Reptile Boarding vs. In-Home Visits
Which Is Best for Your Pet?
Heading out of town and wondering what to do with your reptile while you're away? Whether you’re a proud parent to a bearded dragon, ball python, gecko, or red-eared slider, one question often comes up: Should I board my reptile or hire someone for in-home visits?
At Critter Care Pros, we provide both options for reptile owners across Florida. Each approach has its benefits, and the right fit depends on your pet’s species, temperament, and care needs. Let’s break it down.
🏠 In-Home Reptile Care: Pros & Considerations
In-home visits are a great option for reptiles who are sensitive to changes in environment. Your sitter comes to your home on a scheduled basis to feed, mist, clean, and check on habitat conditions.
Advantages:
Less stress from travel or unfamiliar surroundings
Habitat remains stable with known lighting and humidity settings
No need to transport heavy tanks or enclosures
Best For:
Chameleons, snakes, aquatic turtles, or any reptile that thrives on minimal disruption
Owners with dialed-in habitats and automation (timers, misters, heaters)
Things to Consider:
Sitters may only visit once or twice daily
Issues that arise between visits may go unnoticed
🛏️ Reptile Boarding: Pros & Considerations
With boarding, your reptile stays in a professionally maintained, species-appropriate enclosure at a facility like Critter Care Pros. This option offers increased supervision and may be ideal for hands-on pets or those with complex needs.
Advantages:
More frequent check-ins and hands-on observation
Access to specialized lighting, misting, and backup power systems
Easier to monitor feeding, shedding, and behavior in real-time
Best For:
Bearded dragons, monitors, or young reptiles with higher activity levels
Pets needing daily interaction, supplements, or specialized diets
Things to Consider:
Some reptiles may take time to acclimate to new surroundings
Transport must be done carefully to reduce stress
How to Decide What’s Right for Your Reptile
Ask yourself:
Is my reptile sensitive to new environments?
Do I have a backup power plan for heat and light if I’m not home?
Does my pet need hands-on care multiple times per day?
Still unsure? Our team is happy to guide you based on your reptile’s species and routine. We’ve worked with everything from corn snakes to crested geckos and understand what works—and what doesn’t.
Why Reptile Owners Trust Critter Care Pros
We’re not generalists—we’re trained in reptile behavior, nutrition, and enclosure care. Our sitters follow species-specific care protocols and monitor temperature, humidity, hydration, and more.
Whether you need a few drop-in visits or secure boarding, we’ll help you choose what’s best for your scaly companion.