The exotic pet trade causes immense suffering through capture, transport, and inappropriate captive conditions for animals not suited to domestic life.
The exotic pet trade causes welfare suffering at every stage. Wild capture using cruel methods causes mortality and injury. Transport in cramped, dark conditions causes additional deaths. New owners typically lack the knowledge, resources, or facilities to provide appropriate care, leading to suffering from improper diet, temperature, humidity, and space. Animals that survive often develop behavioral problems from the stress of inappropriate environments. Many are released when owners can no longer cope, creating invasive species problems. A small number of species including dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals are genuinely suited to companion animal relationships; most wild species are not.