Snakes are increasingly popular exotic pets, but their welfare needs — particularly for thermoregulation, prey, and appropriate enclosure size — are frequently misunderstood and poorly met.
Snake welfare is compromised by a combination of inadequate husbandry standards and normalised poor care in the hobby community. Snakes in enclosures that are too small, with incorrect temperatures or humidity, develop respiratory infections, fail to eat, and show stress responses including hyperactivity or excessive hiding. The reptile pet trade, including snakes, has minimal regulatory oversight in most countries. Mandatory point-of-sale husbandry information, minimum enclosure standards, and restrictions on wild-caught animals would significantly improve snake welfare outcomes.