This article was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.
Adopting a pet is a lot of fun, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. If you’re going to bring a pet into your family, be sure it’s one you can devote time and energy to.
Pet reptiles and snakes are excellent choices for children’s first pets. Their demands are minimal, and they’re fun and lovable, yet they don’t take up a lot of space.
Considering the wide variety of pet reptiles available, you’re sure to find one that’s just right for your home!
1. Snakes Are More Affordable As Pets Than Other Animals
You’ll have to pay for the upfront expenses of owning a snake.
There are a few necessary items such as a thermometer and hygrometer, as well as the snake itself, in this setup.
As a caveat, it is possible to pay thousands of dollars for really rare and unique snakes and reptiles. But the ordinary snake only costs around $150 on average. About $50 will be spent on the enclosure, as well as the rest of the basics.
All in all, you’ll likely pay somewhere between $300 and $400 to get started. Here’s a short guide on how to choose your snake.
A few dollars a week for food is all that’s left, barring a gigantic snake, and you’ll have to shell out a few additional bucks a month for the extra heat and light you’ll need.
It’s also worth noting that unless your snake is ill, you won’t have to pay for any veterinarian visits.
2. Reptiles Are Hypoallergenic
Those who are allergic to dog and cat dander and hair should consider reptiles as a pet option. All animals, including birds, shed dander, which can trigger allergic reactions in people. The same is true for tiny animals such as ferrets, guinea pigs and hamsters.
Snakes are a good option if you’re allergic to most animals but still want a pet that’s not a fish.
3. Reptiles Don’t Shed Their Hair; They Shed Their Skin!
When you have a snake, you won’t have to clean your house all the time. There are also no worries regarding house training or accidents unlike having a dog that needs to be trained.
Keeping your pet’s mess in a small, contained area, is one of the more pleasant perks of having these animals as pets. Cleaning their cage is a must, although it isn’t necessary to do it on a regular basis.
4. Snakes Are Soothing
Nature provides a sense of peace and serenity that can’t be matched.
Many times it’s more enjoyable to watch your snake explore its surroundings in a well-designed enclosure than having a pet that consistently demands attention.
Owning a pet has been shown to have positive effects on both the owner’s mental and physical health. Dongs and cats aren’t the only animals affected by this. Having a snake as a pet may be a lot of fun, and they make great company. If you’re still wondering if snakes are right for you, read more about the mental health benefits of pets at BetterHelp.
5. Reptiles Can Benefit From Affection, But They Don’t Need It All The Time
The best part about having a snake as a pet is that you get to decide how much affection and companionship is perfect for you.
They enjoy venturing out of their enclosure to discover new places, but they are equally satisfied to laze around in it all day. The fact that they are clean, warm, and fed is all that matters. You don’t even have to be in the same room as them to appreciate them. Having a pet like this is ideal for some individuals.
6. They’re Less Dangerous Than Dogs
This may come as a surprise to some who are terrified of snakes, but non-venomous snakes are significantly safer than dogs.
If a dog attacks you, it’s likely to inflict far more damage than any other animal, even from the largest snakes. In most cases, a snake will attack fast, release, and return to a defensive posture.
A small scratch or a few minuscule punctures are the most you’ll get from this but be prepared for it to be a surprise—if they do bite, of course.
Finally, here’s a great video showing some of the best and easy to handle reptiles for kids to own as pets:
