Reptile lovers, listen up! Before you buy a pet online, it’s important to read reptile store reviews to make sure you’re getting a healthy animal from a reputable supplier.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best online reptile stores, based on customer reviews and our own research. So you can shop with confidence knowing that you’re getting the best possible experience.
Why You Can Trust Our Reviews
We get it. There are many websites out there that will tell you whatever you want to hear just to try and make a sale. However, we do not sell reptiles ourselves, and instead focus on providing you with the information you need to make an informed buying decision as well as care for your pet properly.
Therefore, you can fully trust all of our recommendations and reviews because:
- We have years of experience in the reptile industry. We know what to look for when assessing the care and husbandry of reptiles and amphibians in both captive and wild populations.
- Animal safety is always our top priority. We would never recommend a store that we wouldn’t feel comfortable buying from ourselves.
- We do not take bribes or gifts from any of the stores we review in exchange for a higher ranking. Our goal is to provide you with accurate and unbiased information so that you can make the best decision for your pet.
If you’re looking for a new reptile or amphibian, then be sure to check out our reviews before making your purchase. And if you have any questions, our experts are always happy to help!
What We Look For
During our review process of online reptile stores, we look for some key points to ensure they are operating legally as well as providing quality reptiles at a fair price. Some of these points include:
- Live arrival guarantees
- Shipping policies
- Quality assurance
- Understanding of state laws
- Pet variety
Live Arrival Guarantees
Live arrival guarantees are HUGE. Not only does this show that the vendor has confidence in their shipping abilities, but it proves an understanding of how to properly prepare the animal for shipping. We always love to see live arrival guarantees attached to our recommendations.
However, not all online reptile stores come with live arrival guarantees. And this does not always mean that they have unsafe shipping standards. It can simply be a personal preference of the vendor not to offer one. But if an online reptile store does NOT have a live arrival guarantee, then we make sure to do our due diligence in assessing their shipping practices to ensure they are up to par.
Shipping Policies
The shipping policy is another key area we look at when reviewing online reptile stores. We want to make sure that the store offers safe and reliable shipping methods that will get your reptile to you alive and healthy. Some of the things we look for in a shipping policy include:
- The use of UPS or FedEx instead of USPS
- Overnight shipping options
- Proper packing and handling procedures
Quality Assurance
Buying a quality reptile means that it comes free of any defects, diseases or parasites. It should also be captive bred (or at the very least, not wild caught) to ensure a better adaptation to captivity.
Understanding State Laws
Each state has different laws and regulations regarding the sale of reptiles. It is important that any store you buy from is familiar with these laws and is in compliance. Some states even require a permit in order to sell reptiles. During our reviews, we make sure to check that online reptile stores are following all state laws and regulations.
Pet Variety
We know that not everyone is looking for the same thing when they buy a reptile. Some people want common species that are easy to care for, while others are looking for something more exotic. That’s why we make sure to assess the variety of pets offered by each store. This way, you can be sure to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Why It’s Important to Know Who You’re Buying From
The reptile industry is not regulated in the same way as other pet industries, like dogs and cats. This means that anyone can set up a shop and start selling reptiles without any experience or knowledge of the business.
That’s why it’s so important to do your research before buying a reptile. You want to be sure that you’re dealing with a reputable source that has your animal’s best interests at heart.
Our reviews are designed to help you find the best online reptile stores that meet all of these criteria. So whether you’re looking for a common pet or something more exotic, we’ve got you covered. When it comes to buying reptiles, knowledge is power.
Dangers of Shady Online Reptile Stores
Unfortunately, there are many black markets across the world that host exchanges for exotic animals that are illegal to keep as pets. Not only is this illegal, but it can be extremely harmful to the animal if they’re not being properly cared for.
That’s why it’s always important to do some research on the reptile vendor you’re considering buying online from. Online pet stores are perfectly legal, making many great options available. However, if you happen to come across a shady online vendor, there are many risks involved, including:
- Animal suffering
- Spreading diseases & parasites
- Scams
Animal Suffering
One of the biggest dangers of buying reptiles from an unethical online vendor is the suffering that the animals may go through. This can include everything from being crammed into enclosures that are far too small and do not have enough food or water, to being shipped in conditions that are too hot or cold, resulting in death. This is especially common for cold-blooded reptiles.
Some reptiles are also smuggled into the country, which means they may have been taken from their natural habitat illegally. This can cause a lot of stress for the animal, and they may not be able to adapt to their new environment properly. It’s best to buy reptiles that have been bred in captivity.
Spreading Diseases & Parasites
Another big danger of buying reptiles from a bad store is that you could end up getting an animal that’s sick or has parasites. These diseases and parasites can then be passed on to humans or other animals, and can be very difficult to get rid of once they’ve taken hold.
Reptiles can also carry salmonella, which is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning in humans. It’s important to wash your hands thoroughly after handling any reptile, and to clean their enclosure regularly.
Scams
Finally, it’s important to be aware that there are many scams out there when it comes to buying reptiles online. Some unscrupulous vendors will try to sell you an animal that doesn’t exist, or send you something that’s not what you ordered. Others may overcharge you for shipping, or not ship the animal at all.
