• Can you put a price tag on your pet's head?
  
  
• Is your pet not worthy of prompt and necessary medical treatment?

As with any reptile that is being kept as a pet or part of a collection, the long-term care (including vet costs, feeding, housing etc...) will far outweigh the initial purchase cost of the leopard gecko itself.  Medical problems can develop with any reptile for any number of reasons and this is something that Dr. Gecko recommends you plan for (just in case) when you bring home your new pet.

Here are a few more things to think about:

• Do not choose a veterinarian just because the costs may be cheaper than with another one.
  
  
• Realize that having access to a qualified veterinarian can go a long way in ensuring a long and healthy life for your pet.
  
  
• Contact your veterinarian in advance to get a rough idea of the prices involved for some things (ie basic fecal exams).
  
  
• For expensive veterinary bills, many clinics offer a payment plan to help ease the burden.
  
  
• Be sure to pay your bill on time to help establish a good credit record at the clinic.
  
  
• The earlier you have a qualified veterinarian examine a gecko with potential health problems, the cheaper it may be and the easier to treat in the long run if things are caught early enough.  
  
  
• Preventative medicine (such as regular check-ups or fecal exams) can sometimes save you a lot of money down the road.

Dr. Gecko believes firmly in the ideals of responsible pet ownership.  These geckos depend on us 100% for their health and survival.  It is our responsibility to ensure we provide them with the care and respect they deserve and need.