Why Snakes Make for the WORST Pets

Let us be real for a minute. Snakes are incredible animals, and plenty of people love keeping them. But they are not the right pet for everyone, and there are some legitimate reasons why certain people end up regretting their decision to get one. If you are on the fence about getting a pet snake, here are the honest downsides you should consider before taking the plunge.

You Have to Feed Them Whole Animals

There is no way around this one. Pet snakes eat mice, rats, or other whole prey animals. Even if you use frozen and thawed prey (which most keepers recommend), you are still pulling a dead mouse out of your freezer, thawing it in warm water, and dangling it in front of your snake with tongs. For many people, this is a dealbreaker.

The reality of keeping frozen rodents in the same freezer as your ice cream and leftovers is something you need to be genuinely okay with. Some people get used to it quickly. Others never do. Be honest with yourself about which camp you fall into before buying a snake.

They Will Never Love You Back

If you want a pet that is excited to see you, seeks out your attention, and forms a genuine emotional bond with you, a snake is going to disappoint you. Snakes can learn to tolerate and even seem comfortable with handling, and they can recognize their owner’s scent. But they do not experience affection the way mammals do.

Your snake will never come when called, never wag its tail (well, not in a happy way), and never curl up in your lap because it missed you. For people who want that emotional connection with their pet, this can be a surprisingly lonely experience.

They Freak People Out

Snake phobia (ophidiophobia) is one of the most common phobias in the world. When you own a snake, you will inevitably encounter people who are genuinely terrified of it, including friends, family members, romantic partners, and roommates. Having a snake can complicate your social life in ways you might not expect.

Some landlords will not allow snakes even if they allow other pets. Some homeowner’s insurance policies have restrictions on exotic pets. And good luck finding a pet sitter who is willing to come to your house and feed a frozen mouse to your snake while you are on vacation.

They Can Be Frustrating

Snakes have a talent for being annoying in ways that other pets are not. Ball pythons, for example, are notorious for randomly refusing to eat for weeks or even months at a time for no apparent reason. You will worry, adjust temperatures, try different prey items, and stress about it, only to have the snake suddenly decide to eat again like nothing happened.

Escaped snakes are another common frustration. Snakes are escape artists, and if there is a tiny gap in the enclosure, they will find it. Searching your entire house for a snake that could be inside a wall, behind the refrigerator, or coiled up in a shoe is not a fun experience.

Veterinary Care Is Limited and Expensive

Most regular veterinarians do not treat reptiles. You need a specialized exotic or reptile veterinarian, and depending on where you live, the nearest one might be an hour or more away. When your snake gets sick (and at some point over its 15 to 20+ year lifespan, it probably will), getting treatment can be both inconvenient and expensive.

Reptile vet visits often cost more than standard pet visits, and treatments like parasite removal, respiratory infection treatment, or surgery can add up quickly. Unlike dogs and cats, there are very few pet insurance options for snakes.

They Live a Really Long Time

Many popular pet snakes live 15 to 30 years in captivity. That is a serious commitment. A lot of people who buy a snake in their twenties find themselves still caring for it in their forties or fifties. Life changes, from college to careers, relationships, kids, and moves, and your snake comes along for all of it.

Reptile rescues are full of snakes that were bought impulsively and surrendered when the owner realized the commitment was more than they bargained for. Do not add to that problem. If you are not ready for a 20 year commitment, wait until you are.

But If You Can Handle All That…

If you have read through all of these downsides and you are still interested, then a snake might actually be a great pet for you. The people who love snakes tend to really love them, and for good reason. They are beautiful, fascinating, low maintenance, and endlessly interesting to observe. Just go in with your eyes open and realistic expectations. For the other side of the coin, check out our article on why snakes make good pets.