The true cost of keeping a snake (financially and care)
Snakes are often seen as an “easy” pet… quiet, low maintenance, and cheap.
But the reality is a bit different.
Meet Monty, our royal python 🐍
He’s calm, friendly, and honestly one of the easiest animals we work with. Cain our volunteer is Monty’s main handler.
He’s never shown any aggression and we genuinely feel that’s because he feels safe and comfortable with us. If you put him down in a room he’ll often come towards you and even climb up you. Whether that’s heat or familiarity, who knows… but it shows how important it is to really know and trust your animal.
Like us, they all have different personalities. Some are more confident, some more reserved, and understanding that makes all the difference in how you care for them.
Let’s talk cost…
The biggest spend is always the setup:
* Vivarium
* Heat source (mat or bulb)
* Thermostat (non-negotiable)
* Hides, substrate, enrichment
A proper setup will usually cost £150–£300+
Ongoing yearly costs (excluding vets):
* Food (frozen rodents)
* Substrate
* Electricity (heating running constantly)
Realistically around £200–£400 per year
Not huge… but definitely not “free” like some people think.
Care is where the responsibility really comes in
Snakes don’t need constant attention, but they do need:
* At least twice daily checks (temperature, environment, general wellbeing)
* Clean, well-maintained environments
* Monitoring of feeding and behaviour
* Regular handling to maintain confidence and trust
* Enrichment and opportunity to move and explore
They are also incredible escape artists, so having a secure, well-fitted enclosure (ideally double secured environment) is really important.
If something isn’t right, it often shows in their appetite or behaviour.
Vet care
This is something people often don’t think about.
Exotic vets can be more expensive, and you need one with the right knowledge of reptiles.
Issues like shedding problems, respiratory infections, or feeding issues can happen, so it’s important to be prepared and not ignore early signs.
The reality
Snakes aren’t difficult… but they’re not “low effort” either.
They rely on you to get everything right — especially their environment.
But when you do, they are calm, fascinating, beautiful creatures and a real privilege to care for.