Getting a Pet Chameleon

Medically Reviewed by Vanesa Farmer, DVM on February 13, 2024
Written by Deanna Altomara
7 min read

Chameleons are insect-eating lizards that live across Africa, Europe, and Asia. They’re found everywhere from rainforests to deserts, and tend to feel most at home while climbing on trees. They range in size from 0.9 to 23 inches long, depending on the species.

Chameleons are famous for their color-changing skin, long and fast tongue, and unique eyes. These fun features make them a favorite pet. But they can be hard to take care of, require expensive vet care, and can spread some sicknesses; so, they’re not the right pet for everyone.

Why do chameleons change color?

Chameleons are known for their ability to change skin color, a unique trait that helps them communicate with each other. A chameleon's color may change based on its moods and feelings such as fear and anger. Chameleons also change their color in response to changes in light, temperature, and humidity. Males use bright colors to attract females, while females use them to accept or reject a male. Females will also change color when they become pregnant.

There are more than 150 species of chameleon. Each type is unique and has its own special care needs. Think carefully about which of these popular pet chameleons is the best fit for your household.

Veiled chameleon

This large chameleon is originally from the dry mountain regions of Yemen and Saudi Arabia. It has a triangle-shaped “hat” (called a casque) that is used to catch water droplets. The drops run down the center ridge of the hat into the chameleon’s mouth. These chameleons are about 9-11 inches long and eat both plants and insects. They can live up to 8 years.

Panther chameleon

These chameleons are from the dry forests of Madagascar. They’re most famous for their bright coloration, including vibrant shades of emerald, turquoise, and pink. Up to 9 inches long, they mostly feed on insects and can live up to 5 years as pets.

Jackson’s chameleon

This type of chameleon comes from the cool, humid mountain regions of Kenya and Tanzania. They’re usually bright green with hints of blue or yellow. They have a long, spiny ridge running down their back, and males have three big brown horns like those of a triceratops (a type of dinosaur). They’re about 6 to 14 inches long and eat insects and spiders. They live an average of 8 years as pets.

It’s important to think carefully about why you want a chameleon, what its needs are, and how you are going to care for it. Look for an exotic veterinarian (a vet who specializes in animals that aren’t dogs and cats) near you using this search tool from the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians. Ask about how to care for the particular type of chameleon you plan to adopt.

What do chameleons eat? 

A chameleon's diet mainly consists of insects such as grasshoppers, locusts, and crickets. A few chameleon species will eat some plants, and some large ones may occasionally eat birds or other lizards. At home, you can feed your chameleon Dubia roaches, crickets, superworms, silkworms, wax moths, and flies. If you’re squeamish about bugs, a chameleon might not be the right pet for you. You also can give them fresh vegetables occasionally, but this shouldn’t be a big part of their diet.

Chameleon cage

Most chameleons in the wild live on trees. In places like Africa’s Namib Desert, they live in holes to escape heat. You should keep this in mind when you decide to adopt a pet chameleon. Put your chameleon in a cage with enough branches for climbing. Leaves also provide some privacy for the chameleon. You might need a bigger cage to give them enough space, especially for large chameleons.

The cage will also need:

  • UVB and basking lights
  • Misting system and dripper
  • Drainage system
  • Temperature and humidity gauges
  • Nesting area (for egg-laying females)

Chameleons and kids 

Chameleons are colorful and unique, so it’s no surprise many kids are attracted to them.

However, be very careful about letting children play with your chameleon. Chameleons (even healthy ones) carry germs such as Salmonella bacteria, which can cause young children to get very sick or even die. Never let children aged 5 or younger touch the chameleon.

If you live with young children, a chameleon might not be the right pet for you.

Chameleon lifespan

Getting a pet chameleon is a long-term commitment. If you take good care of your chameleon, it could live over 10 years, depending on the species. So, make sure that it’s the right pet for you before buying or adopting one.

Keep in mind that taking care of a chameleon can be difficult if you’re inexperienced in having reptiles as pets. Chameleons are very high-maintenance pets and are extremely fragile. If you’re a beginner, consider starting with a different reptile and then adopting a chameleon after gaining some experience.

You can get chameleons and other reptiles at some pet shops, reptile shows, or animal shelters. Most reptiles are bred in captivity for the pet trade, but some are taken illegally from the wild. Make sure you are getting your pet chameleon from a trusted source.

When choosing a pet chameleon, look for signs that it is healthy and well-cared for. In general, reptiles should have clear eyes and no visible parasites or bugs. Research what color, weight, and behavior to expect from a typical chameleon in your chosen species. Ask the breeder about where the chameleon came from, its overall health, and whether it has been eating well.

Can you adopt a chameleon?

Many people buy chameleons and later realize that the pet isn’t a good fit. Adopting one of these chameleons can give the animal a second chance at living in a safe, happy home. Look for organizations such as Chameleon Education & Outreach, Inc., which is a nonprofit that shelters pet chameleons without homes. Here is a list of some other reptile refuges to get you started.

Take good care of your chameleon to keep them healthy. Veterinary care for chameleons can be quite expensive.

Common illnesses. Chameleons can get sick. One of the most common conditions that affect chameleons is rachitis (a metabolic bone disease). This condition causes the demineralization of bones, leading to bent limbs and trembling. You may notice that your chameleon misses when attempting to grab branches. The condition also causes “rubber jaw,” where a chameleon’s jaw becomes so soft that it can bend as easily as rubber. Rachitis is caused by:

  • Not getting enough calcium
  • Not getting enough UVB radiation
  • Imbalance of calcium and phosphorus
  • Not getting enough vitamin D3
  • Congenital (from birth) diseases

Most often, this disease is due to a poor environment and care from its owner. So, it's important to understand what a pet chameleon needs to stay healthy.

Other illnesses that can affect chameleons include:

Egg retention. This is when a female can't release her eggs. Your chameleon will show obvious signs of distress, including closed and sunken eyes, and a gaping mouth. It is an often deadly condition that requires immediate veterinary care. 

Gout. This is when deposits of uric acid build up in a chameleon's joints. Raised swollen masses around the toe and ankle joints and problems moving are common signs. The most common cause is overfeeding your chameleon or feeding it the wrong kinds of protein.

Eye problems. A variety of problems can affect your chameleon's eyes:

  • Bulging eyes may be caused by an infection.
  • Sunken eyes can be caused by internal problems or dehydration.
  • Closed eyes are often a sign of an internal infection.

Only an exotic veterinarian can diagnose what is causing your chameleon's illness and prescribe the right treatment.

Spreading disease 

Chameleons, like other reptile and amphibian pets, can cause humans to get sick. Salmonella is the most common illness-causing germ associated with pet reptiles and amphibians. These bacteria occur normally in the digestive tract of healthy chameleons, but they will cause infections in humans. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are most likely to get sick from chameleons and other pet reptiles.

It is crucial that you know how to handle chameleons carefully to prevent the spread of diseases. Don’t let children younger than 5 touch the chameleon. Make sure that you wash your hands after handling your chameleon, its food, or anything in its cage. Also, take your pet chameleon for routine veterinary checks. This may reduce the chances of you getting various germs when you touch or pet your chameleon.

Almost all chameleon species function best when they are alone. Keeping more than one chameleon in the same space can lead to fighting or injuries. Even if the chameleons don’t physically hurt each other, the stress of living together can cause chameleons to die. Some African species can survive with other chameleons, but only in a large space.

Chameleons can be fun, colorful pets. But they are a lot of work and aren’t safe for children aged 5 or younger. Before getting a chameleon, talk to an exotic veterinarian about how to take care of it.

How expensive is a chameleon? 

You can buy a veiled chameleon for less than $100. But its cage and other equipment can run up to $400, and vet bills can be even higher. Other types of chameleons are more expensive — Jackson's chameleons can cost around $100, while panther chameleons can cost several hundred dollars. Or, you can adopt a chameleon for as little as $25.

Is a chameleon good for home? 

Like other reptiles, chameleons can carry Salmonella bacteria. This bacteria can cause some people to get very sick and even die. If your household includes older adults, young children, or people with weakened immune systems, a chameleon might not be the right pet for you.

Is it OK to hold a chameleon? 

Even healthy chameleons carry bacteria that can make you sick. Children 5 and under are most likely to get very sick from these bacteria, so don’t let young children hold a chameleon.

What is the difference between a lizard and a chameleon? 

A chameleon is a type of lizard.