Exotic pets
Exotic Pet Welfare and the Wildlife Trade
How to keep unusual species responsibly, and how to avoid supporting wild capture and illegal trade.
The five welfare needs apply to every species
Suitable environment, suitable diet, the ability to express normal behaviour, appropriate housing with or apart from other animals, and protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease. For exotics, meeting the first three requires studying the species' natural history, not just buying a starter kit.
Captive-bred versus wild-caught
Wild capture removes animals from threatened populations and causes high mortality in transport. Ask for captive-breeding documentation, be sceptical of unusually cheap unusual species, and check CITES listings before buying.
Before you buy, check three things
- Legality: national and local law, permits and licensing for the exact species
- Veterinary access: confirm a vet within reasonable distance treats that species
- Lifetime commitment: many reptiles, parrots and tortoises outlive their owners' plans
Retail and impulse buying
Hermit crabs, sugar gliders and axolotls are routinely sold as easy novelty pets with equipment that cannot meet their needs. Rescues absorb the consequences. Research the species for weeks before buying, never on the day.