My Experience Owning Exotic Pets: A Journey into Reptiles, Amphibians, and Fish

Picasso: Palmetto Corn Snake

If you had told me years ago that I’d one day have a house full of reptiles, amphibians, and fish, I probably would have laughed and asked if you mistook me for some kind of zookeeper. Yet here I am, surrounded by glass enclosures, basking lights, and an ever-growing collection of scaly and slimy companions. Owning exotic pets has been one of the most exciting, rewarding, and—let’s be honest—addictive journeys I’ve ever embarked on. It’s a world filled with unexpected joys, fascinating creatures, and some truly entertaining reactions from friends and family. But before diving in, let’s talk about the most important thing any aspiring exotic pet owner should know: research is everything.

Do Your Homework—Your Pets Will Thank You

Impulse buying a reptile or amphibian because it “looks cool” is a recipe for disaster. I’ve heard far too many horror stories of people bringing home a pet they know nothing about, only to realize later that it requires special lighting, humidity, a specific diet, and an enclosure that’s the size of their dining room table. Depending on the species, this could result in a 15-30 year commitment! Even longer for turtles and tortoises.

Take the ever-popular bearded dragon, for example. They’re adorable as babies, but people often don’t realize that they grow to the size of a small cat and require UVB lighting, a varied diet, and a relatively large enclosure. Then there’s the green tree python, which looks like a living jewel but isn’t exactly the cuddliest snake around (unless you enjoy a nice set of bite marks as a daily accessory). And then there's the once popular green iguana, which is basically a live action Repto Slicer. 

Researching your pet’s needs beforehand isn’t just about making your life easier—it’s about ensuring you can provide the best possible care. After all, these animals rely entirely on us to meet their needs, and proper husbandry is key to their health and longevity.

The Thrill of Owning Exotic Pets

There’s something undeniably exciting about keeping exotic pets. Watching a snake methodically hunt its food, seeing an axolotl beg for worms with its goofy smile, or admiring the hypnotic schooling behavior of a tank full of rummy nose tetras—it never gets old.

One of my favorite things about exotic pets is how much personality they have. Yes, you read that right. While they may not fetch your slippers or purr when you scratch behind their ears, they each have their own quirks. My blacktail cribo, for instance, is a high-energy, food-obsessed maniac that zooms around its enclosure like it’s training for the reptile Olympics. Meanwhile, my betta fish glide through the water with a regal air, as if they’re royalty and I’m just the lowly servant who feeds them.

And let’s not forget the simple joy of observing nature up close. There’s something mesmerizing about watching a reptile bask under its heat lamp, instinctively regulating its body temperature just as it would in the wild. It’s a constant reminder that these animals are incredibly adapted to their environments, and we’re just lucky enough to share a small part of their world.

Not our birds!

The Collection That Never Stops Growing

Ah yes, the classic "I'll just get one" lie we all tell ourselves.

Exotic pets are like potato chips—you can’t have just one. What starts as a single leopard gecko quickly snowballs into a rack of baby corn snakes, a bioactive dart frog enclosure, and a 75-gallon fish tank that somehow materialized in your living room overnight. I initially told myself I’d stick to a manageable number of reptiles, but let’s be honest, “manageable” is a highly subjective term.

One of the main reasons the collection grows is because each species has something unique to offer. Maybe you start with a ball python but then find yourself fascinated by the feeding response of an indigo snake. Or you decide to keep a freshwater tank and suddenly want to try your hand at saltwater. The variety within the exotic pet world is endless, and once you dip your toes in, there’s no turning back.

Don't get us wrong! We also love our furry friends. We actually own a Boston Terrier (Cinnamon) and a British Shorthair (Bagel). It's heartwarming to have Cinnamon show excitement each time we come home or eagerness to play. And Bagel... he's kind of just there. I wouldn't trade them for anything. But honestly speaking, reptiles, amphibians, and fish are less daily work than dogs, cats, and mammals in general. They may not be as social, but they do have their own unique quirks and personalities. And birds are awesome! They're highly intelligent, social creatures than can provide nonstop affection and entertainment. But it's the equivalent to having a 4 year old that stays that way for 50+ years! They walk, (possibly) talk, laugh, cry, sing, need constant attention, and are always making a mess. Not an issue if you're committed to caring for and putting in the effort to socialize it. But do your research!

Of course there's always someone that ask "Does it bite?" Well they can. Just like any dog or cat can. But most don't. I guarantee most people have been bitten by their own cat but didn't think twice about it. And let's not even get started on Chihuahuas! If you're asking about snake bites, they don't cause any real damage. A bite from a cat or dog is 100x worse. Snake teeth are only meant to hold on to prey. They aren't made to turn whatever they grab into ground beef. I've been scratched, bitten, and pooped on; but it's no different than what you would experience with a puppy. Actually you're way more likely to get bit and pooped on by a puppy! Puppies are like landsharks when they're teething!

A Community That Welcomes You with Open Arms (and Occasionally, Frozen Mice)

One of the most pleasant surprises about getting into exotic pets is discovering how friendly and helpful the community is. Unlike some other hobbies where gatekeeping runs rampant, reptile and amphibian enthusiasts are usually more than happy to share their knowledge.

Whether it’s through online forums, reptile expos, or social media groups, there’s always someone willing to answer questions, troubleshoot husbandry issues, or simply geek out over a new species. The more seasoned keepers take pride in guiding newcomers, and honestly, that’s what helps the hobby grow in the right direction. Proper education leads to better animal care, and better animal care leads to happier, healthier pets.

Of course, the community has its quirks. Where else can you casually discuss the best ways to thaw out frozen rodents or swap tips on maintaining the perfect humidity for a Brazilian rainbow boa? The first time I heard someone say, "I accidentally left some crickets in my car overnight," I knew I had found my people.

Reactions from Friends and Family: Everything from Awe to Absolute Horror

Telling people you own exotic pets is always an interesting experience. The reactions vary wildly, ranging from excitement and fascination to sheer terror.

Some friends are genuinely intrigued and want to learn more. "Wait, your snake knows when it’s feeding time? That’s so cool!" Others, however, are less enthusiastic. "You keep WHAT in your house?!"

My family has gone through the full spectrum of emotions. At first, there was concern ("Are you sure that thing won’t escape?"). Then, mild acceptance ("Okay, I’ll admit, that lizard is kind of cute"). And eventually, resignation ("Just tell me how many you have now so I can emotionally prepare myself").

My fascination of exotic pets comes naturally. My favorite animals have always been snakes. And I can watch an aquarium as if I'm binge watching Netflix. Well apparently, my dad also loves snakes. We are very close, but never realized we shared this fascination until I was well into adulthood. When I told him we purchased a snake, he responded with excitement and eagerness to hold it himself. 

I’ve had people refuse to enter my reptile room, convinced that the second they step foot inside, they’ll be swarmed by a snake army. I’ve also had others fall in love with a particular animal and start considering one for themselves. It’s always a mixed bag, but hey, it keeps things interesting!

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It? Absolutely.

Owning exotic pets is a unique, fulfilling experience that constantly teaches you something new. It requires commitment, research, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. There’s never a dull moment, whether it’s upgrading an enclosure, trying a new feeding technique, or simply watching your pet exhibit its natural behaviors.

For anyone considering diving into the world of reptiles, amphibians, or fish, my advice is simple: do your homework, start small, and find a community that supports you. Just be warned—once you start, it’s nearly impossible to stop. Before you know it, you’ll be rearranging furniture to make space for yet another enclosure and trying to convince yourself that your living room doesn’t look that much like a zoo.

But honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.