Best Resources For Reptile Owners In Sacramento

While the majority of people like their pets to be cute and furry, there are many who enjoy the looks and personalities of pets with scales. There are more than 10,000 varieties of reptiles; these include turtles, snakes, lizards and crocodiles and alligators, although few people would consider the latter to be pets. These Sacramento businesses specialize in everything reptile, whether they offer items that are needed to keep your favorite reptile housed, fed and healthy or they offer educational programs related to your scaly pet.

The Serpentarium
1850 Douglas Blvd., Suite 300
Roseville, CA 95661
(916) 780-7377
www.snakemuseum.com

The experienced staff of Serpentarium are happy to assist and to help your reptiles thrive. There are fresh and freeze-dried foods for turtles, tortoises, lizards & skinks, amphibians, iguana, monitors and tegu; inventory includes butterworms, crickets, roaches, fruit fly cultures, hornworms, phoenix worms, silkworms and mealworms. Prices are reasonable, and you can get expert recommendations on products, including a number of enclosures, habitat decor, substrates, heating elements, incubators, hemostats and many other items.

STAR ECO Station
4465 Granite Drive, Suite 700
Rocklin, CA 95677
(916) 632 8347
www.ecostation.starsacramento.org

The nonprofit STAR ECO Station, in operation for nearly 30 years, offers numerous hands-on experiences for children and adults. The group offers enrichment and educational education on ecology, environmentalism and information about any of the planet's reptiles, mammals, birds and other creatures. STAR ECO also works with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other organizations to provide direct, hands-on help for at-risk exotic wildlife; the Rocklin facility is also an Environmental Science Museum. In-house and mobile exhibits include a variety of snakes, lizards and other reptiles.

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Sacreptile
4101 Power Inn Road, Suite C
Sacramento, CA
(916) 471-9398
www.facebook.com/SacReptile

Sacreptile offers a great selection of a wide array of custom habitats, used tanks and enclosures, plants and animals. The fun environment and experienced, friendly staff make it a favorite place to shop for reptile lovers. Along with other food sources, Sacreptile also carries Reptilinks, which are calorie dense specialty diets for snakes, lizards and amphibians that can cut the cost of food long term.

Pets To Go
9328 Elk Grove Blvd., Suite 140
Elk Grove, CA 95624
(916) 691-7387
www.petstogo.net

Upscale Reptiles, which promotes the annual Sacramento Reptile Show, is part of Pets To Go. The store carries a wide selection of supplies as well as live reptiles from knowledgeable breeders. The enthusiastic staff members have something to offer everyone, from first-timers to experienced herp wranglers. Having the right diet for your pet is critical, and Pets To Go takes the experience one-step further by offering money-saving clubs. King mealworms, crickets, wax worms and rats and mice in sizes from pinkie to jumbo are available to club members at nearly 50% off the normal price.

Northern California Herpetological Society
reptiles-northern-ca.com/herpetology

The Sacramento-based nonprofit offers educational programs throughout the community about reptiles and amphibians. There is also a rescue program providing medical care, housing and food to amphibians and reptiles that have been neglected, abused, abandoned or found by the public. The society provides helpful information for the care and feeding of reptiles, as well as tips on places in Sacramento to experience the creatures in the wild.

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Valerie Heimerich is a freelance writer out of Sacramento. She typically covers business, employment, animal rescue, volunteerism and nonprofits. Her work can also be found at Examiner.com.