Why Snakes Make Awesome Pets
Posted - January 16, 2025
By Carol Bryant, Professional Pet Blogger
Why Snakes Make Awesome Pets
Imagine having a pet that is easy to care for, has a gentle temperament, is low maintenance, and is both quiet and fascinating. Snakes make awesome pets because they are all of these things and more.
Snakes often get a bad rap for a variety of reasons. The movies portray them as dangerous and threatening, while reports of snake bites are usually from venomous species. Both of these reinforce society’s fear and negative perceptions of snakes.
Snakes make great pets for a variety of reasons. Whether you are a first-time snake owner, a long-time snake lover, or considering leaping into snake ownership, here’s everything you need to know to fall (or stay) in love with these fascinating reptiles.
Snakes are Low Maintenance Pets
Unlike dogs, cats, or birds, snakes don’t defecate often and they shed their skin approximately once a month. Depending on the species of snake, they don’t eat daily. Many snakes eat once a week and are not expensive to feed. You won’t need to walk a snake or stick to the more structured schedule of a dog or cat.
Snakes Don’t Require a Lot of Space
You won’t need to worry about a special bed for your snake, as they do well in a clear large-sized terrarium lined with shavings. Because snakes are cold-blooded, they require extra light and heat, so an appropriate UV lamp is a must.
Pro Tip: Snakes are known to be escape artists, so ensure the terrarium you use is secure. Weigh their home down with heavy stones and inspect it for cracks or damage from time to time. Many pet parents have an extra terrarium to house their snake in while cleaning the original one.
Snakes Are Ideal for Pet Parents with Allergies
Reptiles like snakes and lizard don’t shed dander like dogs and cats, so people with pet allergies can consider a snake as a pet. Since pets stay in their terrarium most of the time, you won’t have to worry about airborne particles floating around.
Snakes Come in Many Species and Colors
The beauty of snakes is one of their greatest features. Snakes come in many colors, patterns, species, and sizes. Here are a few of the more popular pet snakes and their markings:
- Classic Corn snake: Orange with black-bordered red blotches
- California King snake: Black and white or brown and cream in color with bands or stripes
- Albino Garter snake: White, pink, or yellow with a reduced pattern void of pigment
- Red-Tailed Boa Constrictor snake: Gray or tan with reddish-brown markings (saddles)
Snakes Live a Long Time
When properly cared for, pet snakes can live a long life. For example, Reptiles Magazine says King Snakes live 15 to 20 years, while Ball Pythons live 20 to 30 years. The average Gartner snake lives 5 to 10 years on average.
Snakes Often Bond with Their Owners
With time, attention, and patience, pet snakes can form a strong bond with their owners. According to Reptile Guide, snakes show emotions associated with reproduction and survival. They can learn that when you handle them it means safety, even enjoying the heat your body emits.
The Diet of a Snake
Snakes eat meat, so they are carnivores. Most snakes eat meat whole, intact, and while alive (i.e., frozen mice or rats is an option). If it makes you queasy to think of feeding your snake, you may need to reconsider or ease into the process with the help of a friend or family member who isn’t squeamish.
Best Snakes for Beginners
For beginner or those who want a snake that is generally easy to care for and doesn’t require more than basic care and upkeep, Reptiles Magazine recommends these five pet snakes:
- Corn Snake
- California Kingsnake
- Rosy Boa
- Gopher Snake
- Ball Python
Pro Tip: A healthy snake should have shiny, smooth skin, a firm, rounded body, a clean vent where it eliminates waste, clear eyes, and usually a pink-colored mouth.
Best Snakes for Experienced Owners
Experienced snake lovers may wish to invest in snakes that require more care, time, and have unique temperaments. Reptile Super Show says these are the best pet snakes for experienced owners:
- Ball Python
- Boa Constrictors
- Blood Python
- Carpet Python
How to Care for a Pet Snake
Many pet parents are surprised to learn than pet snakes need annual health exams from a veterinarian. Snakes are good at hiding disease or feeling sick, so many reptile veterinarians suggest twice-yearly visits.
Provide snakes with at-home care and maintenance. Some items to keep on hand for your pet snake include:
- ZYMOX Zylafen Topical Solution for Reptiles: Supports healthy, complete shedding and soothes dry, irritated skin. Made without steroids or parabens, so your pet snake is cared for with safe enzymes.
- ZYMOX Zylafen Reptile Topical Spray: A spray version of the popular LP3 enzymatic treatment to hydrate and nourish any problem areas on your snake.
- Sterile saline solution: For cleaning wounds or rinsing eyes.
- Tweezers: To remove any foreign debris from wounds
- Gloves: To wear when handling your snake’s wounds
Your reptile veterinarian can best guide you in other more advanced items to keep in your pet snake’s home first aid kit. Having a well-stocked first aid kit can help you respond to your snake’s needs at home until you can seek veterinary care.
As you can see, snakes are fascinating and diverse. According to the American Pet Products Association, at least six million Americans share their lives with reptiles.
For more about adding a pet snake to your family, visit our Reptile Revolution post, Reptiles Magazine, or VCA Animal Hospitals.
