Garter Snakes At Petco: Find Out If Your Slithery Friend Awaits You!

Garter snakes are one of the most beginner friendly snake species you can own, and many people wonder whether they can pick one up at Petco. The good news is that Petco does sell garter snakes at many of their locations, though availability depends on your specific store.

These small, non venomous snakes are a great choice for first time reptile owners. They are easy to care for, do not grow very large, and have calm temperaments that make them comfortable to handle. Here is everything you need to know about buying and caring for garter snakes from Petco.

Does Petco Sell Garter Snakes?

Yes, Petco sells garter snakes at many of their stores. They are usually found in the reptile section alongside other beginner snakes like ball pythons and corn snakes. Pricing typically ranges from $20 to $40 depending on the species and size.

Not every Petco location stocks garter snakes at all times. Inventory depends on supplier availability and local demand. If you have your heart set on a garter snake, call your nearest store before visiting or check their website for current stock. If your store does not have any, they may be able to order one or suggest when the next shipment is expected.

Types of Garter Snakes You Might Find

There are several species of garter snakes, and Petco typically carries the common garter snake or the checkered garter snake. These species are the most widely bred in captivity and are well suited for life as pets.

Common garter snakes usually have a dark body with three light stripes running lengthwise. They come in a nice range of color variations depending on their geographic origin. Checkered garter snakes have a distinctive checkerboard pattern and tend to be a bit calmer in temperament.

Both species stay relatively small, typically reaching 2 to 3 feet in length as adults. This makes them easy to house and handle compared to larger snake species.

Garter Snake Care Basics

Garter snakes are one of the easiest reptiles to care for, which is a big part of their appeal. Here is what you need to provide.

Enclosure. A 20 gallon long tank works well for an adult garter snake. Make sure it has a secure lid since garter snakes are surprisingly good escape artists. Add hiding spots on both the warm and cool sides of the tank, along with a water dish large enough for soaking.

Temperature. Garter snakes need a warm side of about 85 degrees Fahrenheit and a cool side around 70 to 75 degrees. An under tank heating pad or basking light on one end of the enclosure creates this gradient nicely. Always use a thermometer to monitor temperatures.

Substrate. Aspen bedding, coconut fiber, or paper towels all work well as substrate. Avoid cedar and pine shavings, which can be toxic to snakes.

Diet. This is where garter snakes differ from many other pet snakes. They eat a variety of foods including earthworms, small fish (like guppies or silversides), pinky mice, and commercial snake food. Many garter snakes prefer fish and worms over mice, which is great for owners who are squeamish about feeding rodents.

Handling. Garter snakes are generally docile and tolerate regular handling well. Start with short handling sessions and work up to longer ones as your snake gets comfortable with you. They may musk (release a smelly secretion) when stressed, but this behavior usually decreases as they get used to being handled.

Are Garter Snakes Good Pets?

Garter snakes make excellent pets, especially for beginners. They are small, easy to feed, inexpensive to house, and have manageable care requirements. Their calm temperament makes them comfortable to handle, and they are active and interesting to watch.

They typically live 5 to 10 years in captivity with proper care, which is a reasonable commitment for a first reptile. They also do not require the specialized heating and lighting setups that some tropical reptiles need, keeping ongoing costs low.

The main downside is that they can be a bit more active and wiggly than slower snakes like ball pythons, which can make them slightly harder to hold for young children. But for older kids and adults, they are a fantastic introduction to snake keeping.