By, Crystal S. Kauffman, Contributing Writer

The Burmese Python and other exotic snakes have been getting bad press coverage lately in South Florida. I have decided to investigate the actual meaning of being a responsible owner of one of these exotic snakes. I found many interesting website that will educate a new snake owner. These snakes need special types of housing and care, so the new owner must be prepared to accommodate their growing needs.

Knowledge is Power

Before buying the snake, a person needs to consider the expenses associated with buying these exotic animals. The animal will require veterinarian care, special housing, live animals, and so much more as they grow. Take time to study and know what type of snake that you are interested in owning. Many new snake owners buy the snake as a baby and don't realize how big they can become. In the right conditions and housing, these exotic snakes can grow to an enormous size and length.

Veterinarian Care

Every year or so, the snake will need a check-up or other medical care, but emergencies will pop up from Time to time as well. Take time, before purchasing a snake and find a vet that is able to treat reptiles like snake and lizards. Not every veterinarian will offer this type of care, but the potential snake owner should look around for a local vet that offers this specialized care. Ask other reptile owners and pet shop personnel about the veterinarian that tends to their reptiles.

Special Housing

The snake will need an escape proof wooden cage that will allow the snake to grow for several years before having to be replaces. Most people build their own reptile enclosure, but they must be sure to consult a reptile cage building website before attempting to build one. An owner should never use a standard fish aquarium for housing, because the snake can escape once it grows bigger and stronger. The snake should have clean housing as well, in order to keep the snake from getting sick.

Live Animals

Snakes will eat small animals several times a week, but the amount will be based on their size and weight. They eat live rabbit and rats, which can cost the owner a lot of money after they begin to grow larger. These animals can be purchased at a local pet shop, but some snake owner breed their own small animals to cut the cost down. However, if an owner is squeamish they may not be able to handle feeding the snake live animals.

Conclusion

An exotic snake requires special care, as well as a responsible owner who can give them the proper care that they need. The potential snake owner should do his or her homework and interact with other snake owners. The snake will need the new owner to provide proper medical care, escape-proof housing, and live animals for the snake to stay healthy. However, this type of care can get expensive, so the potential snake owner should weigh the cost before making the purchase.

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Personal Experience

By, Crystal S. Kauffman, Contributing Writer

Is it fair to charge pet owners?

Is it fair for a pet owner to pay a fee to apartment or house owner, which is usually some sort of deposit is paid to the landlord. Many families own many different types of pets like: dogs, cats, birds, fish, lizards, and snakes as pets. However, they love their pets and are not willing to part with them, so they are willing to pay a pet deposit. Many rentals advertise no pets in the newspaper, because they don’t want any kind of pet within the home. 

Animals can dirty a home

As an animal lover, I believe it is fair to charge a pet deposit, because certain animals may dirty up the home or carpet. Unfortunately, pets can ruin carpets and chew on furniture, as well as the pet giving off an odor. The animal may have a disease or fleas, which is another reason the landlords ask for a pet deposit. This will help the owner of the house or apartment to fix whatever is caused by owning pets of any kind.

 Animals may give off an odor

Rodents like a hamster or guinea pig can have an awful smelling cage, no matter how often you clean out your rodent’s cage. Reptiles and amphibians can have a foul smelling odor, if the cage is not cleaned regularly. Plus, dogs and cats may smell awful, if they aren’t bathed regularly and their breath may smell. In order to get rid of the smelly breath, you can always try brushing the dog’s teeth and feed them snacks that help clean up their mouth.

 But they can’t part with them 

No matter what, the pet owner doesn’t want to part with their beloved pet. Many pet parents are willing to pay the pet deposit, in order to keep the animals with them. Pet parents consider the animal as one of their children, which means the parent will do anything for their pet. The landlords can always count on a pet parent to pay a pet deposit before moving in their new place. Pet Deposit will allow the pet owner to bring their beloved companion with them as they get settled in their new home.

Pet deposit is fair

In my opinion, as a pet parent, I believe the new landlord has every right to ask for a pet deposit. The landlord will usually get the deposit before renting their house or apartment to a new family with pets of any kind. Additionally, I think the people with pets should be willing to pay a one time or monthly pet deposit. Therefore, I believe that the practice of collecting a pet deposit is fair and helps both the renter and the landlord.