Guest Author - Peyton Creadick

The holidays are coming, and Junior is begging for a ball python or an iguana. You want to give in, but you’ve considered my objections, and you’re torn. Don’t be torn. Perhaps, you’re not torn. You want to say no. Either way, there are easy answers to avoid the issue for the holidays!

Option 1: Reptile-related gifts.
Animal Den has some excellent reptile-related gifts such as this Iguana ornament and this Iguana Jewelry Box. What about gecko earrings or a turtle bank. For the adult in your house, how about gecko coasters?

Option 2: Gifts for Pets
If you’ve decided you don’t mind caring for this animal when Junior goes to college, and you’re willing to purchase it, consider giving the gift of habitat. By habitat, I mean purchase the enclosure or some accessories. If you’d rather, you can give the person a gift certificate to PetsMart so they can pick out their own accessories (I suggest getting the reptile from a breeder). If you want to “go all out” buy the entire set-up. After the holidays, you and Junior can start looking for your perfect reptile pet. I suggest using a breeder or a rescue.

Option 3: Donate to a Rescue
Rescues often find themselves inundated at certain times of the year. Why not donate money in Junior’s name to a rescue in lieu of buying a holiday pet?


Last but not Least....

Whatever you do, please make an informed choice. More and more reptiles are dropped off at rescues every year, and the majority of them are there because of irresponsible or uncaring owners. Of course, there are legitimate reasons to take a reptile to a rescue. They do screen potential owners much more carefully than we as owners can on our own. If you take just one thing away from this article, please take away with you that pet reptiles and amphibians depend on us, and we must meet their needs. Think carefully before making the commitment to a new reptile or amphibian. A little extra time to make that decision won’t hurt Junior, but being more informed before you take a reptile or amphibian home may save your new pet’s life.

Happy Holidays and Happy Herping!