The sudden popularity of reptiles and amphibians as pets, in particular exotics, has created a host of problems for those who want to keep them. Legislation regarding type, size, breeding restrictions and cage requirements have been swiftly passed at many levels of government to ensure that the general public and local fauna are not put at risk by the accidental introduction of non-indigenous species. Meeting these requirements can mean unexpected expense and frustration.

Husbandry can be problematic for potential owners as well. When one keeps a dog or cat, a general understanding of their needs exists and people are usually prepared to meet those needs. Reptiles and amphibians are not as easily cared for as conventional pets. For one thing they have a wide spectrum of environmental needs. One may require a constant supply of vitamin D via exposure to sunlight, while another is completely nocturnal and sun-reclusive. Not meeting these needs can result in needless suffering, big veterinarian expenses or loss of the animal.

Sustenance can pose even more of a challenge. One must be able to meet the dietary needs of the animal they plan to keep. For instance, most people are not aware that snakes are carnivorous without exception. The cute, colorful animal at the pet store will not eat fruit or vegetables. Depending on the species, you will have to provide mammals, fish, other reptiles and amphibians or insects. Even if you opt for pre-killed frozen food, many find this a repulsive task.

Then there are the vermin that may come with the animal. Snakes are prone to mites, lizards and turtles to burrowing parasites, amphibians to fungus. Then there is mouth rot, rickets and eye caps, just to name a few of the scores of ailments that can occur.

There is much to consider before choosing a reptile or amphibian as a pet. Responsible husbandry should start with knowing the facts before you acquire an animal. If you want to be happy with the creature you choose and provide quality care, impulse should yield to knowledge. Don’t just jump at the first animal that catches your eye; research their needs and peculiarities to ensure it is a good fit.

Libraries and the internet are excellent resources for arming yourself with necessary knowledge, but joining a local herpetological group or society will pay even bigger dividends. Even if the nearest herpetological society is a two-hour drive from where you live, it is worth the once a month trip to attend meetings. There you will meet others who already have the knowledge and experience you are trying to acquire. Most, if not all, will be willing to spend time with you before or after the meeting to answer your questions and give you pointers.

You will benefit from the different speakers who will be headlined at the meetings and be added to the mailing list for the society to receive relevant herpetological news. Through your networking you will develop friendships and associations with other members that can benefit you in many ways.

Finally, for very meager annual dues, you will be a member of a group of people who come from all walks of life, who all work together for the society’s common cause, which is educating the public on herpetological interests. As a co-founder of the Everglades Herpetological Society, I made friends with many well-known zoologists and other scientists, policemen, college professors, authors, professional football players and a host of others. Our common interest in herpetology bridged all cultural and societal gaps and great friendship developed.

Best of all, my attendance at meetings and associations with other members gave me a free education in the care and breeding of reptiles. As a result of my membership, in less than a decade I went from being a complete novice to someone others sought out for expert advice on Florida reptiles and amphibians.

The bottom line is this; if you want to have a pleasant, successful experience with keeping reptiles and amphibians, know first what you are doing. To “know”, you need to be around those who have already been where you want to be. You will find them at your local herpetological society. Find it. Join it.

Purebreds now account for the majority of dogs in North America, Europe, and Japan. The variety of sizes, shapes, and coats available appeals to virtually all conceivable tastes. While the appearance and mass of some dogs give us a feeling of security, the size and shape of others bring out our instinctive need to nurture. Most of us are drawn to particular breeds - because of our past experience with them or because their looks appeal to us.

A dog’s looks should not be your only consideration. Just as important is its trainability, how noisy it can be, and how good it is with children. When you take these factors into consideration, some breeds are excellent for any dog owner, while others are best in the homes of experienced dog people.

Remember that individual dogs are as different as individual people. The following charts, compiled from a worldwide survey of over 1,000 practicing vets, show the average characteristics of the average dogs of each breed. On a scale of 1 to 5, 1 is the minimum level and 5 is the maximum for each feature.

Choosing a new pet is an important step in life. It may sound like a small decision, but the type of pet you choose makes a difference. If you don’t do your homework or research, you may wind up with more responsibility or unexpected characteristics than you bargained for. There are many things you must know and understand about your potential pet in order to be sure to choose the right one. Will this potential pet fit in with your family? Also consider the amount of care the pet will require. One more thing to keep in mind is your budget.

One of the first and most important things to think about when you are considering buying a new pet is whether or not your new pet will fit into your family. You must consider allergies. If you or any of your loved ones are allergic to any specific types of pets, common ones include dogs or cats, obviously you should not choose that specific pet. Another thing you might consider is if you have children, depending on their age and size, a large pet may not be an appropriate choice. Always keep in mind that for a family to truly enjoy their pet, it must be the right choice.

Another thing you must be sure of before you choose a pet is the amount of care your potential pet will require. If you have a job with long hours or are the type that doesn’t stay home much, a more dependent animal such as a dog, requiring emotional support and letting out for bathroom breaks, may not be the type of pet you are looking for. Something definitely more independent, like a cat that has a litter box and requires a bit less attention would be more appropriate for your family.

Another thing to keep in mind when choosing a family pet is cost. You can spend thousands of dollars on pure-bred puppies or exotic birds, just to purchase them, let alone feed and care for them. You must definitely base your decision on whether or not your family can afford to make your pet comfortable and happy. If it will stress your wallet to properly care for a pet, do not make the purchase. Animals are living things. They must be cared for and properly nourished if they are to remain healthy and happy.

All in all, you must consider several things before you can appropriately choose a pet for your family. Consider whether your family will like the pet. Also don’t forget to make sure there is room in your budget for the type of pet you want. The final thing to remember is to know what type of care you can offer your pet, as far as whether the animal is dependent or not. Remember, choosing a pet is an important decision. Do some research and get to know the type of pet you want and make sure it is appropriate in all aspects.