecko – Hardy, small, typically tolerant of handling.
-
Bearded Dragon – Friendly and interactive, but requires a larger setup and more in depth care needs like specialized UVB lighting.
-
Corn Snake – Manageable size, typically easy to handle, easy to feed (frozen thawed rodents), and relatively low-maintenance.
-
Crested Gecko – Easy to care for, small, eats a fruit based powder mixed with water as a staple diet with live insects occasionally.
Conclusion
Reptiles can make rewarding pets, but they aren’t for everyone. Carefully consider the pros and cons, research the right species, and set realistic expectations before making a commitment. If your child is truly dedicated, a pet reptile can be a phenomenal addition, and an educational experience for the whole family!
Personal Story:
My parents let me get my first herps (the term broadly used for amphibians / reptiles) when I was 6, after I had fallen in love with an American toad that had taken residence in my mother's flowerbed. My fascination with amphibians grew, and I was repeatedly bringing home salamanders that I had found in the woods. My parents told me wild animals stay outside, and we'd look into getting our own "inside animals". My parents decided on a pair of Firebelly Toads, and it snowballed from there.
Though my father was afraid of snakes, I brought home my first pet snake (without his knowledge!) at age 11 - a corn snake I'd named "Luna". My bedroom would become a menagerie for all things scaly through my early teen years. I learned to build terrariums and researched everything I could about caring for different animals. My love for reptiles opened many doors of opportunity for careers working with animals, and landed me here, writing articles for others about how to care for pet reptiles.
Perhaps your household is the same; you have this child that shows a strong interest in working with "scary" animals, even though their parents are neutral at best or even afraid of reptiles. You are not alone! Many of my reptile-loving coworkers and peers are where they are today because their reptile-neutral families fostered their love for "strange" animals at a young age. Some of my friends in their mid-20's still own their very first reptiles that they were gifted in their childhood!
Even if your child's love for reptiles doesn't result in a career working with them, they could be a stepping stone to help other children overcome their fears of misunderstood animals. For me, my love of reptiles helped my father overcome his fear of snakes. While he still won't hold them, he doesn't reach for the shovel when he sees a rat snake basking on the patio any longer; instead, he reaches for his phone to send me a photo.
I hope that your child's love for reptiles will open many doors of possibility and learning for not only them, but also your entire family and community!
