Pet Keen advocates for adopting before shopping. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here.
Exotic pets are becoming the norm for people who want an animal companion but do not have the time for a dog or a cat. Reptiles are a popular choice, and iguanas are on the top of the list of sought-after reptiles. Since iguanas are not as common as cats or dogs, you want to begin your search by looking for iguana breeders. This article provides a list of breeders in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, as well as other important information you need before buying an iguana.
List of Iguana Breeders and Organizations
Since iguanas are native to Central and South America and some Caribbean islands, it can be a bit harder to begin your search in other countries, but the market for iguanas abroad is constantly growing. This list has links to breeders and organizations within the US, UK, Canada, and Australia to help get you started on finding a reptilian companion.
Iguana Breeders in the US
Iguana Breeders Near Me
CBReptiles has a list of green, blue, and rhino iguana breeders within the USA. Florida Iguana & Tortoise Breeders is a great place to start looking for available iguanas sold as pets.
Iguana Breeders That Ship
Backwater Reptiles and Reptile City are two reputable companies that can ship you your pet iguana if you cannot visit a breeder at their farm or location.
Rescue Iguana Organizations
Iguanas often get placed at rescue places because their owners cannot take care of them. Fresh Start Rescue is an organization that lists animals available for adoption in North Carolina and New Hampshire, but it does not ship reptiles. Resource for Iguana Care and Adoption is another place you can look for iguana adoption. However, they are in Minnesota and do not ship iguanas.
Iguana Breeders in the UK
Iguana Breeders Near Me
Pets4homes and Preloved are widely used sites that can help you find an iguana breeder in your area within the UK.
Iguana Breeders That Ship
Trovit is a site similar to Pets4homes and Preloved and lists iguana breeders that will ship within the UK.
Rescue Iguana Organizations
Reptile Rescue and Tom’s Talking Reptiles are both reptile rescue places that specialize in rehoming reptiles after their previous owner has given them up. They can also assist you with set-ups of your pet’s terrarium.
Iguana Breeders in Canada
Iguana Breeders Near Me
All Classifieds is the best place to start looking for iguanas based on your area in Canada. Many iguana breeders will post here.
Iguana Breeders That Ship
All Reptiles has a few iguanas for sale, and they can ship to you with Canada. Shipping costs will vary depending on the iguana you want to buy.
Rescue Iguana Organizations
Ladybird Animal Sanctuary is an organization to check out if you want to adopt a rescue reptile. They do not always have iguanas, though, so it is important to check weekly on any additions. You can also check out OhMy, which lists iguanas that need rehoming too.
Iguana Breeders in Australia
Iguana Breeders Near Me
The Australian Reptile Directory has a very comprehensive list of reptile breeders around the country. It might take some time to find the right breeder as they are listed alphabetically by name, not by area or city.
Iguana Breeders That Ship
You might be able to find an iguana breeder that ships from the Australian Reptile Directory. If not, look at the Pet Adoption + Sales website. People do list iguanas for sale occasionally, so check it out on a weekly basis.
Iguana Rescue Organizations
RSPCA Queensland is a great place to look for iguanas needing a second chance. The website can direct you to what iguanas are available, depending on your location in Australia.
How Much Does an Iguana Cost?
No matter the country, the cost of your future pet iguana will change depending on the breed. The most common pet iguana is the green iguana, which will cost between $15-$40 in the US. Some other breeds, like the desert iguana, can cost more – up to $70-$80. However, there are some special breeds that cost between $400-$600, like the rhino iguana.
One of the most expensive iguanas to purchase is the albino iguana. The cost for those can range between $1,800-$2,700 from a reputable breeder.
The costs for iguanas bought in Canada, the UK, and Australia are roughly the same (after currency conversion) as those in the US, but if you’re budgeting, plan for a bit of wiggle room as some variations of iguanas may be rarer and thus more expensive in Australia compared to North America or Europe. Green iguanas are usually the cheapest iguana because they are more common. Brightly colored or rarer iguanas will cost more.
Things to Ask an Iguana Breeder
The 5 Things to Know Before Buying an Iguana
1. Check about exotic animal laws in your country or state.
In the US, different states have different laws regarding exotic animals as pets. The same goes for several other countries and their respective provinces. If you live in one state but plan to move to another state with your iguana, make sure that there are no restrictions. Laws can change, so keep checking at least annually to stay on top of any potential complications.
2. Owning an iguana can be expensive.
There is a misconception that all reptiles need is a glass cage and some bugs to eat. This is hardly the case! First, iguanas must live in an enclosure that is at the right temperature. This can increase your utility bill. Second, iguanas need fresh food, which can get expensive as well. Third, if your iguana gets sick, they will need to see a vet that specializes in exotic animals. That vet visit can be more expensive when compared to a cat or dog.
3. Iguanas can live up to 15-20 years.
Owning an iguana is not a short commitment. Since these reptiles can live to close to two decades, you need to decide if you can continue to care for them for that long. This is one main reason why iguanas get placed in rescue or rehoming centers – the previous owner no longer wants to take care of them.
4. Iguanas grow.
Yes, your baby iguana looks very cute and handleable now. However, certain breeds of iguanas can get quite large. One of the most popular pet iguanas is the green iguana, and they grow to a length of over 6 feet long and weigh 20 pounds. Will you be able to adjust their living space and diet? What about your home?
5. See if your local vet handles exotic animals.
It is stressful when your pet gets sick. Most vets focus on more common household pets, such as dogs, cats, and rabbits. If your iguana gets sick, you want to make sure that there is a vet nearby that specializes in reptiles.
Conclusion
With all pets, there are several things to consider and research before you buy an iguana. The major consideration is ensuring you can provide your iguana with a proper living environment and loving care. Iguanas can make great pets if you are a responsible owner!
Featured Image Credit: Mikulas Velensky, Shutterstock
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