How Adopting Fettuccine, the Adult Boa, Changed My Outlook on Adopting Older Pets

When you think about getting a new pet, you may picture bringing home a young animal—a puppy, kitten, or even a baby reptile. But perhaps you didn’t know that there are many older animals, even reptiles, who are looking for loving homes and are just as deserving of a second chance.
My boyfriend and I discovered this firsthand when we adopted Fettuccine, our sweet and gentle senior boa constrictor. In this article, I’ll share why adopting an older reptile can be just as rewarding as bringing home a baby, and why it may even be a better option for you!

Why Should I Adopt An Older Animal?

Opening your home to an older animal offers several benefits, regardless of species. One of the key advantages is that older pets often have more established personalities, making it easier to match their temperament to your lifestyle. With reptiles, this is especially important, as their handling tolerance and behavior patterns are often set by adulthood.

Older animals also tend to be lower maintenance in some ways. For example, reptiles like snakes have passed the fragile juvenile stage, so they are typically more dependable feeders and more tolerant of husbandry fluctuations than a juvenile. 

Some reptiles can have extremely long lifespans, which may turn prospective new reptile keepers away from getting a reptilian pet. By adopting an older animal, you can enjoy all of the benefits of owning a reptile through their golden years rather than for 20-40+ years. Thankfully, even senior reptiles typically are not physically identifiable as being an older animal like a dog or a cat; they can keep their youthful appearance throughout their lifetime. 

Plus, adopting an older pet often means you’re giving an animal in need a fresh start, which can be deeply rewarding for you!

Older Reptiles: Why They Need Homes Too

While most people think of dogs and cats when it comes to pet adoption, reptile specific reptiles also exist to take in reptiles once their current owners can no longer keep them, just like a traditional dog & cat rescue.
Older reptiles can even end up in municipal shelters due to being confiscated from less than ideal situations, or even surrendered by owners who do not have alternative options to rehome their reptilian pet. Municipal shelters may not have the resources and allocated funds to feed and house reptiles properly long-term. Unfortunately reptiles in these scenarios may often be overlooked by the general public who are less likely to be searching for a reptile companion when they walk through the doors of a city shelter seeking a new best friend. 

Reptiles, like our boa, can live for decades with proper care. Even if a snake or lizard is already a few years old, they still have many years ahead of them to bond with a new owner. These animals deserve a second chance, and with the right care, they can thrive in a new home just like Fettuccine has with us.

Our Story: How We Came to Adopt Fettuccine

As an aspiring reptile educator, I’ve always had a passion for working with reptiles and showing others how amazing they can be. My boyfriend, a dedicated snake enthusiast, had always dreamed of owning a boa constrictor. When we decided it was time to add a new member to our family, I was eager to find a young boa that I could raise and handle from an early age. My goal was to get the snake accustomed to being handled frequently, so I could eventually use them in educational programs.

One day, we visited a local reptile store, and I had my heart set on a beautiful albino baby boa. She was perfect in my eyes—small, bright, and full of potential. But before making a decision, my boyfriend suggested we take a moment to look at the older snakes the store had for adoption. At first, I wasn’t sure. I had my mind set on raising a baby, but I agreed.

As we walked over to the section where they housed their adult snakes, my heart sank a little. There were four full-grown boas, all crammed into small enclosures that didn’t provide the space or enrichment they needed. Each of these magnificent animals had a shockingly low price tag. It was clear they had been in the store for a while waiting for someone to take a chance on them.

One by one, my boyfriend held each of the boas. They were all beautiful in their own way, but it was Fettuccine who truly stood out. His temperament was calm and sweet, and there was something about him that just clicked. We learned that Fettuccine had been surrendered by his previous owner, who could no longer care for him. It was unclear how long he had been at the store, but he had spent that time living in a 4’ x 2’ x 1’ enclosure—far too small for a snake of his size.

Despite everything he had been through, Fettuccine was incredibly gentle. He never once attempted to bite or strike while being handled, and his calm demeanor made us feel like he would make an excellent ambassador for reptiles in my future educational programs. We immediately knew that we couldn’t leave him behind.

Since bringing him home, Fettuccine has continued to impress us with his friendly demeanor and gentle nature. He’s adjusted well to his new environment and has quickly become a beloved member of our family. I’m excited to see him become a key part of my reptile education efforts, showing others that even older, previously surrendered animals can thrive and become amazing companions.

Debunking Myths About Adopting Older Reptiles

There are a lot of misconceptions about adopting older reptiles, and many of these myths prevent people from considering them as an option. Let’s address some of the most common ones:

• "Older reptiles won’t bond with you." While reptiles don’t form bonds in the same way mammals do, they can still recognize and respond to their caregivers. Over time, they learn routines, become accustomed to handling, and can even show signs of comfort in their environment.
• "Older reptiles are more difficult to care for." Older reptiles can actually be easier to care for because they’ve already outgrown the delicate juvenile stage. With established routines and feeding habits, you know what to expect, and since they are older and established, you may find it easier to maintain their health as they tend to be less sensitive to minor changes in environment. 
• "Older reptiles are more likely to have health problems." While it's true that an older animal might have more visible health concerns, many issues can be managed with proper care. Like Fettuccine, older reptiles often remain in excellent health if they receive the right diet, environment, and veterinary attention.

Tips for Adopting Older Reptiles

If you’re considering adopting an older reptile, here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Do your research. Learn about the species you're interested in adopting to ensure you're prepared for their specific needs, especially as adults.
• Work with reputable sources. Whether it's a rescue, someone rehoming their beloved pet, or a trusted breeder, make sure you're adopting from a source that prioritizes the animal’s well-being. 
• Prepare for the transition. All reptiles regardless of age will take some time to adjust to their new environment. Be patient and give them the space they need to feel comfortable while they settle in
• Get a vet check-up. Schedule a veterinary appointment soon after bringing your new reptile home to ensure they’re healthy, establish a baseline, and to catch any potential health concerns early

Adopting an older reptile can be a fulfilling experience, just like it was with Fettuccine. These animals have just as much love to give as younger animals and can make wonderful companions!