Guest Author - Peyton Creadick

Lately, I’ve been inundated with requests for baby chinchillas by parents wanting to surprise their children for Christmas. Granted, chinchillas aren’t reptiles, but when I was in college and working in a pet store, I saw similar reptile-related requests at Christmas time.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at a number of reasons why buying an animal (especially a reptile) as a holiday gift is a bad idea. Then, we’ll take a look at alternatives to make Junior happy while still avoiding purchasing a snake, gecko, iguana, etc. There are plenty of alternatives available, and they’ll likely cost you a lot less than a proper iguana or gecko set-up while still appeasing your child’s reptile interests.

Ok, so you’re looking at me in amazement thinking I’m overly sensitive to the plight of animals. Well, perhaps I am. I’ve seen people bring in lizards who are on the brink of death, with loose skin, who are no longer able to swallow, and their eyes are sinking into their heads. Ideally, everyone would think and re-think the purchase of a pet before proceeding. Ideally, everyone would read up so as not to let the animal suffer in the midst of their owner’s learning curve.

Yes, I’m somewhat altruistic, but someone has to be. I like to think I temper haste a bit, and if I even temper it a bit, that’s more than what existed previously. Ok, so now that I’ve said that, I’ll proceed!

The biggest reason not to buy a pet for a child for a major holiday like Christmas is because not only is the child the last to consider all the work and expense that goes into keeping a pet, the parent is feeling somewhat more generous (and perhaps a bit less logical) than at other times of the year. No matter your level of altruism, an animal does not deserve to be the recipient of Christmas Day or Birthday Buyer’s remorse.

It’s not Altruism, it’s logic!

The Humane Society has been warning people about the pitfalls of pets as gifts for years. There are several reasons for this. The most obvious is that giving someone else a pet for Christmas, especially someone else’s child (even if it’s your nephew or grandchild), can result in the pet being returned. You have no control over how that person cares for that animal once they take it home or you leave. Now, if you’re thinking about giving one to your own child, the reasons become less obvious, but they exist.

Reason 1: Safety
The biggest reason not to give animals as holiday gifts (especially Christmas) is safety for the animal. They may be initially neglected. The holidays are busy times, and the pet may be neglected starting off on a bad food for both you and the new animal. This is especially important for reptiles who need a proper cage set-up immediately. Improper heating can result in death, especially in a cold house. It can also be difficult to obtain crickets if you live in a cold climate and the reptile is an insectivore. The cold weather can kill crickets in transit or delay shipments resulting in empty containers at pet stores and pets without food.

Reason 2: Holidays come with Hazards:
The second reason is that holidays come with hazards. Aside from the risks of not being able to find crickets at the pet store during the coldest months, there are holiday specific risks. These apply more to larger reptiles or those who may be allowed loose at times. A snake, Iguana, or other reptile may accidental ingest something dangerous like a Christmas ornament or piece of tinsel. In the case of an herbivorous reptile, tinsel and poisonous plants are bigger potential issues.

Reason 3: Research
I’m always astounded when I find out friends with dogs/cats don’t know it’s illegal not to have them vaccinated for rabies. Research is so important, even when you think you know everything about the animal, but it’s especially important with reptiles and amphibians who have very specific environmental requirements. Food and water alone won’t keep them alive in most cases.

Ultimately, Christmas pets are often asked for and given without research. I encourage every parent to task their child with a report on the animal in question. Have the child provide resources with the report, so you can verify the information. This will educate the child and you about what’s involved with the care of that animal without putting the burden square on your shoulders. You’re still the responsible party. Verifying the accuracy of the report is an important step to approving or denying your child’s request for a pet.

Reason 4: Returns
Many animals are returned or abandoned to rescues and humane societies after the holidays are over. Many reptiles die due to uninformed new owners. I don’t think this requires further explanation.

There are many other reasons for not buying a reptile as a holiday gift, but I think I've filled your brains with enough for now. Please take a look at part two: Alternatives to reptiles and amphibians as holiday gifts and consider giving one of the alternatives a try.

Happy Holidays and Happy Herping!