Step aside dogs and cats, the exotic pet industry is booming as more and more people turn to unconventional animal companions. Over a decade ago there were a little over one million households with alternative pets like snakes, lizards, and tortoises. Today, that number has more than quadrupled with an estimated 4.5 million U.S. households owning a reptile. It’s easy to see why reptiles have risen in popularity so much. Reptiles are wonderfully low-maintenance but still offer an interactive experience; they tend to be much less expensive than a standard pet, and it’s impossible to deny that they are visually stunning to look at. But these are just a few of the reasons why people decide to have reptiles as pets. Let’s dive into all the wonderful aspects of owning one and why reptiles make great pets in general.
Low Maintenance
Reptiles are highly independent creatures. Aside from keeping them warm and fed, there’s not much their owner has to do. In fact, some reptile species only need to be fed once every one or two weeks which allows owners to travel without concern. In terms of hygiene: Land-based reptiles are going to be the easiest of all to keep as there is significantly less cleaning involved. Even so, reptiles are naturally fastidious and tend to keep their living areas neat by only feeding once a week and defecating and shedding even less often than that.
Affordable
No matter which way you look at it, the costs of owning a reptile compared to that of owning a cat or dog are far lower. Reptiles are cheap to feed, the majority of species’ diets consist of insects and produce. The average cost of feeding a reptile might be $15 a month (but could be even lower). Additionally, since reptiles don’t need much for entertainment like toys or being taken for walks, many of the auxiliary costs of owning a canine or feline are also removed.
Space-Efficient
You’ll never have to worry if your housing situation is big enough to accommodate a reptile. With the exception of some tortoises and lizards that can grow quite large and need outdoor space to roam, your average reptile can comfortably be housed in an enclosure that takes up no more than a couple of square feet. This makes reptiles a great pet option for individuals living somewhere like studios or shared spaces.
Child-Friendly
Reptiles are particularly popular with families with young children. Although they might look fearsome, many reptile species are naturally calm and non-aggressive. They get along well with humans and offer an allergy-free way for kids to learn about different animals and responsibility. Additionally, reptiles have long lifespans so they can serve as loyal companions well into a child’s adult years.
Want A Reptile Of Your Own?
There are many reasons why people would decide to own a reptile as a pet. They’re low maintenance, affordable, good in small spaces, and great with children. Not to mention that owning an exotic animal is a unique experience with a major cool factor. If you are considering getting a pet reptile of your own, you’ll be pleased to know it isn’t difficult to do. The growing popularity of reptiles has made them easy to acquire. You can find a wide variety of reptiles for sale online along with cool morphs and all the equipment you’ll need to get set up.
