Where to Buy a Pet Snake: 7 Best Places + Top Species Guide 2025

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You’ve got several solid options when wondering where to buy a pet snake. Online retailers like Big Apple Herp and LLL Reptile offer live arrival guarantees and overnight shipping—your scaly friend arrives safe and sound. XYZReptiles brings 35 years of breeding expertise to the table, while PetSmart provides convenient local pickup with health guarantees.

Don’t overlook reptile expos and local breeders where you can inspect your future companion up close. Reptile rescues offer a compassionate route that won’t break the bank.

Ball pythons make fantastic beginner pets with their calm nature, while corn snakes dazzle with their colorful patterns.

Pick your source carefully—it makes all the difference for your new companion’s health and your long-term success. You’ll also want to nail down the species choice and get your habitat dialed in perfectly.

Where to Buy a Pet Snake

When hunting for your new snake, you’ll want to check out reputable online retailers, local reptile shops, and reptile expos in your area. Look for sellers who clearly care about their animals’ health and can answer your questions about feeding, handling, and care.

A little homework now saves you headaches (and vet bills) later.

Reputable Online Reptile Stores

If you’re shopping for reptiles online, stick with established retailers that focus on ethical sourcing and solid customer service.

Big Apple Herp and LLL Reptile both offer live arrival guarantees and overnight shipping.

For quality genetics, XYZReptiles has built a strong reputation among breeders.

Big Apple Herp is a great choice, as they’ve provided reptiles for sale since 1993. Always check online store reviews before purchasing—top sellers maintain USDA licensing and transparent business practices for safe online snake sales.

Local Pet Stores and Chains

Walking into your neighborhood pet store gives you hands-on freedom to inspect potential companions before committing. Chain store availability like PetSmart offers a decent reptile selection with standard health guarantees, though local store differences mean specialized shops often stock rarer species.

Supply availability varies, so call ahead about instore pickup options for pet snakes and essential gear.

Licensed Breeders and Reptile Expos

Pet store snakes come with limitations that dedicated breeders simply don’t have.

Licensed breeders focus on genetic diversity and comprehensive health screenings—something the big chains just can’t offer at scale.

Reptile expos let you meet breeders face-to-face, examine snake species for sale, and learn about breeder ethics firsthand. These events attract thousands of enthusiasts annually, creating a thriving reptile market where exotic pet sales flourish.

The increasing interest reflects the rise of reptile ownership across North America.

Animal Shelters and Reptile Rescues

Reptile rescues offer another compassionate route for finding your perfect snake companion. These shelters house surrendered ball pythons, corn snakes, and boas needing second chances. You’ll save money with adoption fees ranging from $25 to $100 versus breeder prices, plus aid rehabilitation programs helping animals recover from neglect.

Best Online Stores for Snakes

You’ll find online stores offer the biggest selection of snakes with live arrival guarantees that protect your investment.

When you shop online, you can easily browse different species, check prices, and read up on breeders without leaving your couch.

Just make sure you dig into each store’s health guarantees and policies before you hit that purchase button.

Backwater Reptiles Overview

Since 2011, Backwater Reptiles has built a solid reputation in the reptile market with over 500 exotic snakes and amphibian selection available online. You’ll find captive breeding specimens at rock-bottom prices, backed by their live guarantee.

While they offer convenient overnight shipping and claim less than 1.4% DOA rates, customer reviews are mixed—some praise their healthy animals and fast service, while others report concerns about animal welfare and customer care.

PetSmart’s Reptile Selection

PetSmart brings reptile shopping to your neighborhood with an impressive reptile selection spanning 19 species during peak season. You’ll find starter kits and enclosure options alongside expert advice from their Vet Assured program.

Notable Breeders (XYZReptiles, Breeder’s Circle)

Looking beyond chain stores, specialized breeders offer enhanced genetic diversity and health screenings. XYZReptiles boasts 35 years of breeding expertise with 4.5-star ratings, while Breeder’s Circle maintains 99% positive feedback for their ethical breeding practices. These reputable sources prioritize welfare protocols over quick exotic pet sales.

Breeder	Specialty Advantage
XYZReptiles	Ball python morphs, $225 average orders
Breeder’s Circle	Genetic innovation, Paint gene research
Local Expos	Direct breeder contact, hands-on selection
Reptile Rescues	Ethical adoption, 31.8% of total adoptions
Licensed Facilities	Health guarantees, welfare compliance

Shopping Tips for Online Buyers

Shopping for snakes online opens up a world of species you’d never find locally, but protecting yourself matters just as much as finding the perfect snake.

Make sure sellers offer live arrival guarantees, and always pay with PayPal Goods & Services or a credit card so you have recourse if something goes wrong.

• Check reputable seller reviews on MorphMarket and specialty forums before purchasing
• Confirm overnight shipping with temperature control to reduce shipping stress
• Verify post-purchase assistance policies for health issues within 7 days
• Research the breeder’s certifications and transparency in the reptile market
• Document all communication for potential dispute resolution in exotic pet sales

Popular Pet Snake Species for Sale

You’ll find five species that consistently top the "best beginner snake" lists: ball pythons, corn snakes, king snakes, milk snakes, and boa constrictors.

Each brings something different to the table, from the docile ball python‘s easy-going nature to the vibrant patterns of corn snakes that’ll make your friends do double-takes.

Ball Pythons

Ball pythons reign as the premier beginner-friendly pet snake species for sale. These docile snakes showcase remarkable morph variations, from classic patterns to designer genetics costing thousands.

You’ll love their simple feeding habits—just once weekly—and manageable enclosure requirements. Their calm temperament makes handling stress-free, while breeding potential offers exciting possibilities for hobbyists buying snakes online.

Corn Snakes

Corn snakes are beginner-friendly reptiles that’ll give you freedom from complicated pet snake care routines. These docile beauties come in stunning corn snake morphs and adapt well to basic snake habitat setups. Here’s why they’re perfect starter snakes:

1. Live 15-23 years – your long-term scaly companion
2. Eat weekly – simple reptile nutrition schedule
3. Rarely bite – gentle pet snake behavior
4. Easy breeding techniques – if you want babies
5. Available everywhere – buy snakes online or locally

You’ll find snakes for sale at most reptile stores.

King Snakes

King Snakes consistently rank among top beginner-friendly pet snake choices. You’ll find stunning King Snake Morphs like California and Mexican black varieties when you buy snakes online.

These kingsnakes adapt well to captivity, requiring basic Snake Habitat setups. Their gentle Snake Behavior Patterns make Pet Snake Care straightforward—they’re docile, live 20+ years, and eat weekly.

Check Reptile Laws in your area before purchasing, as some states regulate ownership.

Milk Snakes

Since milk snakes are beginner snakes with docile temperaments, they’re perfect for first-time owners. These pet snake breeds offer stunning milk snake morphs and manageable milk snake care requirements.

Boa Constrictors

Boa constrictors offer a step up from smaller snake breeds for experienced handlers. These impressive snakes for sale require serious commitment—females reach 7-8 feet and live 20-25 years. You’ll need substantial space and budget for proper boa habitat setup.

Aspect	Requirement
Enclosure Size	6’L x 3’W x 3’H minimum for adults
Temperature	86-90°F basking, cool side 78-80°F
Humidity	60-75% for proper reptile health
Feeding	Rats every 7-14 days, constrictor feeding style

What to Consider Before Buying a Snake

That ball python at the expo might look irresistible, but hold up. Snakes aren’t impulse buys.

They need precise temperatures, regular feeding routines, and can live 20-30 years. Make sure you’re actually ready for that commitment.

Habitat and Enclosure Requirements

Your snake needs room to stretch out fully. A good rule of thumb: get a tank that’s at least as long as your snake will be when fully grown.

Temperature Control with heating pads creates proper gradients, while Humidity Levels between 50-60% aid healthy snake shedding.

Ventilation Systems prevent stagnant air, and Lighting Options help establish day-night cycles for ideal snake health.

Feeding and Dietary Needs

Snake nutrition doesn’t have to break the bank or your schedule. Most snakes eat just once weekly, making feeding schedules incredibly manageable. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Prey Items: Frozen-thawed rodents are safest and most convenient
2. Feeding Schedules: Weekly meals work for most adult snakes
3. Nutrient Requirements: Whole prey provides complete nutrition without dietary supplements

Feeder insects work great for smaller species, while reptile and amphibian food ensures proper snake health.

Handling and Temperament

Snake behavior varies dramatically between species. Ball pythons are naturally docile, while some kingsnakes can be defensive initially. Watch for aggression signs like hissing, striking, or coiling tightly. Start handling sessions short—just 5-10 minutes—using proper techniques. Hold the snake’s body and move slowly. Regular, gentle interaction helps with taming methods.

Species	Temperament	Handling Difficulty
Ball Python	Calm, shy	Beginner-friendly
Corn Snake	Active, curious	Easy to moderate
Kingsnake	Can be nippy	Moderate

Legalities and Local Regulations

Before you get a snake, you’ll need to check your area’s exotic laws and wildlife regulations. About 20 states permit ownership with a permit, including Arizona, Florida, and Texas, while others ban certain species outright.

Most native species of wildlife can’t be held without permits or licenses. Don’t forget local ordinances—your city might’ve stricter rules than your state.

Research permit requirements and snake licenses before you fall in love with that perfect pet.

Essential Supplies for Your New Snake

Getting your snake’s habitat dialed in before pickup day makes everything smoother. No scrambling to find the right heating pad or discovering your enclosure has gaps a crafty serpent could exploit.

Picture prepping for a roommate who’s particular about temperature, loves tight spaces, and has zero tolerance for sloppy setups.

Your snake needs a secure enclosure, proper heating, cozy hiding spots, and feeding gear ready to go.

Enclosures and Heating Equipment

Creating the perfect snake sanctuary starts with proper enclosures and heating equipment. You’ll need temperature control systems maintaining 70-85°F gradients with basking spots reaching 90-110°F.

Humidity levels require monitoring—ball pythons need 60-80%, while corn snakes prefer 40-60%. Heat sources like ceramic emitters paired with thermostats prevent dangerous fluctuations. Ventilation systems guarantee fresh airflow.

Quality reptile supplies and lighting options complete your snake care setup.

Substrate and Hides

Your snake’s foundation starts with choosing the right substrate options like aspen shavings or cypress mulch. Hide boxes are essential—you’ll need at least two per enclosure to help your snake feel secure.

Decorative rocks can improve the setup while maintaining proper temperature gradients and humidity levels. Quality reptile supplies make all the difference in snake care and maintenance, giving your pet the comfort it deserves.

Food and Feeder Insects

Your snake’s menu depends on its species and size. Most snakes thrive on pre-killed frozen rodents, which are safer than live feeders and easier to store. For younger snakes or picky eaters, consider these feeder insects options:

1. Crickets – High protein content and readily accepted by most species
2. Mealworms – Great for smaller snakes, though higher in fat
3. Wax worms – Perfect occasional treats due to their soft texture

Stock up on reptile and amphibian food from reputable suppliers who guarantee freshness and proper insect nutrition.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tools

Maintaining proper habitat cleaning keeps your snake healthy and happy. You’ll need disinfectant sprays designed for reptile enclosures, paper towels, and a dedicated sponge for tank maintenance.

Don’t forget water conditioner for fresh drinking water and a hygrometer for humidity control. Regular reptile hygiene prevents bacterial growth and ensures ideal snake care and maintenance for your scaly friend.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)