Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Tender Loving Care Logo

Tender Loving Care

Animal Hospital

Online Pharmacy

Call Us Today

(815) 235-1401

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet our team
    • Tour
  • Veterinary Services
  • Online Ordering
    • Online Pharmacy
    • Hills To Home (Science Diet Orders)
  • Contact Us
    • Appointment Request
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Payment Options
    • Pet Wellness Program
  • Veterinary Topics
  • referral coupon
  • Orthopedic Surgeries
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Choosing Your Pet >
  • Exotics >
  • Reptiles

lizards on a log

People with limited living quarters may find that reptiles such as lizards or turtles fit perfectly into their lifestyles. Before deciding on a reptile, learn as much as possible about them and their needs. Poisonous snakes and certain reptiles should never be kept as pets. Ask your veterinarian about the suitability of a particular animal before you make your decision. There are many things to consider before committing to a reptile as a pet. 

Finding out if a Pet is Legal Where You Live
Many areas have enacted laws pertaining to keeping reptiles. Some are general and some are quite specific; in many places any reptiles that are considered dangerous (venomous snakes, alligators, etc.) are illegal but some places are even more restrictive (for example, in some states all constricting snakes including ball pythons are illegal).

Salmonella Risks and Prevention
All reptile owners need to be informed about Salmonella infections. While the risks shouldn't keep most people from keeping reptiles since with the proper management the risks are minimal. Still, owners should be aware of the risks, and the US Centers for Disease Control recommends that certain risk groups should be careful about contact with reptiles and amphibians.

The Importance of Light and Heat
Many problems with keeping reptiles can be traced back to not providing the proper environmental conditions, particularly heat. Proper lighting is also important for many reptiles. The equipment to provide the proper heat and light to captive reptiles is often quite expensive, but is absolutely essential to keeping pet reptiles healthy. It is important to find out exactly what conditions your reptile needs and never cut corners when it comes to meeting those conditions!

Why Choose Captive Bred Reptiles
There are numerous reasons why you should pick a captive bred reptile if at all possible, as explained here.

How to Pick a Healthy Reptile
It is important to keep in mind that depending on where you get a reptile, it may be very stressed, dehydrated, and prone to illness. Here are some items to look for when buying your reptile to increase the chances of picking out a healthy pet reptile.

While there are many types of reptiles that could be good pets, here we cover a few you could consider.

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Children and Pets
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Behavior & Training
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Cats
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Pet Dangers
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.
    Learn More
  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!
    Schedule Now
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.
    View Forms

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Freeport Office

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

  • "I have taken my fur babies to Tender Loving Care Dr. Heitzman for over 12 years now and won't go anywhere but! Dr. Heitzman and staff have ALWAYS been so caring, gentle and compassionate with my animals as if they were their own! Not only putting animals health first, but listening to my concerns as pet owner. Every concern or question is addressed with the utmost compassion, even silly questions are answered with the same sincere care! Thank You Dr. Heitzman and staff for your compassion, concern and truly caring for my babies as you have from day one many years ago and continuing thru the present to the future!!!!"
    Colleen M
  • "Dr. Heitzman and his staff are so wonderful and caring! They understand that our furry friends mean so much to us. They listen and care about what we tell them. To me and my four legged friends they are truly the best around! Thank you so much!"
    Melissa C.
  • "Super Vet...calm, caring and conscientious! Office staff are efficient and courteous."
    JoLique P.
  • "This is the place to take your pet! I love that when I call them, say who I am, they remember me and my dog. Dr. Heitzman is wonderful and I totally trust him in the care of my furry baby. He also took care of both of my cats before they passed away. I won't take my pet any where else."
    Amy P.

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • September Newsletter: The Importance of Core Vaccines for Dogs

    Could core vaccines help your dog avoid serious illness or death? ...

    Read More
  • September Newsletter: Dry Food vs. Wet Food: Which is Better for Your Cat?

    Should you buy dry food for your cat or is wet food better? ...

    Read More
  • Does Your Cat Have a Grooming Problem?

    Noticed a sudden change in your cat's grooming habits? Over- or under-grooming can be a sign of trouble. ...

    Read More
  • August Newsletter: How Spaying or Neutering Your Pet Can Prevent Health Problems

    Do you know how spaying and neutering can protect your pet's health? ...

    Read More
  • August Newsletter: How Your Veterinarian Can Help with Pet Separation Anxiety

    Does your pet hate being alone? A visit to the veterinarian could help. ...

    Read More
  • July Newsletter: The Benefits of Daycare Services for Your Pet

    Is daycare right for your pet? ...

    Read More
  • July Newsletter: Do Pocket Pets Need Regular Exams?

    How often should you take your pocket pet to the veterinarian? ...

    Read More
  • June Newsletter: How X-Rays Can Help Detect Early Stages of Dental Diseases

    Could X-rays protect your pet oral health? ...

    Read More
  • June Newsletter: How Often Should Cats Be Vaccinated?

    Do you know how often your cat needs to visit the veterinarian for vaccinations? ...

    Read More
  • May Newsletter: How to Keep Your Cat at a Healthy Weight

    Do you know how to help you cat maintain the ideal weight? ...

    Read More

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for more articles

  • Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map