Reptiles

Sourcing is a Top Priority

Moby Dick Pet Store doesn’t believe in bringing animals into the store without knowing where they came from. Our reptiles are captive-raised through farms and breeders rather than taken from the wild. We have spent more than 40 years building a trusted network of local breeders, regional distributors and other established sources.

Rather than depend on just one supplier, we work with multiple sources so we can be more selective rather than feeling obligated to accept an animal that doesn’t meet our standards.

What Happens When a Reptile Arrives?

New animals are kept separately while our staff observes their health and behavior for a number of days. This is to ensure that the animal is eating, passing waste normally, showing no obvious symptoms of illness, and in good overall health before we send it home with a customer.   

If treatment is needed, we work with a veterinarian who can offer appropriate expertise, medication and care.

We also offer a one-week health guarantee on our reptiles. Ask our staff about the guarantee and any veterinary certificate requirements that may apply when an animal crosses state lines.

Reptiles Can Be Surprisingly Manageable Pets

Reptiles bring many benefits that traditional pets don’t. They don’t require constant attention like a dog does, and in many cases, they can be left alone for short periods of time with proper planning.

Reptiles make great first pets for beginners. Not only do they serve as a good introduction to pet ownership for families, older children can do their part to feed them, check their water, monitor their habitat, and perform other age-appropriate tasks without constant adult supervision.

But just because reptile care is manageable doesn’t mean it’s maintenance-free. A reptile is still a pet that needs daily, responsible care, and this includes taking them to the vet when needed.

Build the Habitat Around the Animal

Creating the right environment for your pet is a big part of reptile ownership.

Depending on the species, we can set you up with:

• An appropriately sized terrarium or enclosure
• Heating and species-appropriate lighting
• Temperature and humidity monitoring
• Substrate
• A water dish
• Shelter
• Branches, rocks or climbing areas
• Live plants
• Live pet foods and bioactives

Keep size in mind. You may have purchased a small, cute reptile today, but they can and will grow fast in many instances. Bearded dragons, for example, grow quickly and need a lot more room as adults.

Moby Dick Pet Store can help you plan for the animal’s adult size so you know whether you’ll eventually need to upgrade the enclosure.

What Do Reptiles Eat?

It depends on the species.

Case in point: leopard geckos eat insects, while bearded dragons eat both insects and plant foods. Many tortoises are vegetarians, and enjoy a diet of leafy greens, grasses, weeds and other plant foods.

For feeding advice specific to your reptile, let us set you up with a complete dietary plan that works best for your new pet. Moby Dick Pet Store carries live feeders, food, supplements and other supplies for the reptiles we sell. We’ll show you what your animal needs, how often to feed it and what dietary changes will need to be made as it matures.

Want a More Natural Habitat?

A bioactive enclosure can create an entirely different experience for both you and your reptile.

Bioactive terrariums use natural materials, live plants and beneficial organisms to create a small ecosystem based on the reptile’s temperature, humidity, lighting and habitat requirements. You’ll also need to regularly clean your terrarium, and monitor food, water and waste each day.

Learn more in our guide to building a bioactive terrarium.

Some Reptiles Are a Long-Term Commitment

Many reptiles have long lifespans. Ball pythons, for example, can live 20 to 30 years, while many turtles can live for several decades. Some tortoise species can live 50 years or longer, making the decision to bring one home a particularly long-term commitment.

Don’t let lifespan discourage you, though. If you’re prepared for this type of commitment, it’s just one more thing to think about when considering enclosure size, feeding and everyday care.

What If You Can No Longer Keep Your Reptile?

Of course, life doesn’t always go according to plan. Sometimes people reach a point in their pet ownership journey where they can no longer properly care for their reptile. If that happens, we ask that you talk to us before abandoning an animal or giving it to someone who isn’t prepared for the care commitment.

Moby Dick Pet Store offers rehoming services for certain animals and may be able to help find an appropriate new home for your reptile.

They’re Not “Just Pets” to Us

We truly care about the animals that come through our doors. Animal abuse and neglect have no place in responsible pet ownership, and we want every customer to understand the commitment involved before taking an animal home.

There’s a motto our employees share: They’re not just pets. They’re part of the family.

One thing’s for sure — whether fur, fins or scales — this should be a hobby, not a hassle. We make reptile ownership FUN.

Come Meet the Reptiles at Moby Dick Pet Store

Come in, look around and ask questions. We’ll help you choose a reptile that fits your experience and lifestyle, and stock you with the habitat, food and supplies you need to get started. Visit Moby Dick Pet Store at 3700 Sashabaw Road in Waterford Township, MI, or call (248) 673-2520 to ask about our current reptile selection.