Iguanas as Pets Pros and Cons: A Guide to Help You Decide

Iguanas are large, arboreal lizards, native to the tropical areas of Central and South America. Their iconic frilled back, long tail, and the captivating gaze from their tiny eyes, make them one of the most distinct pet choices you could make. But remember, these creatures aren’t just about their looks!

In this post, we are going to share some pros and cons of owning an iguana as pet that will help you decide if an iguana is the right pet for you.

Iguana as Pet: Pros

Dogs are a man’s best friend – this is what we often hear. But would you readily believe it if I told you that an iguana could be man’s best friend too?

You have surely heard many stories about people treating their pet cats, dogs, birds, and even fishes as their best friends. Huge reptiles such as snakes and big lizards as best friends? – That is pretty uncommon.

If you’re a current or would-be pet owner who prefers typical pets, you might refuse outright when asked about having an iguana for a pet.  But you might never experience the joy and satisfaction felt by those who did decide to take on the challenge and make a difference.

Take a look at these reasons why an iguana would make a great pet:

1. Iguanas Have a Long Lifespan

Anyone would naturally want to have a pet that can be a lifelong companion or one that would be around at least for as long as their owners are able to care for them. As valued members of the household, these pets matter so much that their owners want to be able to share their lives with them for as long as possible.

Moreover, keeping a pet inevitably makes people invest their emotions, not just the money for the food, the medicines, and the veterinary services they require.

While mice, hamsters, or pogonas live for just a few years, iguanas may live for as long as 20 years, which is a bit longer than the life span of cats and dogs. In fact, the longest time on record of an iguana’s life span is 29 years!

2. Iguanas are Herbivores

If you own a pet, you regularly have to go to a pet store to buy pet food. It is pretty simple and easy if you just have to buy kibbles and treats for your dog or cat. But, what if you are raising carnivorous pets with specific food requirements?

For instance, what if you need to specifically buy mice, worms, bugs, crickets, and other small livi