Venomous snakes are kept as pets and in venom extraction facilities. Their welfare needs are specialized and often poorly met, creating risks for both animals and handlers.
Venomous snakes in venom extraction facilities face welfare challenges from repeated handling and extraction procedures that cause stress responses. Wild-caught animals suffer from capture stress and inadequate adaptation to captive conditions. Poorly equipped private keepers create welfare problems through inadequate thermal gradients, humidity, and hiding opportunities. Snakes are obligate carnivores but feeding live prey creates welfare concerns for prey animals. Captive breeding and proper husbandry dramatically improve welfare outcomes.