There are actually many sources for a tree frog or any amphibian pet. Its best to be an educated shopper. Think about you concerns and needs, and then explore the following options.

Pet Shops

Your local pet shop is the first and most logical source for your first amphibian. If you are considering purchasing an amphibian at a pet shop, spend some time talking with the staff. Be confident that the personnel are knowledgeable about keeping herps. A friendly source of competent advice can be an advantage to purchasing your amphibian in a nearby store. The other advantages to buying an amphibian at a pet shop are that you can see and examine it in person and can purchase all of the necessary equipment you need to care for it at the same location. Moreover, you get a steady source of live food, because pet shops must stock crickets, flies, mealworms, and other live food to feed their own animals.

Note though that pet shops do not specialize in reptiles and amphibians are not likely to have a large selection from which to choose. If this is the case, get out the yellow pages. With some research, you should be able to determine which shops in your vicinity have amphibians and the supplies needed to feed, house, and otherwise care for them.

Swap Meets, Expos and Herp Shows

There are hundreds of herp events all around the United States and in many countries overseas. They may be held as frequently as monthly or one to four times a year. You can find the swap or expo nearest to you by looking at reptile magazines and other resources. The swaps provide the advantage of offering larger selection of pets, supply and live food dealers, as well as the opportunity to examine your purchase in person. The major disadvantage to buying at these swaps is that you may not see your dealer until the next meeting (This may take a while), and if you have a problem a week later it may be difficult to resolve. Nonetheless, dealers at these events tend to be quite knowledgeable, and you will undoubtedly receive good advice and assistance should you shop at one.

In addition, most of these events allow the sale of only captive bred animals, which increases the likelihood that you will be getting a healthy pet. To substantiate the evidence that their frogs are captive bred, some dealers/breeders bring along photos showing their frogs mating and their tadpoles developing and metamorphosing, as well as pictures of how they cared for the eggs.

Herp Society Meetings and Shows

There are some 50 or more local hobby herpetology associations in the United States and many similar clubs overseas. These organizations hold monthly meetings and are a good place to obtain information as well as find sources for animals and related supplies and foods. There is no better way to learn than by garnering the experience and knowledge of those who have done it before.

You can find a local herp society by asking around at pet shops, schools, your nearby zoo or animal control center. The Guide to North American Herpetology also lists such groups with contact information. Joining one of these groups provides great educational opportunity as well as a great way to locate private dealers and breeders in the specimens and supplies that you need.

Mail - Order Dealers and Breeders

There are innumerable importers and breeders throughout the world. You can find them in the aforementioned guidebook, in advertising of the amphibian/ reptile publications and society newsletters, and on the Internet. All legitimate mail-order suppliers will guarantee live arrival and unconditional satisfaction with your purchase.

The disadvantage of buying by mail is that you cannot examine your specimen prior to purchase, and if some reason you are not happy with it, it is often not worth the price of paying shipping charges both ways in order to obtain a refund or swap it for another. If you are going to do business this way – and, because of location, many people are forced to – it is wise to get on friendly terms with the dealers who are recommended by fellow hobbyists you meet at swap meets or at society/ club meetings.

Occasionally someone has an unfortunate experience with a mail in dealer or supplier but the majority of dealers are trustworthy. Getting a referral or recommendation to a mail order supplier who has been in business for at least several years is probably your best protection, but on occasion it is necessary to do business with an unknown dealer who has that special something that no one else can provide. A disreputable dealer in this business does not survive long.

Collecting Animals Yourself

Doing it yourself is a fun and educational way to obtain one or more specimens. However, in the United States and Overseas there are many laws that govern such activities, and you should be up-to-date on the legality of collecting from the wild. A field Guide to reptiles and the Law by John P. Levell, which includes reptiles as well as amphibians is indispensable for anyone interested in field collecting. Your local herpetology society can also advise you on what you can and cannot do in your jurisdiction when out collecting.

In addition to not disturb or take and endangered species you might be lucky to come across, there are limits to the number of animals you can collect, as well as limits to the methods that you can use. There are certain aspects of field etiquette that everyone should observe. For example, you should leave the habitat undisturbed, reposition overturned logs or rocks and avoid littering or creating a fire hazard. In many jurisdictions, there are seasons when you can collect and seasons when collecting or “hunting” of such animals is prohibited.