Not sure which reptile suits your home and experience? Take the Reptile Match Quiz to get species suggestions and links to the matching guides.
Explore free, individual reptile care guides for 19 species found in the U.S. pet trade. Each guide highlights essential habitat, temperature and lighting, nutrition, handling, veterinary planning, expected responsibilities, and legal checks.
Species popularity and availability vary by region; this collection is not a sales ranking. Some animals—especially tegus, large constrictors, chameleons, and giant tortoises—need advanced care, substantial space, and specialist veterinary support. The Aldabra giant tortoise is generally an institutional or expert-level animal, not a typical household pet.
Lizards
- Bearded Dragon — Download the illustrated 15-page Bearded Dragon care guide (PDF)
- Leopard Gecko — Download the illustrated 15-page Leopard Gecko care guide (PDF)
- Crested Gecko — Download the illustrated 15-page Crested Gecko care guide (PDF)
- Gargoyle Gecko — Download the illustrated 15-page Gargoyle Gecko care guide (PDF)
- Blue–Tongued Skink — Download the illustrated 14-page Blue-Tongued Skink care guide (PDF)
- Argentine Black–and–White Tegu — Download the illustrated 14-page Argentine Black-and-White Tegu care guide (PDF)
- Veiled Chameleon — Download the illustrated 15-page Veiled Chameleon care guide (PDF)
- Panther Chameleon — Download the illustrated 15-page Panther Chameleon care guide (PDF)
Snakes
- Ball Python — Download the illustrated 15-page Ball Python care guide (PDF)
- Corn Snake — Download the illustrated 15-page Corn Snake care guide (PDF)
- Western Hognose Snake — Download the illustrated 15-page Western Hognose Snake care guide (PDF)
- Kingsnake — Download the illustrated 15-page Kingsnake care guide (PDF)
- Boa Constrictor — Download the illustrated 15-page Boa Constrictor care guide (PDF)
Turtles & Tortoises
- Red–Eared Slider — Download the illustrated 15-page Red-Eared Slider care guide (PDF)
- Russian Tortoise — Download the illustrated 15-page Russian Tortoise care guide (PDF)
- Red–Footed Tortoise — Download the illustrated 15-page Red-Footed Tortoise care guide (PDF)
- African Spurred (Sulcata) Tortoise — Download the illustrated 15-page African Spurred (Sulcata) Tortoise care guide (PDF)
- Leopard Tortoise — Download the illustrated 15-page Leopard Tortoise care guide (PDF)
- Aldabra Giant Tortoise — Download the illustrated 15-page Aldabra Giant Tortoise care guide (PDF)
Before choosing a reptile
- Set up and measure the enclosure, heat gradient, humidity, and species-appropriate UVB before bringing the animal home.
- Find an experienced reptile veterinarian and budget for routine and emergency care.
- Check current state, county, and city rules, as well as wildlife/CITES documentation and captive-bred records where relevant.
- Never release a pet reptile outdoors. Reptiles can carry Salmonella; wash hands after handling animals or equipment and keep them away from food-preparation areas.
- Routine vaccines are not generally used for pet reptiles; schedule preventive exams with a reptile veterinarian.
These educational guides do not replace individualized veterinary advice. Care requirements vary by species and individual, and laws can change.