When I tell people I have pets, they usually aren’t expecting me to say I have reptiles. It’s a shock! People expect me to say that I have a cat, a fish or maybe even a dog. Instead, I talk about my leopard gecko, Cheerio, and my crested gecko, Adonis. I have been a reptile owner for a little over a year, and owning lizards has been more fulfilling than I could’ve imagined. Here are a few of the reasons why I think you should consider getting a reptile as your next pet.
- Range of Care
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There’s a reptile with the perfect care level for you. With the right setup, some reptiles may only need temperature checks once a day and feeding once every two weeks! This low maintenance style is perfect for even the busiest of college students. For my leopard gecko Cheerio, I replace his water and feed him about twice a week. Even between an internship, a full class schedule and club participation, I can rest easy knowing that I’ll always have enough time to take care of my baby.
On the flip side, some reptiles need attention multiple times a day, such as reptiles that need their tanks misted down a few times a day to keep a high humidity level. For hobbyists, this might be a plus. Maybe you want a pet you can spend your time on. Either way, it’s important to do your research whenever you are looking for a new pet to make sure you find one that you can adequately care for.
- Fewer Allergens
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If you’re allergic to every bit of fur, feather and fuzz in this world, reptiles are a great option. While most reptiles shed their skin to accommodate for growth and change, it’s much more contained than getting a cat who will manage to leave hair on every item of clothing you own, triggering your allergies even more than they would back at your parent’s house. If you’re looking for a pet that won’t make you sneeze, look into reptiles!
- Less Mess
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With reptiles, whatever mess they make is usually confined to their cage. For college students who live in smaller spaces, that means a lot less clean-up! I clean my reptiles’ cages every three to four weeks, and it’s so nice to not have to worry about vacuuming the whole apartment every month to rid the carpet of every single cat hair I can manage to find.
- Good Companions
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Reptiles can make surprisingly good companions. Many reptiles are perfectly content to stay by your side to stay warm and cozy, and they can be wonderful cuddle buddies. While some reptiles may need to go through a socialization process, gaining a reptile’s trust can be an awe-inducing experience, and it’s totally worth it in the end.
- For the Looks
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Reptiles have some amazing colors that you just can’t get with your mother’s pomeranian. Many reptiles have dozens of morphs (genetic types that determine appearance) to choose from, and even on a budget you can acquire some rad pets. Not only do they look incredible, but their cages can add some nature-inspired ambiance to your room. Whether you end up with a tropical rainforest or the Sahara Desert as inspiration, these critters’ cages can be an unexpected creative outlet.
- In It for the Long Run
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Unlike many fish and rodents, these pets can be small but mighty, with lifespans easily stretching across the decades. While some reptiles have shorter lifespans, some can live up to 10, 20, or 30 years, or even longer! If you want a companion that will be with you for a long time, a reptile will be a pet you can keep around for ages.
As some final advice: research is the golden rule. Whether we’re talking about figuring out care requirements, finding a reliable breeder, or picking out the perfect reptile, remember that Google is your friend! Taking some time to talk to people or scour the Internet can make a world of difference and lead to a healthier, happier pet-owner relationship.
In the end, I think reptiles get a bad rep for what incredible pets they can make. My leopard gecko has been one of my greatest sources of comfort in college, and I would be so lost without him. I hope this article has, at the very least, made you realize that reptiles aren’t so scary after all. So, the next time you encounter someone with a scaly friend, ask to say hi!