Reptiles are the third most popular pet globally but are frequently kept in conditions that fail their physiological and behavioral needs. Welfare improvements are achievable with appropriate knowledge.
Reptile welfare in captivity is compromised by fundamental mismatches between keeper knowledge and animal needs. Reptiles are physiologically complex animals whose behavior, immunity, digestion, and reproduction are all dependent on appropriate temperature management. Inadequate thermal gradients impair immunity and digestion. Insufficient UV-B prevents vitamin D synthesis, causing metabolic bone disease. Inappropriate humidity causes respiratory infections in tropical species and dehydration in desert species. The high mortality rates in pet reptiles reflect not deliberate neglect but gaps in accessible, accurate husbandry information. Addressing these gaps through better point-of-sale education, species-specific care guides, and veterinary training in reptile medicine would substantially improve outcomes.