Chameleons at PetSmart: An Honest Assessment
PetSmart is the most accessible pet retailer in the United States, with over 1,600 locations. For many people, it's the first place they think to look when they decide they want a chameleon. This guide gives an honest assessment of what to expect, what to look for, and whether a PetSmart chameleon is the right choice for your situation.
Availability and Species
Not every PetSmart location sells chameleons — availability varies significantly by region and individual store. When they are stocked, the most common species are:
| Species | Availability at PetSmart | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| Veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) | Most common; irregular stock | $50–$80 |
| Panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) | Occasional; limited locations | $100–$150 |
| Jackson's chameleon (Trioceros jacksonii) | Rare | $60–$90 |
Stock is inconsistent — chameleons may be available one week and absent for months. PetSmart does not guarantee specific species availability at specific locations.
Concerns With Chain Store Chameleons
1. Commercial Wholesale Supply Chain
PetSmart sources its reptiles from commercial wholesalers — large-scale breeding operations and, in some cases, wild-caught import suppliers. The supply chain is optimized for volume and cost, not animal welfare standards. This means chameleons may have been shipped multiple times before arriving at the store, spending days in transport containers under stress.
2. Inadequate In-Store Housing
Chameleons at PetSmart are typically housed in glass terrariums — the opposite of what chameleons need. Glass retains heat and humidity poorly, limits ventilation, and doesn't allow the airflow that chameleons require to avoid respiratory infections. In-store lighting is frequently inadequate UVB (compact coil bulbs or insufficient tube lighting), and humidity is rarely cycled appropriately.
3. Staff Training Limitations
PetSmart staff receive general pet care training but are not typically specialists in exotic reptile husbandry. The care advice you receive in-store may be inaccurate — particularly around enclosure type, lighting requirements, and diet. Verify any care advice you receive against established chameleon community resources.
4. Health History Unknown
Captive-bred chameleons from reputable breeders come with known health histories — the breeder knows the parents, the hatching date, and what the animal has been eating. PetSmart animals have no documented history. You don't know their origin, age, or what health interventions they may have received.
Health Inspection Before Buying
If you decide to buy from PetSmart despite the concerns above, inspect the animal thoroughly before purchase. Do not buy an animal that fails any of these checks.
| What to Check | Healthy Sign | Warning Sign |
|---|---|---|
| Eyes | Bright, round, tracking independently | Sunken, half-closed, or weeping |
| Body weight | Firm, rounded body profile | Visible spine, hip bones, or ribs |
| Grip | Strong, deliberate grip on branch or hand | Weak, floppy, or unable to grip |
| Color | Normal green or neutral for species | Persistent dark coloration |
| Mouth | Closed, no swelling, no discharge | Open mouth, swelling, yellow/white discharge |
| Breathing | Silent, relaxed | Wheezing, open-mouth breathing, mucus |
| Skin | Smooth, intact, no stuck shed | Retained shed on toes/tail, lesions |
| Activity | Alert, responds to movement | Lethargic, unresponsive to approach |
Price Comparison
| Source | Veiled Price | Panther Price | Health History |
|---|---|---|---|
| PetSmart | $50–$80 | $100–$150 | Unknown |
| Petco | $50–$80 | $120–$160 | Unknown |
| Captive breeder | $75–$150 | $150–$300 | Documented |
| Reptile expo | $50–$100 | $100–$200 | Inspect on site |
The price difference between PetSmart and a reputable breeder is smaller than it looks when you factor in the likely vet costs ($75–$150) for a parasite test and treatment on a store animal.
Better Places to Buy
The chameleon community consistently recommends these sources over chain pet stores:
- MorphMarket (morphmarket.com) — marketplace for captive-bred reptiles; reviews and health guarantees from vetted sellers
- Chameleon Forums (chameleonforums.com) — community classifieds with verified breeders
- Reptile expos — buy directly from breeders; inspect animals before purchasing; often competitive pricing
- Specialist reptile retailers — dedicated reptile stores with knowledgeable staff and better animal care standards
Our full breakdown: where to buy a chameleon and chameleon buying guide.
Our Verdict
Buying a chameleon from PetSmart is not the worst decision a new keeper can make — but it's not the best either. The lower price often evaporates in vet costs, and the unknown health history means you may be starting with a compromised animal. If you buy from PetSmart:
- Apply the health inspection checklist rigorously and walk away from any animal that fails a check
- Budget for an immediate vet visit and parasite testing
- Set up the correct enclosure before you bring the animal home — don't buy the starter kit PetSmart recommends
- Disregard any care advice from in-store staff until you've verified it against established sources