Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a protective screen safety guard 12 that attaches to lamps, heat lamps, or the like 18 which provides means for both light and heat for living creatures 20 contained in an aquarium and/or terrarium habitat 22. The present invention is a protective screen guard having a screen element 12 with spaced apart flanged fasteners 14 for engaging the lip 16 of a lamp, heat lamp, or the like 18. There are three flange members 14 provided, two of which are permanently affixed to the screen guard 12 and the third, a removable flange 26 having a captive (pem-type) fastener 28 for the securing and removal of the screen guard 12 from the lip 16 of a heat lamp 18. In a preferred additional embodiment, an opaque deflector plate 36 is secured between the light bulb 30 and the screen 12. The opaque deflector plate 36 redirects heat produced by the light bulb 30 providing improved means to protect an animal.