Vet Q & AMy power is out! How do I keep my pet reptile warm and safe?
Here are some tips on how to care for pets who require continuous heat, such as reptiles and snakes:
- Before a power outage, if possible, buy a generator. This will allow you to keep your reptiles warm during the outage.
- Amphibians will do okay without heat for a period of time. Try to limit the number of times you open the habitat.
- For a heat source, you can go to your local sporting goods store and purchase the heat packs used to warm feet and hands. These can be placed underneath the habitat (just like you would place an electric heating pad). This will allow your reptile to get heat. Do not put the pack into habitat with the reptile.
- Another way to warm cold reptiles is to use a pillowcase. Place the reptile gently in the case and place the pillowcase next to your body under your shirt for warmth.
- Pillow cases can also be used to transport reptiles if needed.
- Do not feed your reptile as they need heat to digest their food.
- You can save plastic milk containers and put warm water in them and place in the habitat for warmth. You can heat water on a BBQ grill or your hot water heater. Be careful not to use hot water, as it could burn your reptile.
- Be advised that most reptiles will do fine with cooler temperatures; they go into a body slow down, so the temperature change won't hurt them for a short period of time: 24 - 48 hours.
- Contact friends that have power and see if you can move your animals to their homes.
- It is important to plan ahead of a power outage and have these items on hand to care for your reptiles.
Additionally:
Usually, IF a reptile needs to be kept warm during a short outage (few days or less), it is recommended that you place them into a small cooler (those little $5 styro ones can work) in a small container. A plastic shoebox or sandwich container can work, with some air holes. Hand warmers, hot water bottles, etc. can be placed into the cooler as well. This will form a very insulated area with a small amount of volume to heat. Be sure there is ventilation provided, though, as the hand warmers can suck oxygen from the air for the chemical reaction.
This is a method that can be carried out for a relatively long period of time if necessary, and a digital thermometer with a probe can be placed in with the reptile and monitored from the outside, so you don't have to open the cooler and let out the warmth to check that the heat packs are still working.
In all honesty, though, all but the most tropical reptiles can go a few days with temperatures into the 50's or 60's.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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