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Somerset Veterinary Hospital

1322 Berlin Plank Rd.

Somerset, PA 15501 US

814-443-1323

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Snakes

  • Created in Choosing Your Pet, Exotics, Reptiles, Snakes, Choosing Your Pet, Exotics

snake

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet, then you might be interested in owning a snake. However, there are a few aspects of owning a snake that you need to be aware of before you make this type of commitment. Here’s what you need to know.

What to Know Before Choosing a Pet Snake

Before you purchase a snake, it is important to keep a couple of key factors in mind. First, they need certain climate conditions like humidity and heat levels. In order to have a healthy pet, you’ll need to ensure you have space and equipment to make this happen.

Next, you need to keep in mind that some snakes do bite. While most kept as pets are not venomous, the bites can hurt in certain cases. Aggression in pet snakes generally has a lot to do with breed, size, and the sex of the animal. Lack of human contact on a regular basis can also cause a snake to be fearful, which can lead to aggressive behaviors.

Snakes also have very specific dietary requirements that will likely cause you to have to feed them live rats or mice. If this bothers you or you’re squeamish, then owning a pet snake might not be right for you.

Best Snakes to Own for Beginners

If you’re looking for the right type of snake, then you’ll want to pay attention. While there are a lot of different varieties out there that you can choose from, it is best to start out with one that is small and requires minimum care. For example, a corn snake is an ideal option for those who have never previously owned one of these pets. Milk snakes are also a wonderful choice and even ball pythons are a good option for people who aren’t afraid of owning a bigger snake.

General Care Information for Snakes

Owning and caring for a snake can be quite rewarding, but you need to have a basis of their needs before you bring one home. Ensure your new pet has a clean enclosure suitable for their particular heat and humidity needs. In some cases, this means purchasing a special lamp or other accessories. You’ll also want to stock up on food, which can sometimes be bugs and live or frozen mice, depending on the size of the snake.

If you have a love for reptiles, a snake can be a great addition to your household.

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    • Cats
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    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
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        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
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        • Rats
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      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
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Read What Our Clients Say

  • "The staff at Somerset Vet Hospital have been taking care of my "Sophie" for 11 years. They are such caring and wonderful people."
    Karen L.
  • "Thanks for providing great care for my little Tortie, Tallie when she was suffering from her skin allergies. You prompt care and tender kindness was wonderful. Being new to the area I feel very fortunate to have found your practice! Thanks!"
    Nancy
  • ""Doctor Robert Henry, We want to thank you for literally - SAVING OUR BEAUTIFUL DOBERMAN'S (Precious) LIFE. Your excellent diagnostic skills accurately diagnosed our Doberman's condition. Your protocol in treating him have made for a healthy, happy, loving and playful dog. We can never forget what you did for our dog. We cannot thank you enough"
    Kathy & Roger
  • "I came here 6 years ago when they were the only ones who would see my sick pup, and they were the best! They helped my girl get better and provided her years of loving service until we lost her to lymphoma last year. They still take care of my other babies and do an excellent job of doing so! We're patients for LIFE! Thank you guys for ALL you do :) With Love, Gina & The Crew Mountain Pride Pits."
    Gina
  • "I just wanted to take a minute to say how very grateful I am for the entire team at Somerset Veterinary Hospital. I recently had a cat and two kittens spayed/neutered, and they all came through the procedure wonderfully. Dr. Penny is THE BEST!! The vet-techs and front desk girls are always super nice and helpful. I feel good knowing that my 'family' is in good hands when being treated. Thank you all for all you do!!"
    Thomas B.

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