How to Buy an Iguana

Source: wikiHow

The common green iguana (Iguana iguana) is a naturally herbivorous lizard that may be kept as a pet. Typically, it is the only type of iguana you can keep as a pet in the United States and other countries, so check your local laws before deciding to buy an iguana.^[1] Keeping an iguana is a long-term project with a great deal of responsibility.

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As small as the juvenile iguana may appear, it will grow into a large lizard, meaning that it isn’t a small task to feed, care for, and move this creature. Provided you understand fully what you’re in for in terms of care, it can make a great pet that stays your companion for many years.

1 Check with local rescues to provide a home to a rescued iguana. Many rescues will take in unwanted iguanas from owners who can’t care for them anymore. You may find rescues that specialize just in reptiles or even just in iguanas. Alternatively, some rescues take all animals, including cats, dogs, and iguanas, so look around in your local community.^[2]
- Try doing an internet search for iguana rescues in your area or ask your vet if they know of any.
2 Look for an exotic pet amnesty program to see if they re-home iguanas. Because some owners release iguanas into the wild when they don’t want to care for them anymore, some states have amnesty programs. Basically, anyone can surrender a pet, even if it’s exotic or illegal, and it will be re-homed. If your state has such a program, you may be able to get an iguana by applying to be a designated home through the amnesty program.^[3]
- Florida, for instance, has one of these programs where iguanas can be surrendered. Search your local government’s website to see if you have an amnesty program nearby.
3 Consider a breeder for a healthy, socialized iguana. Responsible breeders focus on providing the healthiest animals they can, and they tend to socialize them as much as possible before passing them onto you. If you absolutely can’t re-home another iguana, a breeder is a good option.^[4]
- Search online to see if you can find a local breeder that has good reviews. Talk to your friends who own reptiles to see if they know of a good breeder.
4 Try a pet store as a last resort. Many iguanas are relinquished each year to rescues and zoos, so if you can, try to rescue one of those. But if that simply isn’t an option, you can get one at your local pet store. Choose a reputable store…