PetSmart Snakes: What They Sell and What It Costs
PetSmart offers a small but carefully selected range of beginner-friendly snakes, making it a great place for first-time reptile owners to start.
The retailer currently carries six snake listings across four non-venomous species, all chosen for their manageable size and temperament.
In this guide, we’ll cover the snakes PetSmart sells, their typical prices, and the essential supplies you’ll need before bringing one home.
Key Highlights
- Choose a healthy snake with clear eyes, smooth skin, and good activity.
- Have the enclosure fully set up before bringing your snake home.
- Pick a species that matches your experience and available space.
- Be ready for long-term feeding, habitat maintenance, and regular care.
What Snakes Does PetSmart Sell?
PetSmart sells a small selection of non-venomous, beginner-friendly snakes, including popular species that are easy to care for and widely recommended for first-time reptile owners.
| Snake | Regular price | Adult size | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ball Python | $99.99 | 3–5 ft | First-time keepers |
| Juvenile Fancy Ball Python | $159.99 | 3–5 ft | Morph collectors |
| Corn Snake | $89.99 | 4–5 ft | Absolute beginners |
| Fancy Corn Snake | $99.99 | 4–5 ft | Color variety |
| Milk Snake | $84.99 | 3–4 ft | Active, display-friendly |
| King Snake | $119.99 | 3–4 ft | Hardy, low-fuss |
➤ Prices were verified in July 2026 and may vary by store.
PetSmart frequently offers reptile promotions, and ball pythons are often discounted by as much as 50%, so it’s worth checking current PetSmart deals before you visit. Live animals are typically available for in-store purchase only, even if they appear online.
Availability varies significantly by location, so it’s a good idea to call your local store before making the trip to confirm the species you want is in stock.
Which Snake Should a Beginner Choose?
Corn snake. The standard first snake, and for good reason. They’re forgiving about temperature and humidity, feed reliably, tolerate handling well, and stay slim enough that a 40-gallon tank comfortably houses an adult. If you’re unsure, get this one.
Ball python. Docile to the point of being sluggish, which makes them easy to handle. The catch is feeding ball pythons are notorious for refusing meals for weeks or months at a time, which is normal for the species but alarming if nobody warned you. They also need higher humidity than corn snakes.
Milk and king snakes. More active and more likely to explore than to sit still, which some keepers prefer. Both are hardy. King snakes will eat other snakes, so they must be housed alone no exceptions.
If you’re still weighing reptiles generally, our PetSmart reptile guide compares the full range, and the bearded dragon guide covers the main non-snake alternative.
Beginner Snake Setup and Costs
Have the enclosure built, heated, and stable for at least 24 hours before you bring a snake home. Setting up around a live animal is how new keepers end up with a stressed snake that won’t eat.
| Item | Notes | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosure | 20 gal for juveniles, 40 gal for adults | $80–$200 |
| Heat source | Under-tank heater or ceramic emitter | $25–$45 |
| Thermostat | Non-negotiable — see below | $30–$60 |
| Thermometer & hygrometer | One at each end of the tank | $15–$30 |
| Two hides | One warm side, one cool side | $15–$30 |
| Substrate | Aspen or cypress mulch | $15–$25 |
| Water bowl | Large enough to soak in | $10–$20 |
| Secure lid | Clips or locks required | $20–$40 |
Budget $220 to $450 for a full setup, plus the snake. Starter kits bundle several of these and usually save money, though they often omit the thermostat.
Three things beginners get wrong
Skipping the thermostat. Heat mats plugged directly into the wall keep climbing and can cause serious burns. A thermostat is the single most important purchase after the enclosure itself.
Underestimating escape ability. Snakes push at gaps relentlessly and find any weak point. Clipped or locking lids only.
Handling too soon. Give a new snake a week to settle and one successful meal before handling. Rushing this is the most common cause of feeding refusal.
What to Check Before You Buy
Before bringing a snake home, make sure you’re choosing a healthy animal, have the right enclosure ready, and understand its long-term care needs.
- Ask when it last ate and whether it takes frozen-thawed. A snake with a documented feeding record is worth paying more for.
- Bubbling or mucus around the nose can indicate a respiratory infection.
- Retained shed on the tail tip or over the eyes signals humidity problems.
- A healthy snake grips when handled. A limp one is a warning sign.
Live animals fall outside standard return rules
Check the PetSmart store policies for how live pet issues are handled, since it works differently from the general return policy.
If you’re buying the snake and the setup together, joining Treats Rewards first is worth the two minutes; reptile purchases regularly carry bonus point offers on spends over $50.
Essential Snake Supplies
Before bringing your snake home, make sure its habitat is fully set up. PetSmart carries most of the essentials needed to create a safe and comfortable environment for beginner snakes.
- A secure tank with a locking lid to prevent escapes.
- A heat source to maintain the proper temperature.
- Safe bedding and at least two hiding spots.
- A sturdy water bowl for drinking and soaking.
- A thermometer and hygrometer to monitor habitat conditions.
- Frozen or live rodents suitable for your snake’s diet.
My suggestion
PetSmart is a solid choice for first-time snake owners thanks to its selection of beginner-friendly, non-venomous species and convenient access to essential supplies.
Experienced reptile keepers may prefer specialty breeders for a wider variety of snakes, PetSmart offers a simple and reliable starting point for most new owners.
Before making a purchase, ensure your enclosure is ready, understand the care requirements, and choose a species that matches your experience and lifestyle.
