Instructions
Determine how much space you have to keep the lizard. Lizards vary widely in size. Some have a maximum length of a few inches while others may grow to several feet. Measure the space you have to house the lizard and make sure that a full-grown lizard of the species you choose will comfortably fit in that space. A 10-gallon aquarium tank is adequate space for a single crested gecko or a leopard gecko, while a pair of water dragons require a 4-foot by 4-foot terrarium that is at least 5 feet high.
Decide how much you want to spend on your lizard. Set a budget for the price of the lizard and for the cost of its care, and make sure you can afford the lizard you purchase. Common geckos and iguanas generally cost less than $50, while exotic species can set you back several thousand dollars.
Pick a lizard with an energy level and temperament that matches your habits. For example, a gecko is small and fun to watch, but they don't particularly enjoy being held and are quick to run away when they aren't held tightly. Bearded dragons are bigger, relatively docile and don't mind being held. They also aren't nearly as fast as a gecko, so they aren't as big of an escape threat.
Make sure you can handle any special care requirements like special lighting and temperature control.
Check to make sure some of the more exotic breeds are allowed in your city. A quick call to the correct department in city hall will answer your question.
How to Pick a Pet Lizard
Many people these days have decided to look beyond the traditional cats and dogs when choosing a pet. Lizards make good pets because they take up little space and they're quiet and relatively inexpensive. They are not very noisy, so apartment living is no issue, and they do not need daily feeding so a working owner is manageable. There is a wide variety of lizards available for purchase at most pet stores, so the question becomes: Which species to buy?