Pet sitting cold-blooded creatures: Reptiles & amphibian care

Reptile and amphibian care may look simple - surely, you just put in a few bits of veg or dead bugs once a day, top up their water, and leave them to it, right? Wrong! Pet-sitting reptiles and amphibians require a vigilant carer who can reliably monitor and watch these cold-blooded critters.

It’s also important to mention, that this may not be for the faint of heart so reptile and amphibian care can include handling and feeding live bugs too. But, if you think you have what it takes to house-sit reptiles and amphibian pets, here are a few tips and tricks to kick start your scaly adventure…

Exotic veterinarians and veterinary care

Did you know some vets specialize in caring for unusual and exotic pets around the US and UK? That’s right, you don’t have to be neighbors with the Amazon jungle to find exotic veterinarians. It’s not uncommon for reptile and amphibian pet parents to have direct contact with their own specified veterinary care clinic. Check with them before they leave, make sure you have all the contact details, and be sure you know how to access the clinic if need be.

How to care for amphibian pets

Feeding

What do amphibians eat? Well, it depends on the creatures, however, they are all carvings! Many like frogs and toads eat insects or other bugs, whilst the salamanders and axolotl will need a daily supply of bloodworms or other aquatic mealworms to tuck into. Talk to their parents and mark on your phone map where the nearest amphibian pet supply store is.

Tank water temperature and humidity

We all learned at school that amphibians are called amphibians because they live in the water as well as the land. Many species of amphibian pets prefer to stay submerged throughout most of their lives. To be happy and healthy, an amphibian pet needs a constantly moist and warm environment. Most amphibian pet supplies will be suitable for these environments too. Their tanks will be heated with space for a small pool, or they may even live inside a tropical fish tank. 

Ask their parents at what temperature and humidity they’re happiest and when to take action. Every amphibian is different (depending on where in the world they’re from), but be sure to know who to call if there’s an electrical fault or issue. As cold-blooded creatures, these guys will need to be kept warm at all times.

Should you handle amphibians?

Amphibians don’t need human contact or cuddles, they’re much happier being left to do their amphibian thing! You must only handle amphibians in cases of emergency or concern. Never pick them up or hold them unless you need to. For example, you can see they’ve hurt themselves and you need to take them to a vet, or they’ve become trapped by a stone entangled in the tank plant life. If so, make sure you wash your hands (and keep them moist to not damage the amphibian's skin) and you have a safe, secure, and amphibian-suitable container to take them to receive veterinary care.

How to care for a pet reptile

Food and water

Before they head off, make sure the pet parents have gone through their scale-baby’s daily food and water routine, as well as other points around reptile care. If they only eat veggies (herbivors) ask what they can eat, whether they need to be placed on a grass in a pen so they can graze outside, and foods you should avoid giving them. While those meat-eating carnivores may need something a bit more…alive.

Let’s start with the herbivores! Tortoises and iguanas are the most common type of leaf-eating reptile. These guys are happy to spend the day munching on fresh grass, lettuce leaves, soft fruits, and veg. Their food will need to be replaced every day, and the old decaying stuff thrown out. Again, chat with the pet parents or an exotic veterinarian if you’re ever unsure what they can and can’t eat.

Now, the carnivores, or more specifically, insectivores. This means they only eat insects, rather than chunks of meat like a doggo. Some pet parents will have a special space to store their meals, depending on whether they prefer to serve them alive or dead bugs. Be warned, if you’re not a fan of creepy crawlies or anything squeamish, you might need to reconsider your sitting suggestions! Ask the pet parents to take you through how and when they feed their little lizard or gecko.

Lighting and temperatures

Did we mention reptiles are cold-blooded? Cool, just checking! This means they need outside help to keep them warm and therefore happy and healthy. Many pet parents will use a UV lamp for reptile care (and amphibian pets too) which will need to be on constantly. Avoid any direct sunlight as this can be damaging to the pets and also unbalance their tank’s temperature. Check this throughout the day and make sure you know where the spare UV bulbs are kept.

Wash your hands before and after handling

Unlike amphibians, many reptiles benefit from a bit of daily interaction and bonding. Animals like tortoises, bearded dragons, and some small lizards enjoy human interactions and their parents may ask you to gently handle and/or stroke them daily. Of course, make sure you have checked all of this through with the reptile parents first, never stick your hand into a tank if you’ve never met the pet before.

To be hygiene conscious for the animal and yourself (and for the sake of manners) make sure you wash your hands with warm water and soap before and after any handling or feeding. This protects the pet from any outside nastiness and stops you from picking up any reptile-related bacteria.

Reptile handling

Like with any pet, exotic or not, always slowly approach the pet to work out if they’re comfortable with this interaction. Often a hand or finger to sniff is enough - if they turn away or show signs they’re not interested, never force the interaction. If they’re not in the mood, they’re not in the mood, we humans are the same!

Whilst reptiles may not be as intellectual as their exotic feathered friends, a welcomed stroke or roaming around your hands can relax the pet and keep them happy.

Similarities and differences between reptile and amphibian pets

As we’ve talked about above, reptile and amphibian care can be similar very similar. Many are insectivores, meaning they’ll need a daily supply of bugs. They’re sensitive to light and temperature changes, so these should be monitored throughout the day. Similarly, reptile and amphibian pets may not need walkies or require you to play fetch, but you should still check on them throughout the day.

The difference between reptile care and amphibian pet care? Handling. Even with reptile parents, always check how often they handle their scaly family and avoid doing so if it isn’t often. However, with amphibian pets handling will not be part of your routine at all. Keep them fed and comfortable in a peaceful environment and they’ll be happy as can be.