Is it okay to buy Ball Pythons from Petsmart/Petco?

[ILuvDangerNoodles]

I've heard about the things PETA says about Petsmart and Petco, and I'm just wondering if it's okay to buy a BP from there. There really my only option, giving that the closest breeder I can go to is 3 hours away and I don't know if the travel with upset the snake. I'm also wondering if Ball pythons can handle long distances?

[Nathanhimmerich]

I would consider a ball python (or any reptile) purchased from either company as a rescue. They are TYPICALLY horrible with husbandry and vastly overpriced.

The best option is probably to browse morphmarket.com or kingsnake.com to find a ball python with better care given and at a better price. Shipping is usually ~$50 but petsmart and petco tend to be at least $50 overpriced anyways and they are usually in really rough shape and probably need a vet visit regardless which will cost upwards of $100. Shipping is perfectly safe with the various options available to ship reptiles.

Good luck on your search. If you have questions about husbandry or how to set up a home for your new snake buddy, the forums here can and do provide all the answers and easy to find FAQs.

[OneEyedFox]

So on the matter of PetSmart and PetCo, they really don’t take good care of their snakes, it’s not just PETA saying bad things, I’ve seen it myself, underfed snakes, obese snakes, dehydrated snakes, snakes with MITES, it can be bad, so you could get a very ill animal if you go there. I don’t buy animals from there because I don’t want to support their animal abuse, but others buy from them to save the animals. Maybe not for your first snake though. That’s not to say ALL of the snakes are unhealthy, but I’ve seen many.

As for whether beeps can withstand long trips, yes! People order snakes online and have them shipped to them. As long as the animal is comfortable, a three hour car ride will be safe, at least to my knowledge.


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[ILuvDangerNoodles]

Thank you so much! I'll check out their website, thank you again!

[ILuvDangerNoodles]

So on the matter of PetSmart and PetCo, they really don’t take good care of their snakes, it’s not just PETA saying bad things, I’ve seen it myself, underfed snakes, obese snakes, dehydrated snakes, snakes with MITES, it can be bad, so you could get a very ill animal if you go there. I don’t buy animals from there because I don’t want to support their animal abuse, but others buy from them to save the animals. Maybe not for your first snake though. That’s not to say ALL of the snakes are unhealthy, but I’ve seen many.

As for whether beeps can withstand long trips, yes! People order snakes online and have them shipped to them. As long as the animal is comfortable, a three hour car ride will be safe, at least to my knowledge.


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Okay! Thank you so much! I was a little worried if I got my snake and drove it back home three hours later it would get a little sick. Thank you so much for the advice!

[Aerries]

Just check out my post that I had last week about one petco store and that would be able to help make your decision


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[KevinK]

Just do your homework and look up reviews before you buy an animal from anywhere for that matter, there are at least a couple very large, very heavily advertised breeders that are known for mite issues as well. So even though they may advertise like crazy, it doesn't mean they necessarily sell the best animals either.

[larryd23]

We purchased our (overpriced) pastel banana boi from a reptile specialty store near us because we wanted to establish a relationship with a knowledgeable hobbyist who could assist us as we learned to care for our BP. We also have a great many general pet shops near us. Overall, the care of their snakes leaves a lot to be desired.
If you can't travel and are reluctant to ship, check out Craigslist. In our area there are always at least a dozen BPs for sale. Some from amateur breeders, others from owners who need to sell for a variety of reasons. The latter usually offer the snake and habitat for a small 'rehoming' fee.

[OneEyedFox]

We purchased our (overpriced) pastel banana boi from a reptile specialty store near us because we wanted to establish a relationship with a knowledgeable hobbyist who could assist us as we learned to care for our BP. We also have a great many general pet shops near us. Overall, the care of their snakes leaves a lot to be desired.
If you can't travel and are reluctant to ship, check out Craigslist. In our area there are always at least a dozen BPs for sale. Some from amateur breeders, others from owners who need to sell for a variety of reasons. The latter usually offer the snake and habitat for a small 'rehoming' fee.

But be careful when you buy from Craigslist. I have a friend that takes in reptiles in our area from Craigslist and they almost always have some illness or just generally awful husbandry, and if it’s your first snake, I wouldn’t recommend a sick one.


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[PitOnTheProwl]

I would consider a ball python (or any reptile) purchased from either company as a rescue.

Its a purchase not a rescue........ AND you are just making room for the next animal.