Choosing a Creepy Crawler

In This Guide:

• Deciding whether you’re truly suited for an exotic pet
• Choosing the right exotic companion for your lifestyle
• Finding rescued exotic pets in need of loving new homes

When you visit a typical animal shelter, you’re almost guaranteed to be greeted by wagging dog tails, purring cats, a handful of small mammals, and perhaps a few chirping birds. Dedicated rescue groups do an incredible job specializing in the furred and feathered. But what about the animals with vibrant scales, sturdy shells, sleek slimy skin, or eight hairy legs?

The traditional shelter system doesn’t usually have the resources to take in abandoned reptiles, amphibians, arachnids, and other creepy crawlies. While you might occasionally spot a turtle at the pound, there are countless exotic pets out there desperately in need of good homes. Tracking them down just requires a slightly different approach.

If you know where to look, you can find passionate rescue groups devoted exclusively to this unique subcategory of pets. These networks are often made up of dedicated hobbyists who informally foster animals. You won't always find the highly structured foster systems or placement interviews typical of dog and cat rescues. Why is that?

Simply put: fewer people are actively searching for an exotic pet compared to a cuddly mammal. Yet, the irony is that reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids are often significantly easier to care for than their warm-blooded counterparts! If you find a species that appeals to you, invest in the right supplies and proper housing, and meticulously meet their nutritional needs, you could find yourself with an incredibly easygoing and fascinating companion.

On the flip side, owning a "creepy-crawly" isn’t for everyone. In this guide, we'll help you figure out if the exotic pet lifestyle is right for you, and if it is, how to choose the perfect match. Consider this your ultimate primer on all things scaly, slimy, and multi-legged, as well as your roadmap to adopting an exotic pet in need of a caretaker.

Are Exotic "Herps" and "Bugs" Really Right for You?

Reptiles and amphibians (affectionately called herps by hobbyists) and arachnids/insects (informally dubbed bugs, encompassing tarantulas, hissing cockroaches, and scorpions) come with very distinct pros and cons. Deciding if you’d make a good parent to one of these unusual creatures is straightforward—as long as you know exactly what you’re getting into.

Are you genuinely willing to research and meet a pet's highly specific care requirements, or are you just looking for a "zero-work" decoration? Are you adopting an exotic just to shock your parents and frighten your friends, or do you have a true fascination for the natural world?

Unlike an abandoned dog that might need behavioral training, reptiles don't typically have psychological "baggage" in the same way. However, if a rescue reptile wasn't handled regularly as a baby, that stunning iguana might never want to ride on your shoulder, and that nervous rat snake might remain nippy for life. You must ask yourself: Am I willing to care for a pet even if I can’t always touch it? Adopted exotics also frequently arrive with health issues—such as mites, skin infections, or skeletal deformities—stemming from past neglect, unclean enclosures, or poor nutrition.

Ask yourself these critical questions before committing:

• Why do I want a herp or bug? Enjoying your pet’s unique "shock value" is only acceptable if it's paired with a genuine desire to learn about and care for the animal properly.
• Am I prepared for a long-term commitment? Many exotics—such as large snakes, iguanas, tortoises, and female tarantulas—can easily outlive a dog or cat. For a deeper dive into specific life spans, check out our guide on Exploring the Pet Adoption Option.
• Will anyone in my household be terrified? Some people have genuine phobias of spiders and snakes. If a family member is so bothered that keeping the pet long-term isn't realistic, it's best not to adopt.
• Do I have other pets that might become predators (or prey)? Cats and dogs are often fascinated by small moving lizards and frogs. Conversely, a giant python poses a serious risk to kittens or puppies. Can you guarantee the safety of all animals in your home?
• Do I really have the time? Exotics might be "low-maintenance," but they are absolutely not "no-maintenance." Feeding, health monitoring, and cage cleaning take time. Most enclosures require a thorough cleaning at least once a week.
• Am I squeamish about their diets? Most exotics eat live food—ranging from crickets and mealworms to mice and rats. If you can't stomach touching or watching these creatures be devoured, consider a vegetarian exotic, like a green iguana.
• Is pet food affordable and accessible? You need a reliable source, or the time, space, and stomach to breed your own feeder insects or rodents.
• Do large reptiles intimidate me? Giant snakes and large iguanas can grow so big they become difficult to handle alone. If size intimidates you, opt for a smaller species like a corn snake or water dragon.
• Deep down, do I just want a fluffy pet? Very few exotics offer the cuddly, interactive affection of a mammal. Ensure scales, shells, or exoskeletons will truly fulfill your desire for companionship.
• Are they legal in my area? City and regional ordinances frequently ban certain exotic pets. Check local laws before adopting, and remember that irresponsible ownership often fuels these bans.
• Can I afford specialized veterinary care? Are you prepared to pay for treatments to resolve pre-existing health issues in a rescue pet? Do you have an exotic-savvy vet nearby?

Choosing the Perfect Exotic Match

If you're confident an exotic pet is for you, the next step is matching a species to your available time and lifestyle. According to Reptiles & Amphibians For Dummies by Patricia Bartlett, low-effort options include corn snakes, king snakes, horned frogs, White’s tree frogs, and Tiger salamanders. In the middle of the spectrum sit painted turtles, Greek tortoises, and Eastern newts. At the high-maintenance end? The popular green iguana.

If you view cage cleaning as the ultimate measure of maintenance, amphibians rank highly; their moist environments require intense vigilance regarding cleanliness and water changes to prevent bacterial growth. Most arachnids (like tarantulas) are low maintenance, while lizards generally span the middle to high-maintenance range.

Here’s a breakdown of popular exotic pets and what you need to consider before bringing one home:

The Constrictor Crew: Pythons, Boas, and Huggable Snakes

Squeezing snakes are incredibly popular, but many are surrendered when they grow too large, develop health issues like mites, or when owners simply tire of feeding them rodents.

• Time Commitment: Most, including the docile ball python, are low maintenance. However, giant snakes (Burmese pythons, red-tailed boas, anacondas) can exceed 15 feet and live 20 to 30 years. Cleaning a giant enclosure requires serious effort.
• Housing: They need highly spacious, secure enclosures with regulated heat sources (like under-tank heating pads). See Preparing for Your Exotic Pet for size guidelines.
• Special Considerations: Constrictors eat whole rodents (or larger prey like rabbits for giant snakes), best fed pre-killed. Feeding can be costly. While frequent handling keeps them tame, they don't crave attention like dogs do. For training tips, read Snake Charming and Herp Handling: How to Train Your Exotic Pet.

Small Slitherers: Garter, King, and Corn Snakes (Colubrids)

Colubrids are the most common non-poisonous snakes you'd find in the US wilderness, and highly popular pets. Because they are bred heavily, many end up abandoned.

• Time Commitment: Easier to handle than giants, but they still live 7 to 20+ years. They require regular feeding, cleaning, and handling to remain tame.
• Housing: While some rat snakes hit 8 feet, most stay under 5 feet (garter snakes often max out at 3 feet). They require spacious tanks with a distinct temperature gradient (a hot basking side and a cool side).
• Special Considerations: They are fast, excellent escape artists that require tight-fitting lids. When handled regularly, they are responsive and tame. Learn more in Snake Charming and Herp Handling: How to Train Your Exotic Pet.

Green Iguanas: The High-Maintenance Herbivores

Despite being a pet store staple, iguanas are not starter pets. They are incredibly high maintenance but can be rewarding for an owner who deeply understands their needs.

• Time Commitment: They live 20+ years and require freshly prepared raw vegetables daily, constant cage spot-cleaning, and daily handling to prevent aggressive behavior.
• Housing: That cute 6-inch baby will grow into a 6-foot dinosaur! You cannot buy a cage that is "too big." Many owners dedicate entire screened-in porches or small rooms to their iguanas.
• Special Considerations: Untamed iguanas have sharp claws, powerful jaws, and a whip-like tail. If not trained properly, they can inflict severe injuries.

Turtle Time: Slow, Steady, and Charming

Red-eared sliders and box turtles are frequently in need of rescue (note: it's illegal to take wild ones in many states). They are delightful to watch but have complex needs.

• Time Commitment: Be prepared for a lifetime commitment. Red-eared sliders can live 40 years, and box turtles can hit a century! Diet prep (fresh fruits/veggies) is a daily task.
• Housing: Aquatic sliders need massive tanks with heavy-duty filtration and basking docks. Box turtles thrive with supervised outdoor time in secure, predator-proof enclosures.
• Special Considerations: They require vitamin supplementation and generally prefer to be observed rather than handled.

Health Warning! Turtles can carry Salmonella. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling them or their equipment. Infants and individuals with compromised immune systems should not handle turtles. (For more info, check out Turtles & Tortoises For Dummies by Liz Palika).

Tropical and Desert Reptiles: Geckos, Dragons, and Chameleons

From anoles and leopard geckos to bearded dragons and skinks, these lizards can be fantastic pets if their highly specific environmental needs are met.

• Time Commitment: Lifespans range from a few years to over 20. Taming requires regular, gentle handling, though some species prefer not to be touched.
• Housing: Every species is different, but all require space to move, appropriate UVB lighting, and strict temperature gradients. Cleanliness is paramount.
• Special Considerations: Many pet lizards die prematurely due to preventable nutritional deficiencies or incorrect lighting. Research is vital! (Highly recommended reading: Leopard Geckos For Dummies by Liz Palika). For deep dives on specific care, revisit Preparing for Your Exotic Pet and Snake Charming and Herp Handling: How to Train Your Exotic Pet.

Safety Warning! Advanced reptiles like monitor lizards, Gila monsters, caimans, and alligators are dangerous. Gila monsters are venomous, while monitors and crocodilians grow massive and aggressive. They are often illegal to own and should be left to professional zoologists.

The Slime Factor: Frogs, Salamanders, and Newts

Amphibians offer brilliant colors and fascinating behaviors, making them exceptional "look-but-don't-touch" pets.

• Time Commitment: Moist environments breed bacteria and mold rapidly. Expect weekly cleanings, water changes, and periodic total tank overhauls.
• Housing: Habitats vary wildly. Tree frogs need tall vertical arboreal setups; aquatic newts need half-water/half-land tanks; terrestrial salamanders need mossy, damp terrariums.
• Special Considerations: Amphibians breathe and absorb water through their highly porous skin. Constant access to clean moisture (via ponds or misting) is a matter of life and death. Because of their delicate skin, they should rarely, if ever, be handled.

Shell Chic: The Misunderstood Hermit Crab

Often sold as disposable novelty pets, hermit crabs are actually complex creatures that require far more than a painted shell in a plastic box.

• Time Commitment: They require fresh food, clean water daily, and a sanitized environment to thrive.
• Housing: A large glass aquarium with deep sand (for burrowing/molting), a saltwater pool, and a selection of clean, unpainted, sterilized shells in various sizes.
• Special Considerations: Never buy shells covered in toxic paint. Hermit crabs are great for older children who understand how to respect and handle them gently. (Check out Hermit Crabs For Dummies by Kelli A. Wilkins for more).

Creepy Crawlies: Tarantulas, Scorpions, and Bugs

Invertebrates like the docile Chilean Rose Hair tarantula or hissing cockroaches are fascinating, space-saving pets.

• Time Commitment: If you appreciate the six-to-eight-legged aesthetic, they are incredibly easy keepers. Clean their cages and feed them, then just sit back and admire.
• Housing: Must have secure, escape-proof lids. Most require a heat source to stay above room temperature. Arboreal spiders need climbing branches; ground-dwellers need deep substrate for burrowing.
• Special Considerations: Spiders and scorpions eat live insects or "pinkies" (hairless baby mice). Cockroaches are easier, eating fruits, grains, or dry dog food. Discover more about feeding in Exotic Care and Feeding.

Handling Warning! Common pet tarantulas rarely bite; their primary defense is flicking tiny barbed hairs that severely irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. While a tarantula bite is usually comparable to a bad bee sting (unless you're allergic), it's best avoided. Advanced pets like scorpions and giant centipedes are venomous and should never be handled by beginners.

Where to Find Your Rescued Reptile or Bug

If your local SPCA or animal control doesn't have exotics, don't give up. You can find the unusual companion of your dreams through these channels:

• Pet Stores: Overwhelmed owners often surrender exotics back to pet shops. Stores may sell these "recycled" pets (sometimes with their enclosures) at a discount. Be prepared: they may have health issues from prior neglect.
• Local Enthusiast Groups: Search for regional herpetological societies or reptile clubs. Members are intimately connected to the community, frequently foster abandoned animals, and offer a wealth of care advice.
• Veterinarians and Breeders: Exotic-savvy vets often know of clients looking to rehome pets. Ethical breeders also occasionally take in rescues that need permanent placement.
• The Internet: While not as prevalent as dog/cat rescues, there are dedicated national and regional networks. Try searching "Reptile rescue [Your State]" or "Amphibian rescue [Your State]" to find organizations near you.

Original content by Eve Adamson