Are you considering adopting a reptile? While snakes, lizards, and other reptiles may not be the ideal pet for everyone, they do have some qualities that can make them great animal companions. Here, an Oshawa, ON vet lists some of the benefits of choosing a reptile for a pet.

Silence

One great thing about reptiles is that they don’t make a lot of noise. You won’t have to worry about your neighbors calling to complain about your pet snake’s barking or meowing!

Simple Care

Many reptiles don’t need much day-to-day care. Certain snakes, for instance, may only need to be fed once or twice a week, and have their cages cleaned regularly. Other reptiles are also easy keepers. This is by no means a blanket statement about all reptiles, however: some of them, such as iguanas, need quite a bit of care! Just be sure to do plenty of research before adopting one, so you’ll know exactly what your pet needs to stay happy and healthy.

No Messes

People with pet reptiles never have to worry about coming home to find that their little buddy has left a hairball in the middle of the carpet or eaten their couch cushions. While it is of course very important to keep your reptile’s cage clean, your scaled pal won’t leave any messes in the rest of your home.

Hypoallergenic

Many people are allergic to dogs and cats. Because reptiles won’t fill your home with fur or dander, they can make wonderful pets for people with allergies.

They’re Beautiful

Snakes and lizards can be very fascinating to watch. These exotic pets do have characters, though they may not be quite as charismatic as dogs or cats. And, while reptiles aren’t always exactly cuddly, many of them seem to enjoy interacting with and being held by their owners.

No Training Required

Another great thing about reptiles is that you don’t have to worry about training them. Your scaled buddy won’t need to be housebroken, or taught to use a scratching post or litterbox.

Tips

While there are some advantages to choosing a reptile for a pet, they aren’t right for everyone. Before adopting one, do plenty of research, and ask your vet for specific recommendations. Do you have questions about caring for a pet reptile? Contact us! As your Oshawa, ON animal clinic, we’re here to help!