The process of iguana adoption is not a difficult, but aspiring iguana owners may want to keep a few things in mind before beginning the iguana adoption process. For example, buyers may want to consider adopting from a rescue center rather than from a pet store. Rescue center animals typically are rescued from the wild and have fewer health issues than animals bred in captivity and sold from a pet store. Other considerations include the maintenance time involved in caring for an iguana, expense of day-to-day care and vet bills, the room required as the animal grows and setting up the proper social structure and environment for the creature.
For those considering iguana adoption, an animal rescue center may be a better option than a pet store. The majority of iguanas that can be bought from pet stores were born in captivity, and this can result in many health issues, such as mouth rot, respiratory illnesses, ulcers, abscesses and metabolic bone disease as a result of calcium deficiency. Iguanas that were born in the wild almost never suffer from these illnesses and may be more likely to be healthy.
Exotic pets such as iguanas typically require a great deal of care and attention to maintain their health. A well-treated and well-cared for iguana can live up to twenty five years and grow to a length of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) long. Prospective buyers should be certain not only that they have enough room for such an animal, but also that the novelty of owning a pet iguana will not wear off quickly.
Other responsibilities new iguana owners may need to consider include the amount of time one needs to spend with the iguana. This does not just include feeding the iguana and regularly cleaning its terrarium but also holding the iguana regularly to ensure it remains sociable and giving it regular warm baths. New owners may also need to make sure the environment in their home is suitable for the iguana. It should be as close as possible to its natural habitat and provide the creature with plenty of sunlight or artificial UV light. New owners also should consider the expense of vet bills in addition to the costs associated with day-to-day iguana care.