Introduction

Acquiring a healthy chameleon requires a great deal of work and planning, no matter what species you are looking for. It is just as important that you research where to purchase a commonly available species - such as a captive bred veiled chameleon - as it is any other species. Today, many pet stores (including large online vendors) are selling chameleons. Some of these pet stores receive wild caught animals, others obtain their stock from a wide range of breeders. The temptation for new keepers to purchase from pet stores is great, because of the availability and low prices. The bottom line is that despite any alleged "perks," chameleons and most other reptiles should never be purchased from pet stores. If you are prepared to spend the money necessary to keep a chameleon, the chances are, you can (or at least should) be able to spend the money to purchase a healthy animal. If you don't have the money saved and think that purchasing from a pet store will be a good deal "for now," what will you do when your pet store animal needs emergency veterinary treatment for illnesses? Purchasing a chameleon is an investment. The supplies cost a small fortune, and even a healthy animal will most likely need to see a vet at some point, if not regularly. Find a reputable breeder - you will give yourself a good start, save money in the long run, and most importantly, promote humane and respectful practices of chameleon breeding and keeping. Be a part of the future, and resist the urge to support a system that abuses the very animals you love. Support those who wish to establish healthy captive bred animals.

The trick as a potential buyer is to carefully consider your options. On the greater scale, the business you choose to support will partially determine who will get to keep selling live animals. Which places deserve to continue selling animals and which do not? On the personal level, where you buy your reptile will have a great affect on the future health of your pet. Where do these places get their animals? Did they raise the babies themselves? The history of the animals you purchase will have an affect on the health problems (or lack thereof) that they may experience later or life. Based on these reasons, choosing where to purchase a reptile is a big decision. For you, the customer, for competing businesses in the pet trade, and for the many animals whose lives are in the hands of both.

Pet Stores and Temptation

Pet stores are an extremely popular and tempting place to purchase a pet, especially on impulse. Pet stores are the last place you should buy a reptile. Even if the animals in the store are well cared for by great employees, most pet stores order their lizards from distributors (small or large scale) who are in the business to make a quick buck. These animals may seem healthy when they are young, but are often inbred or improperly imported and will experience health problems later in life. Animals kept in improper conditions (no matter how good the intentions of the people caring for them) may also experience problems later in life based on their past. If you see a sick or sad looking animal in a pet store, please do not "rescue" it. By purchasing a sick or improperly cared for animal from a store, even at a discount, you will only give the store reason to purchase more animals (restocking) and less incentive to improve their practices. "Why spend the money on proper care when sick animals sell?" they will think. Instead, try speaking with the manager of the store about any issues that concern you, and if that does not work, consult local animal groups (chapters of ASPCA or comparable organization, humane societies, etc.) for advice. Urge stores to stop abuse instead of buying into the cycle.

Herp Shows

Herp shows are a great place to come in contact with large vendors, private breeders, and usually some unfortunately "sketchy" projects! The main issues here are how trustworthy vendors are, and impulse purchases. Please, if you go to a herp show, set some rules for yourself. Maybe you will promise yourself that you won't buy a baby reptile that is way too young for a vendor to be selling. Maybe you will decide beforehand that no matter what, you will only buy supplies. Try to think ahead: "What will my reaction be if I see a gorgeous [reptile you want] in my price range?" Make sure you have a quarantine enclosure set up at home if you have any inkling that you might be coming home with a new pet. Reptiles and impulse don't usually make the best combination! Do get the contact information of the seller if possible, and be very careful who you trust. Keep in mind that large vendors of herp supplies, despite their otherwise excellent customer service, may not be dependable with the sales of animals. As with pet stores, in a larger company the employees may be nice people, but may not know much about the history or care of the animals they are responsible for selling.

originally posted 9/22/2005