Who believes that there should be a written test before you are allowed to own reptile's and for what reasons?

Answer 1

Eh, sorta.

I think that there should be a basic 'pet keepers license' that you need to own most pets, but I also think that most communities need more aggressive rules about what pets you can or cannot keep.

One problem I see all the time is the 'fad' pet or 'macho' pet. Fad pets are unusual pets that everyone HAS to get because it was on a Disney movie or some star owns one. These are usually cute (at least on the movie), moderately expensive, and the buyer has NO CLUE what they are in for.

'Macho' pets tick me off. People buying Burmese pythons or ANY of the big reptiles, wolf-hybrids, etc. because it is so cool to do so. Most of these critters need cares that the owner is totally unprepared to deal with- even if they did their research ahead of time.

Answer 2

Making people take a test before getting a pet sounds good but not likely to ever happen. What should be done is not allow pet stores and such to sell reptiles without the owners/employees taking a competance test! So many petstores kill reptiles because they give out crappy care information to buyers. Reptiles, especially tiny turtles, should not be allowed to be sold at flea markets. These flea market people are horrible in care info. and only want money. They care NOTHING about the animals! THAT should be a crime!

Answer 3

There are a lot of people that do not know the basics when they buy a pet. They generalise a type of pet, and fail to acknowledge the specific needs. I agree that there should be some type of test or certification to prove that the person knows proper care of the SPECIFIC pet. For instance, you will have people treating a tortoise like a turtle, or giving a bearded dragon a home that would be more suitable for a tropical lizard. The number one thing I notice, is people generalise a type of pet such as a snake or lizard.

The sad part of this, is many mainstream chain pet stores have workers that even do this! When I bought my water dragon, the worker just generalised about the needs, leaving out the specific dietary and environmental needs of the species. I guess I kind of tested his knowledge out of curiosity. I bought her for 2 reasons: 1- I felt bad for her 2- I did much research to have the knowledge to care for her, and had wanted one for a long time (I might add she appears much happier and healthier now).

My thoughts on this, are that there should be a specific test for each SPECIES. This should apply to ALL pets, not just reptiles. While most owners mean well, they just don't know what they are in for when they buy the pet.

I think these tests should include dietary needs, environment, cost of upkeep, maintenance, signs of illness, healthy appearance, exercise, and average personality.

Answer 4

I am in love with this test, I think it's the best thing ever! So many reptiles are sold to people who have no clue what so ever about how to care for them and they end up dieing or living in horrible conditions for as long as they live. Like Iguanas living in little tanks their whole life eating cucumbers and crickets because that's what they were told to do with them. And Read Eared Sliders in bowls instead of big tanks with filters and land. People just don't know how to care for them because they were just to lazy to research or were giving wrong info so yes I think the test is the best Idea ever!!

The petstore should also be made to know about the animals they are selling. And should be forced to care for them better.

Answer 5

I think you should pass a competence test. If you cant care for the animal why should you be allowed to get it, just to kill it?

I know a store that tells you what to do and actually gives you the right info. I'll be opening a store too and people will be drilled on what they already know, and educated on what they dont. Care sheets will be provided, and not the stupid ones that have no info whatsoever.

I agree totally, to own another's life, you MUST go through a test. I dont think people should just be able to go into a store and buy a $200 tortoise and put it in a FISH TANK full of WATER. Its just WRONG!!!!!!

Answer 6

well you just touched a hot spot of mine. let's be realistic I did not take a test and the majority of my 20 some odd pets are doing fine. I learned most everything after the fact. the store owner filled me full of crap and sent me on my way. but I have learned huge amounts since then. here is a typical question and answer here at yahoo.

I just got an iguana and he is just laying around he doesn't eat much is this normal?

response: you got this iguana and you don't know how to care for it. you don't know what his normal behavior is thats just plain irresponsible. you should give it up to so and so group so he can be taken care of properly.

I have even seen name calling and have been on the end of it. I was called and idiot before because I put a chinese water dragon in with a pac man frog that was 1/4 his size just to clean the tank. and the p.m. ate him. I chalked it up as very expensive feeder dragon for my pac man frogs. learned a lesson that I will never repeat and moved on. I now have a seperate tank just to put them in while I clean their tank.
when someone comes here for the first time a good partion are seeking help for a sick animal not to be chastised and humiliated. I give them 2 points for recognizing something is wrong and seeking out help. Animals help people to learn responsibility and they have a life in their hands if they do not act correctly that life can be lost. So stop chastising and name calling help the people out who need it and a gentle reminder to research whatever pet they choose in the future and when they grow up and their children want pets they can help them to research and study the needs of that pet. You can disagree with me and call me names my skin is thick and I know I am not perfect and I will make mistakes. If you never do feel free to hit me with your biggest bombs I will keep coming back and learning more and more. but for the kids and people who are more sensative. give them a break just answer their questions.

Answer 7

I have seen the more arrogant people who consider themselves superior to other pet owners with their pets in tiny cages, so I think a very large cage should be a requirement also. The idea that a gecko lives in a 20-30 gallon seems so cruel, that kind of animal needs to run and jump free, not be in prison.

Answer 8

i think its for some verification that you will keep the little reptile, take care of it and not use it to scare people away. but this shouldnt happen because your not mad in going and just taking a reptile home and letting it loose.

Answer 9

Yep, that sounds like a great idea. How about a written test before you're allowed to have kids too?...

Answer 10

Are you kidding? The government controls enough of our lives. If you don't need a license to make & raise children, what possible reason would make individuals take instructions in raising a herp? You'll have to have the reptile police kicking down doors checking for proper certificates to maintain the garter snake you found in the barn!