Best Types of Snakes for Pet

There are actually dozens of snakes out there that make great pets for those who love reptiles. While many people run away at the mere mention of the word “snake,” some pet parents love their slithery friends. Snakes are perfect for anyone who is interested in them, doesn’t have enough space for other pets or is maybe looking for a cool companion. While some snakes are harmless and make great pets, others are dangerous and should never be in your home. So what are the best, most harmless snakes for pets and which ones should you definitely still run from? 

What Do you Mean by “Harmless” Snakes? Those Exist?

Do you mean to say that there are snakes out there that won’t hurt me? Absolutely! Many snakes have no interest in hurting their pet parents and can actually form strong bonds with them as other pets do.

Best Beginner Pet Snakes: 

If you are a first-time snake parent, then it might be better to start with one that isn’t too complicated to care for. Here are some great beginner pet snakes: 

• Rosy Boa - The rosy boa snake can grow as long as 3 ft, 4in, lives up to 15 years on average, and is a great beginner snake for first-time snake parents. They love to eat and don’t mind being handled. 
• Corn Snakes (Albino/Black/Fancy) - The corn snake can grow up to 5 feet long and live up to 20 years on average. These are great beginner snakes for first-time snake parents. These pets stand out because of their stripe that extends from their eye past their jaw.
• King Snakes (Albino California/Banded California/Striped California/Mexican Black) - The kingsnake can grow up to 4.5 ft long, lives up to 18 years on average and is great for first-time snake parents. King snakes vary in colors but have vibrant patterns.

Best Pet Snakes for Those With Some Experience: 

If you have some experience under your belt when it comes to snakes, then you might do well with one that requires a little more expertise. 

• Sand Boa - The sand boa can grow as long as 2 ft, 8 inches, live up to 15 years on average, and is better for more experienced snake parents. These snakes are docile, colorful and have small eyes and nostrils. 
• Pueblan Milksnake/Sinaloan Milk Snake - This snake can grow up to 4 ft long, lives up to 15 years on average and is better for more experienced pet parents. These snakes have the same colors as the coral snake, which is highly venomous. This is called Batesian mimicry and helps protect them from predators. 
• Ball Python - The ball python is a large snake that can grow up to 6 ft long, lives up to 30 years and is better for more experienced snake parents. They are also called the royal python and are very docile. 

If you are interested in bringing home a pet snake, you’ll need to set up the perfect habitat for them, get all the best food and learn the ins and outs of their care. Consider getting a snake starter kit to help you get the essentials like a terrarium, habitat decor, lighting, heaters, snake food and more. Once you get all of the snake supplies you need, you can bring home one of the many harmless snakes that make great pets.