Your child wants a pet and, although you’re reluctant, having a dog or a cat wouldn’t be the worst thing ever. Right? Both are extremely lovable creatures (yes, cats are lovable and, if you don’t think so, then you’ve never owned a cat), they’re playful, and you can cuddle with them. So, naturally, you say yes and tell your kid you’ll go to a local shelter to pick up a new furbaby for your family. You’re thinking about a new bed, a few toys, a collar, possibly a onesie and you can feel yourself getting excited over having a furry little creature running around your house and bringing joy to everyone in it.
And then your child stops you and tells you, “Shelter? Mom, I want a lizard.”. And then… silence.
But you want your child to be happy so you go along with it and start thinking about what you’ll have to pay for this little bugger (the reptile, not the kid!). And then you realize you have no idea how much it’ll cost you to keep the lizard alive and happy and you start panicking a bit because you already made a promise.
Well, panic no more, my friend, I’m here to tell you everything you need to know.
Reptile Care Expenses
You can’t just feed it and make sure it has a place to live. You might not be a fan of reptiles and you might have preferred a dog, but if you have it, you have to make sure it’s happy and healthy.
Here’s what that will cost you.
- The Price of the Reptile Itself
First, you need to get the actual reptile and prices go from $10 for a little anole lizard to $500 for snakes and rare morphs. I’ve noticed that leopard geckos and bearded dragons are the most popular among kids, and they cost between $30 and $150.
I can’t stress this enough, but the cheapest option is usually not the best. You want to get the reptile from a reputable breeder, not a pet store, because that will usually get you a healthier and better cared for pet.
- Enclosure
Now, your reptile needs a house, and this is one of the biggest upfront costs. A small reptile, like a gecko, will do fine in a 10 to 20-gallon tank, and that one is relatively cheap ($50 and up). If you have a larger reptile, like a python or an iguana (and good luck with those), you’ll have to get a much bigger enclosure and that might set you back a pretty penny; around $500.
Also, some reptiles need special features, like a space to climb or high humidity, so that’s an extra expense.
- Heating and Lighting
Reptiles aren’t like mammals and they can’t regulate their body temperature on their own, so they need heating, meaning heat lamps, heat pads, or ceramic heaters. Also, a lot of reptiles need UVB lighting to help them absorb calcium and prevent health issues. Expect to pay anywhere between $50 and $200 for this, but it is what it is. This is an expense you can’t ignore.
- Substrate and Decor
You can’t stick an animal in a bare tank; you have to get bedding and decorations so it’s comfortable and safe. The kind of bedding or substrate you’ll need depends on the species. Some reptiles need sand, others need coconut fiber, reptile carpet, or aspen shavings.
You also need to get hiding spots, climbing branches, and a water dish. All together – you’ll need from $20 to $100 to cover this.
- Food and Supplements
This will be a monthly expense, and it can vary from $10 to $50. Some reptiles like live insects, like roaches, which you can find on sites like https://topflightdubia.com. Others, however, want frozen mice or fresh greens – not exactly your typical 2-Michellin-star meal.
Then there are also supplements (calcium and vitamin powders) so your reptile can stay healthy.
- Veterinary Care
You won’t have to take your reptile to regular check-ups, but when they need medical care, it’s usually expensive. A basic check-up can be anywhere between $50 and $200 (depending on where you live), and if the reptile gets sick, treatments are even more expensive.
The problem is, reptiles (depending on the species) tend to hide the illness until it gets serious, so if you notice that anything is off, you have to take it to the vet right away (just in case).
Conclusion
You may have had your heart set on a Mrs. Whiskers or a Mr. Mittens, but your child wanted a Rango, so now you’re stuck with it. The good news is, I can promise you you’ll learn to love it even though it may not bring your slippers or try to curl into your lap.
Reptiles are awesome and having one can teach your child compassion and responsibility. After all, all animals deserve love and respect, even those that aren’t fluffy.