Lizards Hold around the neck and pelvic girdle with one hand, and with the other around the pelvis and hindlimbs. A soft cloth may be used to catch the delicate skinned geckos. Fractious larger lizards should be held with the hindlimbs restrained flat against the tail with one hand and the forelimbs against the thorax with the other hand to restrain the animal and to prevent the handler being scratched. Be aware that iguanas whip their tail in defence or aggression and can be very accurate and painful. Always wash a bite with copious amounts of water and check the wound for small teeth which the animal may have shed into the skin, which may later cause a foreign body reaction.
Snakes Can be very aggressive.
Boas tend to be more aggressive early evening, so avoid these appointment times. Hold the head with thumb and second finger behind the occiput and the forefinger on top of the head. Care must be taken as bruising can lead to debility, even death as the myoglobin released can cause renal failure. The ribs of smaller snakes are delicate and easily broken. If bitten, remember the teeth angle to the back of the mouth so resist pulling back.