Holiday Reptile Care

Holiday Reptile Care

A lot of us who have families, and even those that don't, make our annual holiday treks around this time of the year. Here are a few simple suggestions and tips for keeping your reptile in peak form while you're gone.

Begin by making sure that your snake or other mouse or rat-eating reptile has been fed, has plenty of fresh water, and will not be due for another feeding until you return. If you will be leaving for an extended period of time, considering hiring a pet sitter who is experienced with the feeding of reptiles to help care for your herp. Never, ever leave live mice or other animals in your snake¡¯s or other reptile¡¯s enclosure. A bite from a mouse can cause serious damage and serious infection. For those of us who have herbivores (plant eaters) or insectivores (insect eaters), I would suggest, as above, having an experienced reptile pet sitter come in to feed and water your pet daily. Consider having the pet sitter come to your home a few days in advance so that you have the opportunity to observe them and show them your routine, making sure everyone is comfortable with the schedule.

Secondly, be sure to secure all cages and enclosures before you leave. Nothing would be more of a downer to the holiday season than to come home and find that your favorite snake or iguana has ¡®busted out¡¯ and is exploring new territories and possibly injuring him or herself in the process. Be sure that your pet sitter is aware of how important cage or enclosure security is as well.

If you go to a public shelter, your pet needs other accommodations. Research your options now. Call local emergency management officials to see if they¡¯ve planned for pet shelters. Survey boarding kennels or veterinary clinics along evacuation routes, to ask their emergency policies. Call motels to see if they allow people with pets in emergencies. If nothing¡¯s available, arrange for relatives or friends in a safe area to hold your pets while your home is off limits.

Many families designate a person in another town as the contact to call if family members are separated during a disaster.

Find a willing neighbor to care for your pets in case you are not at home when a disaster occurs. Make sure the neighbor has a key to your home, is familiar with your pets and knows where your evacuation and first-aid supplies are kept.

Provide a signed letter releasing your neighbor from responsibility and a signed veterinary medical treatment authorization form.

Also be aware of fire hazards and electrical issues that may arise while you are gone. Make sure that nothing is near heat rocks, heat lamps, UV lights, or any other electric appliance in your reptile care habitat that could be a potential fire hazard.

Something else to consider is giving your reptile vet a ring and letting them know you¡¯re going to be out of town and that ¡®so and so¡¯ will be caring for your herp while you¡¯re gone. Giving your vet a heads up and providing emergency contact information to your pet and/or house sitter is never a bad idea.

Finally, don¡¯t forget to have some fun! Leaving your pets for a trip is never easy, but if you¡¯re prepared ahead of time you can relax a little more knowing your herp is being well cared for and will be safe and secure upon your return.

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