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Choosing Your Pet

Online Veterinary Education Library

Our team of specialists and staff strive to improve the overall health of our clients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with your pet's health. Please use our educational library to learn more about health problems and treatments available for your pet. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, Click here to contact us.

Reptiles and amphibians can make fascinating pets. Some look as ancient as dragons. Others turn all kinds of colors. They are relatively quiet and odorless compared to other animals, and they offer a variety of choices related to their size. With some of these species, like carnivorous snakes, you can even miss an occasional feeding without doing any harm. Cleaning is only required about once a week. Many reptiles also respond to people, so you can make a real connection with your pet.

Choosing a reptile or amphibian does require some initial effort and expense to create a suitable environment. Because they can’t regulate their body temperature, most reptiles need enclosures that accommodate more than one environment, such as both water and land. This means they may need a relatively larger container to live in. To survive in captivity, reptiles must have precise temperature and lighting controls. Before selecting a specific species, it is important to research the ecosystem of the animal’s native environment. You will need to reproduce this environment on a smaller scale to create a livable enclosure.

Understanding the nature of a prospective reptile pet is an important part of the research you need to undertake before making a selection. Reptiles vary in terms of how much they can be handled or trained. Some are easy to handle; while others require protective gear and some are mostly just for viewing. Some reptiles and amphibians can be trained to have some predictable behaviors — such as non-fussy eating habits, staying in defined areas when outside their enclosures, or responding to human touch — while others simply won’t change their basic natures.

Generally, smaller reptiles are more manageable choices for novice pet owners. Corn snakes, king snakes or ball pythons are good snakes for beginners because of their gentle natures and manageable diets and environments. Leopard geckos make a good beginner lizard because they are smaller in size, insectivores, relatively calm and do not require special lighting. But be prepared — healthy reptiles and amphibians have life spans that can last 10 to 20 years. A serious commitment is required if choosing a reptile for a pet.


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Patient Education

Patient Education
  • General
    • Choosing a Pet
    • Pet Loss
  • Dogs
    • Choosing Your Pet
    • Stages of Life
    • Housing and Equipment
    • Diet and Nutrition
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  • Cats
    • Choosing Your Pet
    • Housing and Equipment
    • Diet and Nutrition
    • Handling and Grooming
    • Kitten Care
    • Physical and Mental Stimulation
    • Socialization
    • Behavior and Training
    • Health Care
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  • Rabbits
    • Choosing Your Pet
    • Housing and Equipment
    • Diet and Nutrition
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    • Physical and Mental Stimulation
    • Behavior and Socialization
    • Health Care
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  • Bird
    • Types of Birds
    • Choosing Your Pet
    • Housing and Equipment
    • Diet and Nutrition
    • Daily Care and Grooming
    • Physical and Mental Stimulation
    • Behavior and Socialization
    • Health Care
    • Special Needs
  • Reptiles
    • Types of Reptiles
    • Choosing Your Pet
    • Housing and Equipment
    • Diet and Nutrition
    • Daily Care and Grooming
    • Physical and Mental Stimulation
    • Behavior and Socialization
    • Health Care
    • Special Needs
    • Reptile Glossary
  • Small Animals
    • Choosing Your Pet
    • Housing and Equipment
    • Diet and Nutrition
    • Daily Care and Maintenance
    • Handling and Grooming
    • Physical and Mental Stimulation
    • Behavior and Training
    • Socialization
    • Health Care
    • Special Needs

Our Location

420 Bower Hill Rd.
Bridgeville, PA 15017
(412) 220-9400
Office Hours
Monday: 08:30 AM - 07:00 PM
Tuesday: 08:30 AM - 07:00 PM
Wednesday: 08:30 AM - 07:00 PM
Thursday: 08:30 AM - 07:00 PM
Friday: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday: 08:30 AM - 04:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Doctor's hours by appointment only.

After Hour Emergencies

PVSEC (North) (412) 366-3400
807 Camp Horne Rd • Pgh, PA 15237

Northview (412) 364-5353
223 Siebert Rd • Pgh, PA 15237

PVSEC (South) (724)809-2000
1535 Washington Rd Washington, PA 15301

Veterinarian - Bridgeville, Bridgeville Animal Hospital, 420 Bower Hill Rd., Bridgeville PA, 15017 (412) 220-9400

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