Hmmmm, to me they are easier to take care of than dogs and cats and such. Plus i hate cats with a passion. I think snakes are gorgeous animals, and they dont need the attention a dog needs, they arent as hyper or destructive, they, its just easier to have them around and i believe its alot easier to mantain multiple snakes as dogs start getting to be a hand full. someone mentioned dogs being family, they are great and can be great companions. but i am VERY attached to my BPs, like i would be to a dog. just my 2 cents