Reptiles that can be kept as pets are fascinating creatures known for their calm and often solitary nature. They come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, offering pet owners a chance to observe unique behaviors and patterns not found in other domestic animals. Their cold-blooded biology means they rely on external heat sources to regulate body temperature, which influences how they are cared for in captivity.
Keeping them as pets requires careful attention to their habitat. Each species has specific needs in terms of temperature, humidity, and lighting, which must be recreated in their enclosure. Proper shelter, a clean environment, and access to fresh water are essential to maintain their health and comfort. Owners often invest in specialized equipment like heat lamps and thermometers to achieve the right balance.
Their diet also varies depending on the type and natural habits of the reptile. Some prefer a diet of plants, fruits, and vegetables, while others require protein sources such as insects or small animals. Providing a balanced diet that matches their nutritional requirements helps ensure longevity and vibrant health. Regular feeding schedules and clean food conditions are equally important.
Handling reptiles requires patience and understanding. Many are sensitive to stress and prefer minimal physical contact. Over time, however, some can become accustomed to human presence and display calm, predictable behavior. Gentle handling and consistency help build trust between the reptile and its keeper.
Reptiles that Can be Kept As Pets
Leopard Gecko
A quintessential beginner reptile, the Leopard Gecko is cherished for its docile nature, manageable size (7-10 inches), and simple care requirements. These nocturnal lizards come in a stunning array of colors and patterns. They are ground-dwellers and do not require complex UVB lighting, though low levels are beneficial. Their diet consists solely of live insects like crickets and mealworms.
Bearded Dragon
Often called the “puppy dogs” of the reptile world, Bearded Dragons are known for their personable and curious demeanor. They are diurnal, making them active and entertaining during the day. Native to arid regions of Australia, they require a spacious enclosure with strong UVB lighting and a varied omnivorous diet of insects and fresh vegetables.
Crested Gecko
These arboreal geckos from New Caledonia have won hearts with their eyelash-like crests and their ability to jump. Crested Geckos are low-maintenance; they thrive at room temperature and can be fed a complete commercial powdered diet, eliminating the need for live insects. They require a tall, vertically-oriented terrarium filled with climbing branches and foliage.
Ball Python
One of the most popular pet snakes globally, Ball Pythons are renowned for their generally gentle temperament. When stressed, they defensively curl into a tight “ball.” They are a thick-bodied, constrictor snake with an immense variety of color morphs available. They can be picky eaters and require higher humidity and secure, enclosed hides to feel safe.
Corn Snake
A classic beginner snake, the Corn Snake is hardy, docile, and an eager eater. They are slender, active snakes that come in virtually every color and pattern imaginable due to extensive captive breeding. Their care is straightforward, requiring a secure enclosure with a temperature gradient. They are excellent escape artists, so a locking lid is a must.
Blue-Tongued Skink
These stocky, ground-dwelling lizards from Australia and Indonesia are full of personality. Their most distinctive feature is their large, blue tongue, used as a bluff against predators. Blue-tongued Skinks are omnivorous with a hearty appetite and are known for their intelligence and curiosity. They require a long, horizontal enclosure with substrate for burrowing.
Russian Tortoise
A small and hardy species, the Russian Tortoise is a popular choice for tortoise keepers. They max out at 6-8 inches and are known for their active and personable nature. As herbivores, their diet consists of a variety of leafy greens, grasses, and weeds. They require a large, secure outdoor enclosure or a very spacious indoor “tortoise table.”
Red-Eared Slider
This is the familiar semi-aquatic turtle commonly seen in pet stores. While hardy, Red-Eared Sliders have extensive needs. They grow to 10-12 inches, are messy eaters, and require a massive tank or pond with powerful filtration, a dry basking area, and UVB lighting. They are a long-term commitment, often living for over 30 years.
Kenyan Sand Boa
A fantastic small, fossorial (burrowing) snake, the Kenyan Sand Boa is a great choice for those wanting a low-maintenance pet. They spend most of their time buried beneath the sand or aspen substrate, with only their eyes peeking out to ambush prey. They have a thick, stout body and a very docile disposition.
Uromastyx (Spiny-Tailed Lizard)
Also known as “Uros,” these diurnal, herbivorous lizards are known for their bright colors and spiky tails. Native to arid, rocky deserts, they require very high basking temperatures and low humidity. They are primarily herbivorous, eating seeds, leaves, and flowers, and can be quite personable once acclimated.
Green Anole
Often a child’s first reptile, the Green Anole is a small, inexpensive, and active lizard. They can change color from bright green to brown based on their mood and environment. They are insectivores and require a vertically-oriented terrarium with plenty of plants for climbing and hiding. They can be skittish and are better for observation than handling.
Argentine Black and White Tegu
A giant for the advanced keeper, the Tegu is often described as dog-like in its intelligence and capacity for bonding. These large, powerful lizards from South America can learn to recognize their owners, be house-trained, and even seek out affection. They require a massive, custom-built enclosure and an omnivorous diet.
Gargoyle Gecko
A close relative of the Crested Gecko, the Gargoyle Gecko is another New Caledonian species known for its bumpy skin, prehensile tail, and calm temperament. They have similar care requirements, thriving on a commercial powdered diet and needing a tall, planted terrarium. They are a bit more robust and can regrow their tails if lost.
Hognose Snake
Famous for their dramatic defensive displays, Hognose Snakes will flatten their necks like a cobra and hiss loudly, and may even play dead. They are otherwise harmless and have an adorable upturned snout for digging. They are rear-fanged and mildly venomous, but their venom is not dangerous to humans and they are reluctant to bite.
Chameleon (Veiled/Panther)
Chameleons are the advanced arborists of the reptile world, known for their color-changing ability, zygodactyl feet, and projectile tongues. Species like the Veiled and Panther Chameleon are stunning but require very specific care: screen enclosures for airflow, specialized dripping/misting systems for hydration, and plenty of live plants. They are high-maintenance and stress easily.
African Fat-Tailed Gecko
A close cousin to the Leopard Gecko, the African Fat-Tailed Gecko is typically more docile and requires slightly higher humidity. They are nocturnal and have a similar care regimen, needing a terrestrial setup with warm and moist hides. They are known for their plumper tail and beautiful, often darker, banded patterns.
Mali Uromastyx
A specific and popular species of Uromastyx, the Mali is known for its beautiful tan, orange, and black coloration. Like other Uros, they are herbivores that thrive in extremely hot and dry environments. They are diurnal and can be quite active during the day, making them fascinating to watch in a well-designed desert enclosure.
Chinese Water Dragon
Often mistaken for small Iguanas, these stunning green lizards are semi-arboreal and semi-aquatic. They require a very large, tall enclosure with a significant water feature for swimming and high humidity. They can be skittish and are prone to nose-rubbing injuries if their enclosure is too small, making them an intermediate-to-advanced pet.
Rosy Boa
One of the calmest snakes in the hobby, the Rosy Boa is a slow-moving, heavy-bodied constrictor native to the southwestern US. They rarely bite and are a manageable size (2-4 feet). They come in several beautiful locality-based color morphs and have simple care requirements similar to other North American colubrids.
Sudan Plated Lizard
A unique and diurnal lizard, the Sudan Plated Lizard is covered in heavy, armor-like scales. They are terrestrial and require a long enclosure with deep, sandy substrate for burrowing. While initially shy, they can become quite tame with regular, gentle handling. They are omnivorous, eating insects and some plant matter.
Ackie Monitor (Spiny-Tailed Monitor)
The smallest commonly-kept monitor species, the Ackie Monitor offers the intelligence and personality of a monitor lizard in a manageable 24-inch package. They are incredibly active, curious, and require a complex, hot enclosure with deep substrate for digging. They are insectivorous and are considered an advanced but highly rewarding pet.