As a Veterinary Technician in a Small Animal/Exotic Practice in San Antonio, I had the opportunity to see a variety of reptile that are sold frequently at pet stores and reptile “shows”. Most of these animals are impulse buys and little is known about the new pet or the proper care and environment needed. Most of the first animals that I took in as “rescues” were badly malnourished or burned. Most folks were not prepared to deal with a sick or injured exotic animal. Little thought is given to the fact that even though the animal was bought at a pet store or at an “expo”, these are still non-domestic (i.e. WILD) animals and not the easiest to work with. A lot of owners lose interest if results are not seen right away or just are not prepared monetarily to deal with a sick reptile.

My first “rescue” was an Iguana that was found by someone clearing a brushy lot. Thinking it was a snake, they chopped it up with the weedeater. After they realized it was an Iguana, they wrapped it up and brought it in to the clinic I was working in at the time. It took her 6 weeks to die. Iggy tried so hard to make it, but she just couldn’t do it. That was 1989. I have had reptiles in my life ever since.