Reptiles and amphibians are an underappreciated category of companion animals. However, as the reptile industry has grown in recent years, pet retailers are taking notice, and with good reason.
According to Grand View Research, the reptile industry is valued at approximately $1.5 billion in the United States alone. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) estimates that there are over nine million reptiles kept as pets in America, with 4.5 million households owning a pet reptile according to Statista data from 2007-2012.
This statistic is a testament to the popularity of reptiles as companion animals in the United States, and it also is a clear indication that reptiles are becoming increasingly popular as pets and that the reptile category is a viable and profitable business.
In addition, the U.S. market for reptile food and supplies is valued at approximately $348 million, which means that retailers should be taking advantage of carrying reptile food and supplies for their customers. The herp category is one that is healthy and vibrant, with a potential for growth and expansion.
The market for foods, health products and accessories for reptiles and amphibians is hot these days, and it’s still growing. Feeder species are a mainstay for herp hobbyists, while specialized products have experienced strong growth across the entire category since 2020 when the pandemic hit the country.
Demand has been high, with little to no decline in sales as the country has moved further away from COVID-19. One key to this longevity in terms of popularity is the innovations that make it easy for today’s hobbyists to care for their reptiles and amphibians. After all, healthy pets mean happy pet parents.
Thus, with a rise in consumer interest in keeping herps as companion animals, pet retailers would be wise to increase their reptile space to serve these customers and meet their needs. The reptile industry hasn’t been this healthy in a long time, and it’s up to the pet care community to keep it on an upward slope.
Finally, it’s important that store staff are up to date on proper care for the popular species reptiles and amphibians. In order to avoid customers believing in the misinformation that might be found online, retailers should print out care sheets for a wide range of herps that are commonly kept as companion animals. Knowledge and experience go a long with when it comes to pet parents, no matter what type of companion animals they have at home.
Reptile Lunch Box
Timberline’s Lunch Box contains 24-plus fresh, maintenance-free crickets boxed up and ready to go on the retail shelf. The packaging of each Lunch Box is clear plastic, so retailers and customers can see what’s inside without having to worry about escapees. Each Lunch Box comes clearly marked with a “born on” date, allowing for seven days of shelf life.
JurassiVite
JurassiVite provides all 14 essential vitamins and 17 trace and ultra-trace minerals recommended by herpetological experts. It provides vitamin A as beta carotene and employs an alfalfa base for enhanced palatability and nutritive value. Vitamins A, D3 and E are present in the ratio of 100:10:1.
K-Rex Kleanbowl
The K-Rex disposable reptile bowl decreases the risk of disease for pets and owners. The steel bowl frame holds a biodegradable, disposable and compostable bowl and is weighted to prevent tipping. The low profile provides easy access while keeping substrate out of the bowl.
Deluxe Aquatic Turtle Kit
This excellent all-in-one starter turtle aquarium setup kit will provide your turtle with enjoyment. Each habitat provides space for both swimming and basking. Two reflective dome lighting fixtures keep both light and temperature at healthy levels. The glass terrarium enclosure is made in the U.S.A.
Skyscraper Terrarium
The 36-inch-tall terrarium features a full front glass opening door with snap closure. The stainless-steel screen top will not corrode and keeps feeder insects inside while allowing greater UVA and UVB penetration. Additional features include a lockable door for safety and a water-tight base.
Zylafen Enzymatic for Reptiles
Zylafen Enzymatic Topical Solution for Reptiles and Topical Spray for Reptiles promotes healthy, complete shedding and relieves irritated, itchy skin, cuts and abrasions in reptiles including lizards, snakes and turtles. Formulated with the antimicrobial LP3Enzyme System. Soothing with no harsh or irritating ingredients, antibiotics or steroids. It’s non-toxic, water-dissolvable and safe, if ingested.
Komodo Forest Tunnel
These tunnels are made from 100 percent natural materials and created from renewable sources. Komodo’s Forest Tunnels offer a great place to hide or bask and are ideal for use with the majority of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. They can be cut to suit any size or style of terrarium.
Zen Habitats
Zen Habitats enclosures and accessories are designed to support the physical and emotional needs of your reptiles. They provide a commercially viable alternative to glass aquariums, which are too small for medium-sized lizards and snakes. The company’s focus is on creating enclosures that can be set up in a variety of configurations, and are beautiful, easy to assemble and affordable.
Mack’s Natural Reptile Food
Mack’s Natural Reptile Food has complete solutions for reptilian pets and has recently introduced singles for that repeat, weekly feeding. Beginning with pinkie mice, all the way up to large rats, Mack’s Natural Reptile Food has the perfect size range for all your customer’s pet reptiles.
Madagascar Reptile Lounge
The New Age Pet Madagascar Reptile Lounge, made with ECOFLEX and offered in two colors, is the perfect habitat for arboreal reptiles. It features front sliding glass doors, vented side panels, extra height and deep floor area. The mesh screen top accommodates most UV and heat lamp set-ups with a lower back panel opening for temperature probes or misting systems.
Galapagos Natural Fir Bark Bedding
This bedding for humidity-loving reptiles is made from 100 percent Douglas fir bark. Using smaller bark size to facilitate feeding, crawling and slithering, it is a perfect substrate for basilisks, tomato frogs, milk snakes, iguanas, Russian tortoises and similar species.
Black Soldier Fly Larvae
From the forward-thinking minds at Scout & Zoe’s, the brand presents Super Fly Jerky. Bugs are the protein of the future, and the brand’s Black Soldier Fly Larvae products help clean the environment by feeding on food waste from restaurants or grocery stores. The tiny carbon footprint makes a sustainable protein that is great for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and amphibians. These products are high in protein, lauric and rich amino acids for a novel, nutritious treat.
Fluker’s Castle Cribs
For the coolest crib around, this innovative Castle Crib combines a basking platform, crawl space and bowl. Made of a durable, non-porous material, so it’s easy to clean and disinfect. Available in two sizes: small (9 by 4 by 2 inches) and large (11 by 5 by 2 inches).
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