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Reptiles and the vet: where can you go with your snake, turtle or lizard?

Reptiles and the vet: where can you go with your snake, turtle or lizard?

Written by Meanne | Content Specialist | May 28, 2026

Reptiles and amphibians are unique pets that need completely different care from dogs or cats. They have specific requirements for their environment, diet and health, and the same applies when medical care is needed. But what should you do if your bearded dragon suddenly stops eating, or if your turtle has a small wound? Can you simply go to the vet? In this blog, you’ll read why it is important to find a vet with knowledge of reptiles and amphibians, and how insurance works for these exotic pets.

Not every vet treats reptiles and amphibians

Most vets have extensive experience with dogs, cats and other common pets. Reptiles and amphibians are not usually included in this. During veterinary training, relatively little attention is given to these animal groups, which means not every vet feels comfortable treating a snake, gecko or axolotl, for example.

That does not mean there is nowhere you can go, but you do need to actively look for a vet with specific experience or interest in reptiles and exotic animals.

How do you find a reptile vet?

If you have a reptile or amphibian as a pet, it is wise to research in advance which vet you can visit. Ideally, look for a vet who:

Has specialised knowledge of reptiles and amphibians
Has experience treating exotic animals
Has the appropriate equipment, such as a specially equipped consultation room and hospital enclosure

You can ask your current vet about this, search websites of specialised clinics, or contact reptile associations or rescue centres.

Please note: in emergency situations, it can be difficult to find a suitable vet at the last minute. Make sure you arrange this in advance.

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When should you take your reptile to the vet?

Reptiles and amphibians often hide signs of illness for a long time, which means you should act as soon as you notice the first signs of unusual behaviour. For example:

Refusing to eat
Weight loss
Lethargy
Abnormal droppings
Skin problems or shedding issues
Breathing difficulties

Because these signs can be subtle, it is important to weigh your animal regularly, observe its behaviour and keep its enclosure clean.

What about pet insurance for reptiles?

Although pet insurance is becoming increasingly popular, most insurers focus exclusively on dogs, cats, rabbits and sometimes parrots. At the moment, there are almost no standard pet insurance policies available for reptiles and amphibians.

This means that medical costs for your reptile usually have to be paid out of your own pocket. Treatments, examinations and medication can become quite expensive, especially for rare or complicated conditions.

Tip: set aside a small amount of money as a kind of “reptile emergency fund” for medical emergencies. This will help you avoid unexpected costs.

Making sure your reptile or amphibian receives the right medical care is part of being a responsible pet owner.

Check out everything you need for your reptile or amphibian on our reptile page!

Read more about reptiles in our other blogs

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