Sylvie Belmond 
A bearded dragon with style and a curious red-eared slider turtle, now all they need is you!
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — Bob doesn’t bark or meow. He lounges, he basks, and he owns his cool. This 5-year-old bearded dragon has been waiting at the Camarillo Animal Shelter since August 30, ready to win over someone who appreciates his cool, laid-back charm.
Bearded dragons like Bob are known for their calm and curious personalities. They don’t usually shy away like other reptiles. Instead, they watch the world, sometimes perched on a rock or even a shoulder. Their body language—head bobs, gentle arm waves, or puffing out their “beard”—makes them surprisingly expressive for a lizard.
They’re fun to live with, too. Many enjoy basking under a warm light, crunching on greens and insects, and exploring safe spaces at home. But they do need the right setup: a clean enclosure with heat and UV lighting, regular meals, and care that can keep them healthy for 10 to 15 years.
For a closer look at what it’s like to have a bearded dragon as a pet, Clint from Clint’s Reptiles shares the pros and cons of Pogona vitticeps in this video: Bearded Dragon, The Best Pet Reptile?
At 5 years old, Bob has settled into his easygoing personality. He’s not a high-energy pet, but he’s interactive in his own steady rhythm. For the right person, he could be a unique companion—the kind that sparks conversations and makes daily life a little more fun.
Bob (Animal ID: A870507) is available now at the Camarillo Animal Shelter, 600 Aviation Dr., Camarillo. Kennel: 147.
He’s not the only reptile waiting. A female red-eared slider turtle, found in Oxnard and housed in Kennel 555, has also been at the shelter since July. Unlike Bob, she won’t perch on a shoulder. But she offers her own quiet presence, gliding through water or basking under a heat lamp.
Red-eared sliders can live 20 to 30 years, sometimes longer. They need large tanks with clean water, a dry basking area, heat and UVB light, and a balanced diet. They’re not pets to cuddle, but they’re fascinating to watch and rewarding for those who enjoy observing animal behavior.
For a practical overview of what it takes to care for one, here’s a helpful guide: Red Eared Slider Turtle Care: Everything You Need to Know.
Both Bob and the turtle prove that not all great pets wag tails or purr. Sometimes, the perfect match has scales, a shell, and plenty of personality.
