13 Popular Pet Reptiles and How to Care for Them

While cats, dogs, birds and guinea pigs might come to mind when you think about animals that commonly frequent our homes as pets, reptiles are steadily climbing the ranks. After dogs and cats, fish and reptiles are the most popular pets, with 4% of American households owning lizards, snakes or turtles.¹

Their unique behaviors, unusual appearances and minimal grooming needs can make them ideal for both first-time and veteran pet owners. From laid-back lizards like bearded dragons to curious creatures like corn snakes, there’s a reptile for nearly every lifestyle.

But before you bring one home, it’s important to understand their specific care requirements, local laws and even safety considerations.

Popular Pet Lizards

If you’re new to the reptile world or simply looking for a low-fuss companion with plenty of personality, lizards can be a great place to start. These cold-blooded creatures come in a variety of sizes, colors and temperaments, making it easy to find one that fits your home and lifestyle. Here are some lizards to consider.

1. Bearded dragons

Bearded dragons are small- to medium-sized lizards, popular for their calm temperament and interactive nature. “Beardies” are highly social with their owners, enjoy being handled and may even perch on your shoulder during daily routines.²

Native to arid Australian environments, they thrive in warm enclosures with basking spots and UVB lighting. They eat an omnivorous diet that includes insects, leafy greens and, occasionally, fruit. Routine cleaning, proper heat regulation and a varied diet go a long way in ensuring your beardie stays healthy and happy for its full seven to 12-year lifespan.²

2. Leopard geckos

These small, nocturnal lizards are ideal for first-time reptile owners thanks to their gentle demeanor and ease of care. A 15- to 20-gallon tank is recommended with three hide areas — warm, cool and moist — to support shedding. “Leos” feed primarily on live insects like crickets and mealworms. They don’t need special lighting and are typically low-maintenance, which can make them a great choice for kids and beginners. Their average lifespan is 10 to 20 years, though Leos may live more than 20 years in captivity with proper care.³

3. Crested geckos

Crested geckos stand out with their fringed “eyelashes” and lamellae on their toes, which are hair-like structures that allow them to climb glass surfaces. They’re arboreal, which means they typically live in trees and do well in vertical terrariums filled with plants and branches. A major perk: “Cresties” don’t require UVB lighting or supplemental heating, as long as their enclosure temperature stays between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and their diet is supplemented with calcium and vitamins.⁴

These geckos prefer gentle handling and a consistent environment, and their powdered pre-packaged diet (plus the occasional insect and fruit) makes feeding easy and mostly mess-free. Their lifespan averages 10 to 20 years.⁴

4. Green anoles

For those interested in an active, entertaining reptile, green anoles can be a lively and visually rewarding pet. Their color shifts — from bright green to brown — can reflect mood or temperature changes, leading some to describe them as chameleons (they are not!). Best suited for well-monitored terrariums with plenty of climbing space, green anoles enjoy higher humidity and a warm basking spot.⁵

While they’re more of a pet to watch than to hold, their curious behavior and manageable size can make them a great intro to lizard care. They eat insects and have a relatively short lifespan of two to four years.⁵

Top Snakes for Beginners

Thinking about making your next pet a snake, but aren’t sure where to begin? You’re in luck! Many species are well-suited to first-time reptile keepers. The key is finding a snake with a manageable temperament, an easy feeding schedule and habitat requirements you can maintain long-term. The following snakes may be good choices as pets for their docile nature and straightforward care needs.

5. Corn snakes

Corn snakes are widely regarded as a good beginner snake. Their calm and curious personalities make them easy to handle, and they rarely bite. Native to the southeastern United States, they thrive in enclosures with secure lids and hiding spots that grow as they do. These snakes are non-venomous constrictors that feed on dead mice and usually eat once every seven to 14 days. With proper care, corn snakes can live as long as 10 to 15 years in captivity.⁶

6. Ball pythons

Known for their smaller size (typically 2 ft to 5 feet) and tendency to curl into a ball when stressed — hence the name — ball pythons are gentle and generally easy to care for. Ball pythons need a warm enclosure with appropriate humidity (around 50% to 60% normally, 70% when in shed) and a secure hiding spot.⁷

While they can sometimes be picky eaters, they usually settle into a weekly feeding schedule of humanely pre-killed mice and smaller rats. Their calm demeanor and relatively low activity level can make them a great fit for households that value observation over interaction. If you choose a ball python, be sure you’re in it for the long haul: these snakes can live 20 to 30 years.⁷

7. Garter snakes

Garter snakes are often overlooked but can make surprisingly good pets for beginners. They’re smaller than many other pet snakes, typically growing to 2 feet to 3 feet in length, and are active and engaging to watch, though shy. Garter snakes are relatively easy to care for and can eat a varied diet that includes earthworms, fish and frozen-thawed rodents. The snakes have a 10- to 12-year lifespan, and can be excellent escape artists, so be sure to secure their tank. Unlike other snakes, garters can live in pairs or trios.⁸

Popular Pet Turtles and Tortoises

Turtles and tortoises offer a different kind of pet experience with their slower pace and long lifespans. While often discussed as the same animal, their care needs differ significantly: turtles are typically aquatic or semi-aquatic, while tortoises are exclusively land dwellers.⁹

Turtles are usually omnivores, while tortoises are herbivores.⁹ Choosing the right species depends on your interest in providing a habitat that meets their environmental and dietary needs.

8. Red-eared sliders

Red-eared slider turtles are active, hardy and known for distinctive red markings near their ears. They require a spacious aquatic tank (most adults appreciate a 100-gallon tank), a basking platform, UVB lighting and strong filtration to keep water clean. These turtles are omnivorous and enjoy a mix of leafy greens, aquatic turtle pellets and occasional protein sources like insects or fish.¹⁰ With proper care, red-eared sliders can live up to 30 years in captivity.¹¹

9. Russian tortoises

Russian tortoises are compact, friendly and relatively low-maintenance compared to other tortoise species. Native to arid climates in central Asia, these land-based creatures thrive in dry, well-ventilated enclosures with plenty of space to roam and burrow.¹²

These herbivores eat a variety of dark leafy greens and require UVB lighting to help synthesize vitamin D3. While they don’t typically enjoy being handled frequently, they can tolerate gentle interaction and have distinct personalities. With proper diet and care, Russian tortoises can live 50 to 60 years.12

10. Painted turtles

Painted turtles are known for their interesting shell patterns and ease of care, making them another potentially good choice for intermediate reptile keepers. They require both aquatic space for swimming and dry basking areas with access to UVB light. Their enclosures should hold at least 40 to 50 gallons of water, with strong filtration and temperature regulation.¹³

Painted turtles are omnivores and generally do well on commercial turtle pellets, leafy greens and protein sources. They’re best housed alone or with compatible turtles to prevent aggression, and can live 25 years or more.¹³

Top Pet Amphibians for Reptile Lovers

Perhaps you’re already a reptile enthusiast, or just intrigued by unusual, low-maintenance pets, in which case amphibians can be a fun and fascinating addition to your home. Amphibians like frogs and salamanders may offer a glimpse into an entirely different corner of the animal kingdom.

11. African clawed frogs

African clawed frogs are fully aquatic, hardy and relatively easy to care for, which can make them an excellent choice for amphibian beginners. They thrive in a filtered tank and are voracious eaters that do well on a diet of sinking amphibian pellets, bloodworms and brine shrimp. Because they lack eyelids and have sensitive skin, they should not be handled unless necessary. With proper care, they can live up to 15 years.¹⁴

12. Axolotls

Axolotls are captivating amphibians famous for their smile, external gills and ability to regenerate body parts. Unlike most salamanders, axolotls will have that young and cute look for their entire life. They require a cool, well-filtered tank (typically between 10 and 20 gallons per axolotl) with minimal current.¹⁵ A bare-bottom tank or fine sand is preferred to prevent impaction.

Their diet includes soft worms, axolotl pellets and occasional treats like bloodworms. Because of their delicate skin and gills, they should not be handled. They can live up to 15 years in captivity.¹⁵

13. Pacman frogs

Named for their large, round mouths and appetite, pacman frogs are colorful and charismatic. These terrestrial frogs don’t need much space but do require a humid, enclosed terrarium with moisture-retaining substrate like coconut fiber. They’re ambush predators that eat insects and worms, though you have to be careful not to overfeed. While they look soft and squishy, pacman frogs can deliver a surprisingly sharp bite that can draw blood, so handling is discouraged.¹⁶

Tips for Caring for Pet Reptiles

Proper reptile care goes far beyond feeding and occasional tank cleaning. Reptiles are highly sensitive to their environment, and even the smallest changes in humidity, lighting or diet can impact their health. Whether you’re caring for a gecko, turtle, snake or frog, the following care tips will help ensure a safe, healthy life for your scaled (or slippery) friend.

• Check your local laws. Each state has its own laws around reptile ownership. Be sure to check your state’s regulations before choosing a pet.¹⁷ When you do choose the reptile you’d like to have as a pet, do not try to catch and/or domesticate a wild animal — they are not likely to be friendly, and they may carry disease.³

• Provide the correct environment. Each reptile species has different space and habitat needs. A common mistake can be placing animals in enclosures that are too small or lack proper enrichment. Arboreal reptiles need vertical space to climb, while aquatic turtles require both deep water and dry basking areas. Always research species-specific requirements before setting up your tank. For example, humidity is essential for green anoles.⁵ Another example: Most reptiles need UVB lighting, but crested geckos do not.⁴ Thermometers and hygrometers in the tank can help you monitor environmental levels accurately.

• Offer a species-appropriate diet. Not all reptiles eat the same thing; some are herbivores, others are carnivores and many are omnivores. A bearded dragon’s diet might include greens, fruits and insects.2 A ball python only eats mice and rats.⁷ Supplements, such as calcium and vitamins, may be required to keep your reptile healthy.⁴ Research or consult an exotic veterinarian about dietary specifics for your pet.

• Monitor skin health. Shedding is a natural part of reptile health, but it should be supported, not forced. Attempting to peel shedding skin can cause pain, stress or injury. Instead, ensure your pet has the right humidity levels, access to moisture-retaining hides and rough surfaces to aid natural shedding. If shedding issues persist (like retained eye caps or tail tips), consult a veterinarian.¹⁸

• Schedule regular health checks. Just like other pets, regular health checks can be crucial for reptiles, as is understanding the signs of illness. Warning signs of illness include lethargy, changes in eating habits, abnormal droppings, behavior changes or changes in skin color/general appearance.19 Find a reptile-savvy vet and establish a relationship with them as early as possible — before you need them.

Choosing the Right Reptile for You

Choosing a reptile as your next pet can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to choose one that fits your lifestyle, space constraints and experience level. Each reptile has unique care requirements, and your time, budget and willingness to learn can play a key role in your success. With the right research and preparation, you can be well on your way to enjoying your fascinating new companion.

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Pets

Taking good care of your pet’s well-being from nose to tail is essential. Make sure to stay up to date on their regular checkups at the vet to help keep your pet happy and healthy for a lifetime of love. You can use your CareCredit credit card for pet care throughout the year for routine veterinary services as well as emergencies and surgeries.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a veterinarian near you that accepts CareCredit.

CareCredit is there for you and your pet every step of the way; continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to pet care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Abbie Mood is a freelance writer with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked with clients of all sizes to create compelling content and she has written for the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women’s Health Online, Headspace and more.