Seeking Input for Presentation on 'Why Snakes make the Best Pets'

[Cheesenugget]

Hey there...This is going to sound like an odd request but I have a final interview in the next couple days where I'm expected to give a 15- 20 minute presentation (topic of my choice) where I'm basically taking a side and trying to get others on board. I was told past participants gave presentations on 'paperclips' and 'road rage' rather then 'work related' topics.

The path I'm heading down is presenting 'why I think snakes are the best pets'. I don't necessarily subscribe to this statement but I think I can make it interesting and I'm willing to bet the whole audience will hold the exact opposite viewpoint as me (but that's why I think this might be a good topic). I just need some help to back it up.

I've written a bunch of fluff to help make it interesting but the main points to support my argument are the following:

1. Hit on the 'designer snake' and genetics side (over 4000 different morphs) while showing pictures
2. Compare 'common pets' such as dogs/cats to snakes and why I feel snakes are better suited pets.

- My kids have been bitten or snapped at by several dogs & cats but never our snakes
- Vacation: Dogs need a sitter or boarding while snakes can survive for week(s) w. just clean water
- Feeding: Snakes can eat once a month at a lower cost then a cat or dog who eats twice a day
- Shedding: Dogs/Cats shed every day shedding which can dirty the house
- Snakes are unique conversation pieces where opportunities exist to teach younger kids before they develop bad stereotypes

- Cuddling: yes, you can't cuddle a snake or receive affection but you can't do this w/ a pet fish either which is considered a 'popular pet'

- Mortality rate: can last up to 20-30 years while common pets can last months or a few years.

Here's the kicker which I'm struggling with and need some creative suggestions.

I'm supposed to address 'Why we should care about it' and 'Call to action – what should we do with / based on the information you have provided us'


Why should we care about it?

Low maintenance option pet where it doesn't feel like a huge commitment you would make w/ other pets (i.e. dogs)
Space needed is minimal
Ball pythons are completely harmless contrary to popular belief
Can turn addictive if you are intrigued by the genetics involved and the 1000s of morphs

Call to Action

Ask people to keep an open mind (as kids do before they absorb all the false stereotypes).

Any and all input is welcome and thank you! Also, to be clear, a lot of my statements made are for this interview only and I wouldn't make the same to someone who is actually considering buying a snake.

If you want more people on your side in any argument, the first step should be, "What can this THIS do for me?"

You have 6 seconds to grab your audience attention.

Yes, of course snakes make good pets for the RIGHT people. Compared to the domesticated counterparts, exotic pets can still be a challenge, especially when access to or finding an affordable properly experienced veterinarian is a huge obstacle for many people. The best pet for anyone is to be able to enjoy it, feed it, and care for it, which includes vet care. Many pet owners like the cuddles, that is why they lean towards cats and dogs in the first place.

For all the points you make about why snakes are better vs dogs and cats, as an owner of all 3 types, I can tell you 1. The pet hair comes with the territory but it is really not much a grievance for many owners. 2. A lot of dog owners, myself included, take their dogs with them on vacation. People are treating their pets more like family nowadays. 3. There will always be dog bites and car scratches, but just like snakes, you need to supervise and read your pet's behavior. There are usually red flags and signals before a bite or scratch, just the same as you watch for stress and fear signals from your snake.

So again, your best bet to get people on your side is, "What can snakes do for me?"

There are some research done on snake metabolism and diabetes. Or how the snake move can benefit science. How many rats can one adult snake eat per year, and point out how important this is and list what type of disease a rat can transmit to people. How is snake venom helping people?

Use statistics, numbers, make it clear why snakes matter to society.

Then, the second part to this would be pet keeping. Point out how people with allergies can still enjoy companionship. How more and more people are keeping reptiles due to busy work life and how that works for them. How some snakes can eat more than rats and mice, so a keeper can have options if they are not comfortable with rodent prey. Snakes are great pets for the RIGHT people, those who will do the research, the husbandry work, and understand what they are signing up for.

Good luck.