Reptiles especially the large ones, are often wild and do not habituate near human residents. This is especially a way to minimize or cut off the harm they may cause to humans. Seeing as Petco, however, has some of these large reptiles, one crucial question commonly asked was their source of reptile supply. To put it simply, Petco gets its reptiles from a variety of suppliers/breeders around the country. Majorly, their suppliers operate on a wholesale basis. Thus, they do not sell to the public or individuals.
Where Does Petco Get Its Reptiles?
Amongst their suppliers, the major ones were researched to be SandFire, Lasco Inc, CalZoo, C.R.A.P, and Segrest Farms. Follow through to learn everything you need to know about them.
SandFire Dragon Ranch:
According to an Ex-Petco worker, it was revealed that SandFire is one of the major suppliers of reptiles to Petco Health and Wellness company. The SandFire Dragon Ranch, which is based in San Diego, California, is a wholesale supplier of reptiles to several pet homes such as Petco and PetSmart. Additionally, the founders of SandFire Dragon Ranch split up in 2010, starting their own reptile wholesale business with the name SandFire reptiles. Although both companies share the same business objectives but different owners, they are both suppliers to Petco today. Some workers retired to start their company.
California Zoological supply (CalZoo):
The California Zoological Supply at Costa Mesa, California, is one of the suppliers of reptiles and amphibians to pet stores all over the country — including Petco. In 1977, when the company started operation in Costa Mesa, California— the founder, Gary Bagnall, was 19 at the time, and he fetched reptiles majorly from African countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, Sierra Leone, and Western Samoa. Formerly, the company was named Orange County Zoological before it was changed to California Zoological supply.
Lasco Inc:
According to the reptile law symposium panelist profile, TY Park, the founder of Lasco Inc, has been known for breeding lizards and other reptiles since the 1980s. This was his second profession after Real Estate. Lasco Inc, located in Punta Gorda, Florida, is a reptile breeding company —and one of the suppliers of reptiles to Petco. Aside from breeding and selling reptiles, Lasco Inc is also popular for donating to amphibian and reptile conservation organizations across the country. It was also gathered that Lasco Inc might be responsible for the wholesale reptile suppliers shifting from selling animals caught in the wild to selling bred reptiles in captivity.
Center for Reptile and Amphibian Propaganda (C.R.A.P):
The Center for Reptile and Amphibian began operation in 1981. The company, situated in Boerne, Texas, is managed by Marylin and Ron Tremper. C.R.A.P is also one of the reptile suppliers for Petco. It is popular for breeding and selling reptiles wholesale to Pet stores. Common reptiles they sell include snakes, geckos, dragons, turtles, and tortoises. Asides from breeding and purchase of animals, C.R.A.P. It is known for providing guides and information on animal care for pet owners. This initiative is primarily to breed healthy animals even outside the store.
Segrest Farms:
Segrest Farm is a pet breeding company that deals with reptiles and aquatic animals. Research proves that Segrest Farm is the largest supplier of fresh fish in the world. The major customers of Segrest Farm are research institutions, public aquariums, and Pet stores— which Petco is classified as. Segrest Farm was founded in 1961 in Gibsonton, Florida, and remains in business today. They get a large number of their pets from local breeders — and on rare occasions, overseas.
Guidelines To Know Before Selecting a Reptile.
Keeping reptiles as a pet is not as common as dogs and cats. Although rare, there are quite a number of people who love the idea of keeping reptiles as pets. The most common ones are snakes, tortoises, geckos, and frogs. For a first-time reptile pet owner, it might be difficult to navigate the do’s and don’ts as well as what to know before you choose a reptile. It is especially important to read carefully about the prerequisites because these species have their own personalities and required care techniques.
Some of the things to consider when getting a reptile are the following.
- Note that setting up and maintenance of a reptile habitat can be time-consuming, strenuous, and expensive. It is important that you take time to set up your reptile habitat to ensure a safe and healthy life.
- Seek the advice of experts to know which species would suit your lifestyle. Some of the considerations here may include the temperament, care required, and physical characteristics. This will help you go for a pet that wouldn’t cost you trouble.
- Lastly, all pets require occasional maintenance. Make sure you are able to afford and take care of your reptile before getting one. It is advisable that you seek the help of experts to know which one would cost you less or suits your capability.
Conclusion
Petco gets its reptiles — say, snakes, tortoises, bearded dragons, geckos, lizards — basically every one of them from wholesale suppliers who do not sell to the public or individuals for obvious reasons. Amongst their major suppliers include California Zoological supply, Center for Reptile and Amphibian Propagation (C.R.A.P), SandFire Dragon ranch, Lasco Inc, and Segrest farms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where does Petco get their reptiles?
A: Petco gets its reptile supplies from a variety of wholesale breeders.
Q: What type of reptile does Petco sell?
A: Petco sells Bearded dragons, Ball Python, Leopard gecko, tortoise, veiled chameleon, crested gecko, Pac-Man frog, water dragon, and a variety of others.
Q: What is a good reptile to get as a first-time reptile owner?
A: Leopard geckos and Bearded dragons are highly recommended.
Q: Who are the suppliers of reptiles to Petco and other pet stores?
A: Segrest Farms, Lasco Inc, California Zoological supply (CalZoo), The Center for Reptile and Amphibian Propaganda (C.R.A.P), SandFire dragon ranch.
