As you consider buying a snake, lizard, amphibian, or other herp (reptiles and amphibians), there are a number of things you have to know. And you must consider these well in advance of going out to the pet store and falling in love with an animal that may prove to be ultimately unsuitable.

Your first step is a trip to the library, to your local bookstore, or to quality sites on the Internet to obtain information on the different species that you are likely to come across in your quest for the perfect pet. There are over 10,000 species of amphibians and reptiles, but only a small number are really suitable for vivariums (an indoor/enclosed living environment for terrestial (land) animals). And you should be aware that your local pet store is not your only option. You can buy the precise kind of animal that you want through mail order from a REPUTABLE supplier, or by getting in touch with other hobbyists.

Pet stores, reputable mail order suppliers, hobbyists, and herp shows are possible sources of your new pet. The newspaper and rescue organizations are good sources, provided that you can verify that the herp was properly treated and remains healthy.

But remember, the initial purchase price of an animal is just a fraction of the cost of care. You will need to make allowances in your budget for housing, heating, feeding, veterinary care, etc. It all depends on the animal, so understanding the equipment that you will need is part of the process of deciding whether a particular animal is right for you.

As you read about the various species available, be especially aware of the following:

Regulations

Some states, counties, and cities have strict regulations on the keeping of certain kinds of reptiles and other animals. Before you make a purchase of this kind, check with your local Fish and Wildlife Department to see which regulations will apply to you.

Adult Size

How big will the animal grow, and what will you do when it reaches that size? That beautiful 20-inch baby Burmese python may fit well in a 5 or 10-gallon aquarium style tank when you first bring it home from the pet store, but within 5 months it is likely to reach 5 feet, and it has the potential to grow to 18 feet at maturity. Keeping an 18-foot snake is obviously a very different proposition than you bargained for when you left the store cheerfully toting your aquarium and thinking that was all that you were ever going to need. Buying that snake only to have to find a new home for it before it reaches maturity is unfair both to you and to the animal.