How to Buy a Pet Snake

Buying a pet snake requires almost as much responsibility as the practical ownership of one. Check the legality of pet snake ownership in your city, decide on a reputable seller and make sure that all of your pet snake's living needs are met before purchasing your slithering friend.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Check laws regarding snake ownership in your city. Many cities prohibit keeping certain species of snakes as pets within city limits.

2. Research species of snakes that are typically sold as pets. Familiarize yourself with their care requirements. Pay particular attention to growth patterns, temperaments, and feeding and housing requirements, since these factors vary among species and can help you decide on one that complements your interests, lifestyle and capabilities as an owner.

3. Consider vivarium costs. Each snake species requires different living conditions. Maintaining your snake and its vivarium may require expensive equipment that needs to be routinely replaced.

4. Decide on a species of snake. Call breeders and pet shops to inquire about snake availability.

5. Visit breeders and pet shops and examine the snakes. Check the environments in which the snakes have been living for cleanliness. Ask breeders or pet shop employees about care requirements, ownership tips and warnings.

6. Observe the snakes' appearance and behavior. A snake's ill temper may indicate an internal, physical disturbance such as illness or injury. Snakes that have dull eyes and are overly skinny or fat may also be in bad health. Identify potential, purchasable snakes by picking out those that are robust and lively.

7. Buy all implements for your snake's habitat. Acquire temperature gradients, lighting equipment, food and miscellaneous items as needed.

8. Assemble your pet snake's habitat. Preparing your pet snake's vivarium in anticipation for your pet snake's arrival not only exposes you to the practical, physical care requirements for which you will be responsible but also ensures the snake's smooth transition from store to home.

9. Purchase your snake. Transport your pet snake to its waiting vivarium and enjoy your new status as a proud snake owner.

Tips & Warnings

• If you decide to buy from a breeder, buy only from those who are reputable and who raise snakes from hatchlings. Scout herpetological societies for breeders. Don't be afraid to ask for references.
• A common misconception is that snakes, as well as other reptiles, are autonomous and do not require as much care, consideration or commitment as other domestic pets. Realize that the opposite is actually true. Often, a snake owner may need to rely on the help of a friend to feed or adequately maintain a pet snake's habitat.
• Avoid purchasing snakes while they are shedding.