Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
.

Our Location

205-967-6759

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • What To Expect
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Payment Options
  • About Us
    • Mission Statement
    • Veterinary Services
    • Meet Our Team
      • Medical Staff
      • Reception
      • Kennel Staff
  • Contact Us
  • Cat Tails - The daily adventures...
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Choosing Your Pet >
  • Reptiles

People with limited living quarters may find that reptiles such as lizards or turtles fit perfectly into their lifestyles. Before deciding on a reptile, learn as much as possible about them and their needs. Poisonous snakes and certain reptiles should never be kept as pets. Ask your veterinarian about the suitability of a particular animal before you make your decision. There are many things to consider before committing to a reptile as a pet. 

Finding out if a Pet is Legal Where You Live
Many areas have enacted laws pertaining to keeping reptiles. Some are general and some are quite specific; in many places any reptiles that are considered dangerous (venomous snakes, alligators, etc.) are illegal but some places are even more restrictive (for example, in some states all consticting snakes including ball pythons are illegal).

Salmonella Risks and Prevention
All reptile owners need to be informed about Salmonella infections. While the risks shouldn't keep most people from keeping reptiles since with the proper management the risks are minimal. Still, owners should be aware of the risks, and the US Centers for Disease Control recommends that certain risk groups should be careful about contact with reptiles and amphibians.

The Importance of Light and Heat
Many problems with keeping reptiles can be traced back to not providing the proper environmental conditions, particularly heat. Proper lighting is also important for many reptiles. The equipment to provide the proper heat and light to captive reptiles is often quite expensive, but is absolutely essential to keeping pet reptiles healthy. It is important to find out exactly what conditions your reptile needs and never cut corners when it comes to meeting those conditions!

Why Choose Captive Bred Reptiles
There are numerous reasons why you should pick a captive bred reptile if at all possible, as explained here.

How to Pick a Healthy Reptile
It is important to keep in mind that depending on where you get a reptile, it may be very stressed, dehydrated, and prone to illness. Here are some items to look for when buying your reptile to increase the chances of picking out a healthy pet reptile.

While there are many types of reptiles that could be good pets, here we cover a few you could consider.

  • Finding Your Pet
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Dogs
    • Reptiles
      • Lizards
      • Turtles
    • Cats
    • Rabbits
    • Birds
    • Ferrets
  • Feline
  • Pets4Kids
  • Client Survey
  • Video Newsroom
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
    • Health Topics
  • We Help Your Pet With
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Orthopedics
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Chronic Conditions
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Saying Goodbye
    • Providing Care
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Travel
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Newsletter Library
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Unbelievable Pets
    • Pet Dangers
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Cats
    • Behavior & Training
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Fun with Pets
    • Keeping Pets Healthy

Sign-up using the form or call us at 205-967-6759 to request an appointment with one of our doctors.

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.

  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!

  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Thursday:

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonial

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Dr. Schofill, Dr. Cobb, and the entire staff are wonderful caring people. They treat my babies like their own and always go the extra mile to help my two Boston terriers. I've never been more grateful to a vet staff."
    Lauren S. Birmingham, AL

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • Cat Backpacks: The New Trend in Feline Transportation

    Wearing your cat is all the rage these days. Find out why more cat lovers are making the switch to cat backpacks. ...

    Read More
  • Should You Declaw Your Cat?

    Do you know what really happens when cats are declawed? ...

    Read More
  • Wellness Coloring Book

    Picking the Right Pet, Welcome Your New Pet Home, Pets Need Proper Grooming, Feed Your Pet a Good Diet, Training Your Pet, Pets Love to Play!, and Pets Can Get Sick Just Like You. ...

    Read More
  • Can My Dog Give Me a Blood Infection?

    Can a few affectionate licks from your dog make you sick? ...

    Read More
  • Homemade vs. Store Bought Pet Food

    Not sure if homemade or store-bought food is best for your pet? Consider these important factors. ...

    Read More
  • Pet Health Insurance

    Worried about paying for veterinary care? Pet health insurance can help cover your costs. ...

    Read More
  • Nail Trimming Do's and Don'ts

    Is pet nail trimming a hectic experience at your house? These tips can make the process a little easier. ...

    Read More
  • Should Your Dog Wear a Backpack?

    Thinking about buying a backpack for your dog? Consider these factors before you visit the pet store. ...

    Read More
  • The Benefits of Pet Massage

    Want to ease your pet's aches and pains? Try massage! ...

    Read More
  • Small Dog Health Problems

    Do you know which health problems are most likely to affect your small dog? ...

    Read More

NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Sign up for more articles

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2019 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Site Map