The global pet trade encompasses both legal and illegal channels, with significant welfare problems in capture, transport, captive breeding, and retail conditions across multiple species.
Pet trade welfare problems begin at the point of capture or breeding and continue through transport, wholesale, and retail chains. Wild-caught animals suffer acute trauma from capture, social disruption, transport stress, and novel environments. Captive-bred animals from poor-quality facilities suffer inadequate nutrition, space, and health care. Retail conditions including small temporary enclosures and inappropriate husbandry cause welfare deterioration before sale. Consumer education about species-specific needs, sourcing transparency, and regulatory requirements for welfare at all trade stages can address these problems systematically.