Pyxicephalus adspersus, African bullfrog, © Phil Bishop

The answer depends on the species of amphibian and how you get it. You need a license to keep frogs in some states. Check with the National Parks and Wildlife Service or equivalent in your State for more information. Several amphibians are listed as threatened or endangered in North America and US federal law prohibits species listed as endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service from being taken, sold, exported or killed. Therefore, owning these species is illegal. Check if the amphibian you are considering as a pet is among those listed by US Fish and Wildlife. Also keep in mind that there are regulations regarding taking and keeping many native species. Do your homework, and remember, just because you see an animal in a pet store does not mean that it is legal to own. Do your own investigating and report stores that offer illegal animals for sale.

Never "rescue" frogs from the wild. In most cases, an animal (even in a cold habitat) is meant to be there -- they may be getting ready to hibernate for the winter and you can disturb that and do more harm than good by bringing them into your home. Remember, wild native animals have instincts and are well adapted to their environments- they can take care of themselves. If they are too hot or cold, they will find shelter.

Is a pet frog right for me?

Before running out to the local pet shop, take a little time to learn about the type of frog you are considering before making a purchase. This will help you to know if a pet frog will suit your lifestyle, and if so what type would be best for you. Always talk with your parents before bringing home any pet. They can help you do some research and make the best choice for your family, especially if there are already other pets in your home. Remember that like all pets, frogs can be a lot of work, and they often require more work than if you were going to have a fish tank.

Legal pet trade frogs can live up to 25 years in captivity. Make sure you choose an animal you will be happy with for just as long, and be prepared with frog-sitters in mind for your vacations or emergencies that may come up.

The diet of your frog should be considered when deciding on your new pet. Frogs need to be fed regularly and most eat live insects or even mice. If you are planning on obtaining a frog that eats insects, you must also prepare to care for those insects. Those insects must be cared for properly in order to be nutritious for your amphibian. You may also want to keep the diet of your frog in mind if you travel often. A frog-sitter may be difficult to find if they have to touch bugs or mice!

Image © Sharon Hosko

If you decide that a frog is the right pet for you. The most important thing is to research the type of frog you are considering. It is especially important not to get a new pet that you don't know well. Read up on the species you are considering to make sure that you can properly care for the animal.

It is important that you research the type of tank set-up required for your new pet. Frogs live in a variety of habitats and you will want to create a home suitable for your new friend. Your frog tank will need to be waterproof and safe for your pet. It is recommended that you purchase an aquarium from a pet store, rather than building one yourself. It is also important to make sure that you have the appropriate tank set-up completed before bringing home your new pet.

There are four different tank set-ups that you will need to consider depending on the type of frog: Terrestrial tank, Aquatic tank, Half aquatic/Half terrestrial and the Arboreal tank. The terrestrial tank is best suited for frogs that prefer dryer climates. This set-up is the simplest to set up and maintain for the amphibian owners. The aquatic tank is set-up just as your would set-up a fish tank, an aquarium filled with water with an active and healthy biological filter in place. The half aquatic, half terrestrial tank set-up is the most common for frogs. This tank allows your amphibian to have access to both land and water. The arboreal tank is ideal for tree frogs and others that spend most of their time in tree branches. A taller tank is recommended here to give them the most room to climb. With all amphibian set ups, clean water is necessary at all times. Water must always be dechlorinated, which can be done simply by allowing tap water to sit out for several days and the addition of a water conditioner known as sodium-thiosulfate.