Not just cool pets: Why owning a reptile requires commitment and hard work

The Star

a day ago

It was love at first sight for Ooi Kang Shen.
While reptiles may seem like an unusual – even daunting – choice of pet for most Malaysian households, the Johor-based engineer was instantly captivated by their appearance and behaviour, particularly tortoises.
'They look special and unique to me, with different patterns on their shells. Plus, they require a different kind of care compared to common pets like cats and dogs,' says Ooi.
Far from riding on the pet reptile bandwagon or making an impulse purchase – which is often the case with cute hatchlings like red-eared sliders or baby lizards –Ooi's involvement in reptile-keeping was intentional and well- researched.
'I did all my research and homework well in advance regarding their basic needs before committing to having them,' says the 30-year-old, who has cared for his pet tortoises – an Aldabra, a red-foot and a star tortoise – for over five years.
Before bringing his tortoises home, Ooi made sure to thoroughly research their basic needs. — OOI KANG SHEN
As tortoises are not a common choice for pets in Malaysia compared to cats or dogs, Ooi notes that reliable care information is considerably limited.
'I had to rely on information from other countries where there's a larger population of reptile pet owners,' he says, adding that he frequently watches YouTube channels such as Kamp Kenan and Garden State Tortoise for guidance.
Based on what he has learned, Ooi lets his tortoises roam freely in his garden, grazing on grass and nibbling on cactus, mulberry and hibiscus plants, which he has purposefully planted for these animals with hard, rounded shell.
Ooi says his tortoises are attached to him. Photo: OOI KANG SHEN
Reality check
Dr Nur Asyikin Haron, a veterinarian at Exopet Veterinary Clinic in Skudai, Johor, also understands the predicament of not having enough local information about caring for reptile pets.
With a decade of experience under her belt – five years at the University Veterinary Hospital in Universiti Putra Malaysia and another five at her current clinic which she co-founded – she specialises in exotic animals, including reptiles.
'When I first started, there were very limited references – a few books and some articles or research papers on reptile medicine,' she recalls, adding that there were also very few vets treating reptiles, as they were not commonly kept as pets, compared to mammals.
Fortunately, she notes, more resources are now available as the field continues to grow.
Despite the common misconception that they're low- maintenance, Nur Asyikin says reptiles have highly specific needs – dietary, environmental and behavioural.
'Reptiles are not beginner- friendly pets. They have specific and often complex husbandry requirements,' she stresses.
She adds, 'They are also masters at hiding signs of illness, so by the time owners seek veterinary care, the condition is often already advanced or critical.'
Because of this, Ooi makes it a point to monitor his tortoises closely for any unusual behaviour – reduced appetite, excessive naps, decreased movement or droopy eyelids, among others.
'When these symptoms happen, I'll immediately get them treated,' he says, adding that it was initially challenging to find a vet who treats exotic animals like his tortoises.
As he believes caring for a pet is a huge commitment, Ooi routinely takes his pets for check-ups.
'I want to make sure that my pets are healthy and I did not want to miss any sign of illness.'
Nur Asyikin with a rescued bearded dragon. Photo: Dr NUR ASYIKIN HARON
Misconceptions debunked
One of the most common medical conditions Nur Asyikin encounters in pet reptiles is Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). This is a serious illness caused by poor nutrition and lack of ultraviolet-B (UVB) exposure.
This condition, she says, is especially prevalent among tortoises and turtles kept indoors, without proper lighting.
'UVB light enables reptiles to synthesise vitamin D3, which helps in absorbing calcium. Without this, their bones will grow weak,' she explains.
'It's an entirely preventable condition, but sadly, it is very common. Proper education on their basic needs could help reduce many of the cases we see.'
Nur Asyikin points out that part of the problem stems from how reptiles are perceived and sold.
She cites red-eared sliders as a common example.
The small turtle, recognisable by the distinctive red mark on each side of its head, is one of the most popular pet reptiles in Malaysia, particularly among children and first-time owners.
Unfortunately, they're often marketed as cheap and low- maintenance.
Ooi's tortoises roam freely in his home garden in Johor Bahru. Photo: OOI KANG SHEN
'They're cute when they're small, so many people buy them without realising they can grow up to 30cm, live for 20 to 30 years and require extensive care – like a filtered tank, basking area and UV lighting,' she says.
Dr Nur Asyikin adds that treating reptiles involves a unique set of challenges, unlike cats and dogs.
'Even basic things like blood tests are not straightforward,' she says.
'Their blood has to be analysed manually, which takes time. And collecting a sample is tricky – their veins aren't visible, and sometimes we even need to sedate them just to get it.'
Imaging also poses difficulties. 'For tortoises and turtles, their shells can block internal organs from view on X-rays. Computed tomography (CT) scans give better results, but they're costly and that is not always an option for pet owners.'
Medication access is another ongoing issue. 'There are fewer drugs available for reptiles here and getting new ones to be approved takes time,' she notes.
'And then there's the insurance gap. Most pet insurance in Malaysia only covers cats and dogs. I really hope exotic pets will be included one day, so owners can access proper veterinary care without financial strain,' says the veterinarian, who also holds a Master's degree in Equine Medicine.
Tips to care for a reptile. Photo: StarGraphics
Beyond the scales and shells
What about the perception that reptiles are emotionless and even scary?
Ooi is quick to dispel the myth. 'My pet tortoises act like dogs. They come to me when I wave and follow me around the garden,' he says.
'Once you interact with them long enough, they develop an attachment to you and they show it. Like other animals, they have feelings too.'
He treats them like any other cherished family pet. When he travels, he leaves them with trusted friends or checks them into a reptile-friendly pet hotel.
'They're part of the family now. Even my parents have grown fond of them. They were shocked at first, but now, they're inseparable.'
Nur Asyikin shares this appreciation for reptiles, though from a professional perspective. Wearing two hats – as veterinarian and pet shop co-owner – she sees her role as one of both caregiver and educator.
'We work closely with pet owners right from the start – advising on feeding, habitat setup and long-term care. That early guidance often prevents many of the problems we later see in the clinic,' she says.
Dr Nur Asyikin keeps four rescued cats and a bearded dragon named Zuko, a clinic rescue that now greets visitors from the waiting area.
While reptiles may not be cuddly, she finds caring for them equally rewarding, though more high-maintenance.
'You really need to understand their biology and behaviour,' she says, noting that caring for reptiles involves daily food preparation and a carefully controlled environment.
'I love reptiles and furry pets. But I appreciate the calm and fascinating nature of reptiles: there's something therapeutic about watching them.'
With reptile ownership steadily increasing in Malaysia, both Ooi and Nur Asyikin hope that prospective owners take the responsibility seriously.
'It's a long-term commitment,' Nur Asyikin stresses. 'You need to research thoroughly, understand the species' needs, and be fully prepared for the journey ahead.'