9 Best Reptile Pets (When Cats and Dogs Aren't Your Vibe)

Bearded dragons are the top choice for reptile lovers because they're relatively low-maintenance pets that are incredibly easy to handle. Native to the arid regions of Australia, these little buddies thrive on a balanced diet of leafy greens, plenty of insects and occasional fruits.

They're excellent pets for kids and beginners, and if they are well-cared or, they can live more than a decade. That's a lot of time to enjoy their endearing, head-bobbing behavior.

Even though they are one of the best lizard pets, bearded dragons require a lot of protein in their diet, which means you'll also have some (very temporary!) pet crickets or even roaches as well.

Leopard geckos are low-maintenance, nocturnal reptiles perfect for busy pet owners. They don't require complicated lighting setups because they're more active at night, and their charming smiles and colorful patterns make them irresistible.

These little lizards thrive on a diet of live insects and don't mind being handled gently, making them great pets for beginners and families.

If you're interested in a snake that's docile, beautiful and easy to care for, corn snakes are the way to go.

These nonvenomous reptiles come in a variety of stunning colors and patterns, and they're a solid choice for people new to pet snakes. With proper care and a habitat that mimics their natural environment, corn snakes can thrive for over a decade.

Ball pythons are a fantastic choice for those considering the best pet snakes. Known for their calm demeanor, these snakes often curl into a ball (hence the name) when they feel shy or threatened.

They're hardy and peaceful pets that require a controlled habitat with the right temperature and humidity to match their natural habitat in Africa.

Crested geckos are delightful arboreal lizards known for their sticky toe pads and quirky head crests. These arboreal reptiles love to climb, so be sure to provide plenty of vertical space in their enclosures.

They thrive on a specialized diet of fruit-based food and live insects, making them both unique and relatively easy to care for.

Russian tortoises are charming and long-lived, often living more than 40 years with proper care. These hardy reptiles enjoy a diet of leafy greens and require a well-lit and spacious enclosure to mimic their natural habitat.

They're perfect for reptile enthusiasts who prefer a more terrestrial pet with an easygoing demeanor.

For those drawn to exotic-looking reptiles, water dragons are a fantastic option. These arboreal lizards enjoy climbing and spending time in water, so their enclosure should be a vertical habitat that includes plenty of height and a water feature.

Water dragons thrive on a balanced diet of insects and vegetables, and their vibrant green coloration makes them a stunning addition to any reptile collection.

Rat snakes (a cohort which includes corn snakes!) are easy to care for and nonvenomous — ideal for beginners who want to start their snake journey.

These reptiles are known for their adaptability and come in various colors, depending on their subspecies. They're also excellent at maintaining a clean habitat since they only need to eat every 7 to 10 days.

Turtles are long-lived pets that require a bit more planning, maintenance and enough space. While turtles spend a lot of their time in water, they also need a basking area to regulate their body temperature.

With a diet of leafy greens and protein sources like insects or pellets, turtles can thrive in a properly maintained habitat for decades, offering endless companionship for their owners. At the same time, they are a very long-term commitment.

Reptiles can make great pets for the right owner, but they require careful consideration before homing. While many reptiles are known for their docile nature and hardy nature, some species can be dangerous or difficult to care for. It's important to choose the right reptile based on your experience level and the environment you can provide.

1. Enclosure

For instance, many reptiles are excellent escape artists, so securing their enclosures is crucial. Additionally, reptiles, particularly those native to warm climates, often require a heat source and specific temperature ranges to maintain their well-being.

2. Diet

A proper diet is also essential — many reptiles need a balance of fresh vegetables, insects or even small animals to thrive. Are you ready to feed live mice to your snake? Or keep frozen rodents in your freezer? If the very thought makes you squirm, ball pythons probably aren't for you.

3. Sociability

While some reptiles enjoy human interaction, others may exhibit violent behavior if stressed. Families with small children should be especially cautious, as some species can be unpredictable or even harmful.

With the right care and attention to their needs, reptiles can be good pets, but it's essential to ensure they are suitable for your living situation and lifestyle and that you can properly care for them.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.