Positive pet industry interventions for the exotic pet trade

Exotic pets – gaining ground

‘Exotic’ usually means pets without a long history of domestication, including birds, reptiles and amphibians, ferrets, rodents, and rabbits.

Exotic pet ownership is geographically widespread, with birds and fishes forming the highest percentage of ownership (almost one-third) in Indonesia. In the US, approximately 50% of pets are exotics (APPA 2018). In Asia and South America, the market is also expanding rapidly because of improved living standards. Overall, ownership of reptiles and amphibians has more than doubled in the past twenty years.

Impacting biodiversity

Whereas some people keep exotic pets as a positive effort to maintain rare species, the downside of keeping exotic pets is that it can have a negative effect in terms of native biodiversity. Our focus here is on the legal pet trade. Unfortunately, however, many exotics are traded illegally.

Welfare is key

Even in the legal pet trade, care of exotic animals is often below par. A 2019 study showed that snakes are often kept in too small vivariums. Retailers should stock and sell only appropriate living quarters.

Social animals such as the sugar glider need companionship and should not be sold in isolation. Chances are, that they will self-mutilate without a companion. African grey parrots will pluck out their feathers due to boredom and lack of social interaction with other parrots. On the other hand, some fish are solitary by nature. Kept with other fish they can show aggressive behaviour.

How the pet trade can help

The pet industry can support animal welfare in several ways:

Provide expert knowledge

In an RSPCA study, over 40% of exotic pet keepers said that the most common problems experienced were due to a lack of information from their supplier. Retail staff should be trained in the care and needs of the species sold.

Refusal to sell

An owner should demonstrate his ability and understanding of keeping an exotic animal. UK Pet retailer Pets Corner will only sell rabbits in pairs and refuses to sell ferrets or birds at all.

Husbandry focus

As an industry, we can promote welfare and suitable care. Sourcing appropriate litter, cleaning materials, along with high-quality food, or containers not just to drink, but to bathe in. Furthermore, providing climbing equipment, investigation and exploration toys helps the animal to live as naturally and happily as possible. Hides – from artificial logs or caves to full hutches – allow the pet to shelter and are a must-have for all species.

Don’t keep it cheap or simple!

Even the humble rabbit or ferret has extensive and complex needs. A rabbit can incur stress from handling by small children, but can be trained to live in a robust, chew-proof home, with a litter tray.

It is time for the pet industry to be led by welfare and care: let us match the growing interest in exotic pets with our knowledge to support animal well-being.