Millions of households in the United States own at least one reptile (like a turtle, lizard, or snake) or amphibian (like a frog, salamander, or caecilian). Reptiles have dry and scaly skin, whereas amphibians have smooth, slimy skin.

Both reptiles and amphibians can carry germs that make people sick. The most common germ carried by reptiles and amphibians is Salmonella. Reptiles and amphibians often carry Salmonella bacteria in their digestive tracts. Even healthy reptiles and amphibians can carry the bacteria. People can get sick from Salmonella bacteria through contact with reptiles, amphibians, or their environments, including water from their tanks or aquariums.

Although reptiles and amphibians can make interesting and entertaining pets, it’s important to be aware that they sometimes carry germs that can make people sick. Young children, people with weakened immune systems and adults 65 and older are at higher risk of getting sick from germs carried by reptiles and amphibians.

If you decide that a reptile or amphibian is the right pet for you, it’s important to learn how to properly care for your pet. Appropriate husbandry and veterinary care can help keep you both safe from illness. By providing your pet with routine veterinary care and following the tips on the Healthy People section, you are less likely to get sick from touching, petting, or owning a reptile or amphibian.

Before buying or adopting a pet reptile or amphibian, make sure it is the right type of pet for your family. Know that some reptiles can live for a very long time. Reptiles and amphibians require special care and are more likely than other pets to carry germs that make people sick, like Salmonella, even when they appear clean and healthy. Because of this, reptiles and amphibians aren’t recommended for households with young children, people with weakened immune systems, or adults 65 and older.

Even when they appear healthy and clean, reptiles and amphibians can carry germs that can make people sick. Follow these tips to reduce your risk for illnesses carried by reptiles and amphibians:

Wash your hands

• Wash your hands with soap and running water:
  • After touching or playing with reptiles and amphibians
  • After feeding your pet or handling pet food
  • After handling your pet’s poop or equipment (for example, cages, aquariums, rocks, enrichment, tank decorations, tank water)
  • After cleaning your pet’s tank or aquarium
  • Before eating and drinking
• Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not readily available.
  • Supervise young children when they use hand sanitizer to prevent swallowing alcohol.

Safely care for your pet reptile or amphibian

• Children younger than 5 years old should not handle or touch reptiles or amphibians or their environments because they are at a higher risk for serious illness and hospitalization caused by Salmonella infection.
• Don’t cross-contaminate. You don’t have to touch a reptile or amphibian to get sick from the germs they carry. Reptile food, tank water, equipment, and habitats can be contaminated with Salmonella and other germs.
• Keep reptiles, amphibians, and their equipment out of the kitchen or anywhere that food is prepared, stored, served, or eaten.
• Don’t allow reptiles or amphibians to roam freely throughout a home or living area. Supervise your pet when outside of its habitat to prevent accidents and contamination.

Safely feed your pet reptile or amphibian

• Use a designated container for storing and thawing frozen food for your pet. Keep the pet food away from human food.
• Wash your hands and clean the container immediately after feeding pet reptiles and amphibians.

Using feeder rodents

• Frozen or live rodents used for pet food, also called feeder rodents, can carry germs that can make people sick. This can happen even if the rodent looks healthy and clean.
• Children under 5 years old, adults 65 and older, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems shouldn’t handle feeder rodents because they are at higher risk for diseases rodents can carry.
• Freezing feeder rodents does not kill germs. Always wash your hands after handling live or frozen rodents or touching anything they came in contact with.
• Clean and disinfect all surfaces and supplies that come in contact with rodents. Rodents can contaminate surfaces where they are thawed or anything they touch. You can get sick by touching contaminated surfaces; you don’t have to touch the rodents to get sick from their germs.
• Keep rodents and their supplies out of the kitchen or other areas where food is prepared, served, or consumed. Never use the kitchen sink or food preparation areas to thaw frozen rodents or to clean live rodent habitats. Do not thaw frozen rodents in the microwave.
• Clean rodent supplies outside your home when possible. If you clean rodent supplies indoors, use a laundry sink or bathtub, and thoroughly clean and disinfect the area right after.
• Use frozen rodents when possible to reduce the risk of injury to your or your pet. Never feed your pets wild rodents.

Safely clean your pet reptile or amphibian’s habitat

• Animal supplies such as tanks, feeders, water containers, and other pet equipment or materials should be cleaned outside the home if possible.
• Never use food preparation areas to clean reptile and amphibian habitats or equipment.
• Clean pet supplies outside of your home.
  • If you clean supplies outside, do so away from gardens or other sources of food or drinking water.
• If cleaning outside the home isn’t possible, clean them in a laundry sink or bathtub.
  • If you clean supplies in the bathtub, thoroughly clean and disinfect the area before use by others.
• Pour tank water and other wastewater from reptile and amphibian habitats down the toilet instead of sinks or drains.

Prevent reptile scratches and bites

Not all reptiles and amphibians have teeth, but even those who don’t (like most turtles) can still have painful bites. Bites from reptiles and amphibians can be dangerous because they can spread germs and sometimes other toxic substances, depending on the type of animal. Bites and scratches can be serious injuries and sometimes can become infected.

How to prevent bites and scratches

• Don’t kiss or hold reptiles or amphibians close to your face, as this might frighten them and increase your chances of being bitten.
• Make sure the animal sees you before you pick it up. If an animal is surprised, they might bite out of fear.
• Feed your reptile with tongs. Don’t give them food from your hand.
• Handle your pet often so they become used to being held. If you only handle your pet to feed them, they might learn to associate a hand with food.

What to do if you are bitten or scratched
Pet bites and scratches can spread germs, even if the wound does not seem deep or serious.

If you are bitten or scratched by a reptile or amphibian, you should:

• Wash wounds with warm soapy water immediately.
• Seek medical attention, especially if
  • The animal is venomous or produces toxic substances.
  • The animal appears sick or is acting unusual.
  • The wound or injury is serious (uncontrolled bleeding, unable to move, extreme pain, muscle or bone is showing, or the bite is over a joint).
  • The wound or site of injury becomes red, painful, warm, or swollen. (Especially if the person bitten is younger than 5 years old, 65 or older, pregnant, or has a weakened immune system.)
  • It has been more than 5 years since your last tetanus shot.
• For snake bites, follow these guidelines.

If the animal becomes sick or dies after biting a person, let your veterinarian know within a few days to a week. They can determine whether the animal might have had germs that could spread to people.

Venomous reptiles and amphibians

CDC does not recommend keeping venomous animals as pets or in household settings.

Venoms are a defense that some reptiles and amphibians use to protect themselves from any potential dangers or harm in their environment. Some venomous animals, like poison dart frogs and coral snakes, can be identified by their bright colors and markings. However, some venomous animals are harder to identify. Some animals can transmit venoms through bites or through contact with their skin or saliva. For example, poison dart frogs ooze deadly toxins through their skin. One poison dart frog can make enough toxin to kill 10 adults.

There are many different types of venomous reptiles and amphibians throughout the world. In the United States, there are only four native types of venomous snakes (coral snakes, rattlesnakes, cottonmouths/water moccasins, and copperheads) and one venomous lizard (the Gila monster). However, the pet trade has introduced nonnative animals into the United States.

You should always consider the unpredictable nature of venomous animals and be aware that treating a bite from a venomous animal is difficult. Venoms are very toxic and can have severe and life-threatening effects. Antivenoms can treat some bites, but these medications can cost hundreds of dollars and might not be available at some hospitals. In addition, antivenom sometimes can cause allergic reactions that can be just as dangerous as the venom itself.

If you keep or work with venomous animals, make a list of all the hospitals in your area that stock antivenoms for those types of animals. Include hospital phone numbers and addresses. Put this list somewhere easy to find, like on your refrigerator or near the animal’s habitat.

What to do if you are bitten by a venomous animal or get venom on your skin

• Seek immediate medical attention (even if the wound does not seem serious).
  • Call your healthcare provider as soon as possible so that they can prepare the appropriate antivenom.
  • Be as clear as possible about the type, colors, and markings of the animal. Correct identification of the animal helps healthcare providers to provide the appropriate treatment. Don’t handle or trap the animal, because venom can be dangerous even after the animal has died.
  • Remain as calm and still as possible until you can be treated by a healthcare provider.
  • Apply first aid:
    • Lay or sit down. If possible, position the bite so that it is below the heart.
    • Remove rings and jewelry before swelling begins.
    • Wash the wound with warm water and soap.
    • Cover the wound with a clean, dry bandage.
• Go to the hospital as soon as possible. Fast treatment will reduce damage caused by venom and improve chances for recovery.
• Don’t drive. Snake bites can cause dizziness and fainting.

Keeping your pet reptile or amphibian healthy helps to keep you and your family healthy. To learn how to stay healthy around pet reptiles and amphibians.

Before choosing a pet reptile or amphibian

Think about the people in your household. Some people are at higher risk for serious illness from germs reptiles and amphibians can carry, especially children younger than 5 years old, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems.

• Research and learn how to properly care for reptiles and amphibians before buying or adopting. Ask a veterinarian about the proper food, care, environment, and other needs of the specific pet you are interested in adopting.
• Locate an exotic veterinarian in your area. Reptiles and amphibians require specialized care. Most veterinarians do not treat reptiles or amphibians.
• Check state, local, and property laws before selecting or purchasing a reptile or amphibian. Some reptiles or amphibians might not be allowed in apartments or rental homes.
• Do not keep venomous animals as pets or in household settings.

Did you know that the sale of turtles less than 4 inches has been banned in the United States since 1975? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration made this decision because small turtles pose a higher risk of spreading disease, especially to children. Each year, the ban prevents an estimated 100,000 cases of Salmonella infection among children.

Buy only pet turtles with shells longer than 4 inches from a trusted pet store.

How to choose a pet reptile or amphibian

• Remember that some reptiles and amphibians can live for a very long time. Make sure you are prepared for the commitment of caring for the animal during its long lifespan.
• Don’t catch wild reptiles or amphibians and keep them as pets.
• Buy turtles with shells longer than 4 inches in length (about the size of a deck of cards or a cell phone). Federal law bans the sale of small turtles although some are illegally sold in souvenir shops and at roadside stands. Buy only from a trusted pet store and avoid roadside or temporary vendors.
• Carefully examine the animal you are considering buying. You should not see any external parasites, such as mites or ticks, and the reptile’s eyes should be clear.
• Ask about the animal’s diet and if it has been eating (if an animal isn’t eating, there may be a health problem).

How to house your reptile or amphibian

Provide your reptile or amphibian with a safe, warm, and comfortable environment that has the appropriate humidity levels and lighting. Reptiles and amphibians often have very specific requirements for their habitats. Talk with your veterinarian about your pet’s needs.

Don’t allow pet reptiles and amphibians to interact with or eat wild animals.

Monitor your pet’s health

• Learn about proper management of your reptile or amphibian’s health including temperature and humidity requirements. Taking good care of the animal can decrease your pet’s stress and the chances of it getting sick.
• To keep your pet as healthy as possible, visit an exotic veterinarian experienced in reptile and amphibian care (herpetology) for regular check-ups. A veterinarian will not be able to prevent your reptile or amphibian from shedding Salmonella because these bacteria are normally found in healthy reptiles and amphibians.
• If your pet becomes sick or dies soon after purchase, take it to the veterinarian promptly and inform the pet store or breeder about the pet’s illness or death. Consider waiting before purchasing or adopting another pet. Do not use the habitat until it has been properly cleaned and disinfected. These practices will help prevent the spread of disease.

What to do if you no longer want your pet reptile or amphibian

• Do not release your pet outdoors. Releasing pets isn’t good for the animal or the environment. Most reptiles and amphibians released outdoors will die, and some can threaten natural wildlife populations.
• Find a new home for your pet:
  • Consider giving your pet to another experienced reptile or amphibian owner.
  • Contact a nearby pet store for advice on rehoming your pet.
  • Contact a local pet rescue group to see if they can help rehome your pet.
  • Contact a local aquarium or zoo to see if they would accept your pet.

The little glassy-eyed creatures may look cute and harmless, but turtles can make people sick. The most common germ spread from turtles is called Salmonella. People can get Salmonella by coming in contact with turtles or their habitats.

Small turtles are especially a problem because kids are more likely to put these animals in their mouths, kiss them, and not wash their hands after handling them. Because of this health risk, since 1975, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the sale of small turtles with a shell less than 4 inches long.

How do people get Salmonella infections from turtles?

Turtles might have Salmonella germs on their bodies even when they appear healthy and clean. When people touch turtles, the germs can get on hands or clothing. This is true for any turtle—no matter if they are in a home, at a petting zoo or school, or in the wild.

The germs can also be in the water turtles live or swim in and can get on cages, aquariums, terrariums, and other containers that house turtles. This is why it’s important to clean turtle habitats outside of the home, when possible.

Surfaces such as countertops, tabletops, bare floors, and carpeting can also become contaminated with Salmonella if the turtle is placed on them. Don’t let turtles roam freely throughout the house or in areas where food or drink is prepared, served, or stored, such as kitchens, pantries, or outdoor patios.

Who is at risk for getting sick?

Anyone can get Salmonella infection, but the risk is highest in

• infants
• children younger than 5 years old
• adults 65 or older
• anyone with lowered natural resistance to infection due to pregnancy, cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and other diseases.

What are the symptoms of a Salmonella infection?

Salmonella can make people sick with

• Diarrhea (which may be bloody)
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Abdominal cramps

Sometimes, people can become so sick from a Salmonella infection that they have to go to the hospital. Infants, young children, people 65 or older, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely than others to develop severe illness. When severe infection occurs, Salmonella may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.

Occasionally, an infection can get so bad that it leads to death. An example is the 2007 death of a 4-week-old baby in Florida linked to Salmonella from a small turtle. The DNA “fingerprint” of the Salmonella bacteria from the turtle matched that from the infant.

How do I reduce the risk of Salmonella infection from reptiles and amphibians?

DO

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water immediately after touching a reptile or amphibian, or anything in the area where they live and roam. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available.
• Adults should always supervise hand washing for young children.
• Handwashing is also especially important for older adults, or people with weakened immune systems.
• Keep reptiles and amphibians out of homes with children younger than 5 years old or people with weakened immune systems.
• Habitats and their contents should be carefully cleaned outside of the home.

DON’T

• Don’t let children younger than 5 years of age, older adults, or people with weak immune systems handle or touch amphibians or reptiles, or anything in the area where they live and roam, including water from containers or aquariums.
• Don’t keep reptiles and amphibians in child care centers, nursery schools, or other facilities with children younger than 5 years old and other high-risk individuals.
• Don’t let reptiles or amphibians roam freely throughout the house or in areas where food or drink is prepared, served, or stored, such as kitchens, pantries, or outdoor patios.
• Don’t bathe animals or clean their habitats in your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or bathtub. To prevent cross-contamination, animals should be bathed in a small plastic tub or bin that is dedicated for animal use only.
• Don’t buy turtles less than 4 inches in length.

Common diseases that can be spread by reptiles and amphibians:

• Aeromonas spp.
• Mycobacterium marinum
• Salmonellosis (Salmonella spp.)

Aeromonas bacteria are commonly found in freshwater aquariums and ponds. Aeromonas bacteria can infect fish, amphibians, and very rarely, people.

How it spreads: People can get sick through open wounds or by drinking contaminated water. Aeromonas bacteria cannot spread from person to person.

Who is at risk: Anyone can have an Aeromonas infection, but young children and adults with weakened immune systems are at most risk for severe disease.

Signs in amphibians: Infected amphibians might have discolored limbs, weight loss, and open sores.

Symptoms in people: Common signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Blood infections might occur in young children and adults with weakened immune systems. Aeromonas bacteria can also infect open wounds.

Mycobacterium marinum is a type of bacteria commonly found in freshwater and saltwater aquariums and ponds. It mainly affects fish, but also can affect reptiles, amphibians, and people.

How it spreads: This bacteria spreads through contaminated aquarium water. People can get infected through open cuts or wounds. It cannot spread from person to person.

Who is at risk: People who work with or clean aquariums are more likely to be exposed to this germ. People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for getting seriously sick.

Signs in reptiles and amphibians: Infected reptiles and amphibians might have lumps, sores, or changes in skin color.

Symptoms in people: In people, the most common sign of infection is a raised bump or sore where the bacteria entered an open wound. Sores are usually on the hands or arms. Multiple sores might form a line. In very rare cases, the bacteria can spread throughout the body. Some infections get better on their own, while others might require antibiotics or other treatment.

Salmonella are bacteria that can make people and animals sick with a disease called salmonellosis.

How it spreads: People can get infected with Salmonella bacteria by eating contaminated food, or through contact with an animal, its poop, food, or items like toys, food dishes, and habitats (cages, aquariums, aquarium water).

Who is at risk: Anyone can get a Salmonella infection, but children younger than 5 years old, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious illness.

Signs in reptiles and amphibians:Salmonella bacteria live in the gastrointestinal tracts of healthy reptiles and amphibians. Salmonella infection usually doesn’t make these animals sick.

Symptoms in people: People may experience diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Symptoms usually start within 6 hours–4 days after infection and last 4–7 days.

Safe food handling applies to both you and your pet.

Frozen or live rodents used for pet food, also called feeder rodents, can carry germs that can make people sick. This can happen even if the rodent looks clean and healthy. Freezing does not kill these germs. Follow these tips to safely handle feeder rodents.

• Avoid handling frozen or live rodents if you are at greater risk for serious illness. Children 5 years old or younger, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk.
• Always wash your hands right after handling frozen or live rodents or after touching anything that was in contact with these animals.
• Never eat, drink, or smoke while handling live or frozen rodents or caring for your pets.
• Clean and disinfect all surfaces and supplies that come into contact with rodents. Rodents can contaminate surfaces where they are thawed or anything they touch. You can get sick by touching contaminated surfaces; you don’t have to touch the rodents to get sick from their germs.
• Keep rodents and their supplies out of the kitchen or other areas where food is prepared, served, or consumed. Never use the kitchen sink or food preparation areas to thaw frozen rodents or to clean live rodent habitats. Do not thaw frozen rodents in the microwave.
• Clean rodent supplies outside your home when possible. If you clean rodent supplies indoors, use a laundry sink or bathtub, and be sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect the area immediately afterward.
• Select frozen rodents when possible to reduce the risk of injury to your or your pet. Never feed your pets wild rodents.
• Talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s health and diet. Your veterinarian can play a key role in helping you and your pets stay healthy.
• Tell your healthcare provider that you have been around rodents, whether at home or away from home, especially if you are sick or have been bitten or scratched. Some rodent germs can cause serious and life-threatening illness in people.

Follow these safe handling tips to help keep your pet’s mealtime safer and healthier.