Europe is one of the world's largest markets for exotic pets, with welfare problems spanning import, dealer conditions, and keeping environments.
European exotic pet trade welfare is characterized by a regulatory gap: CITES regulates endangered species but welfare of non-listed species in trade is governed only by general transport regulations. Reptiles transported in small boxes without adequate temperature control, birds denied perches in transport containers, and fish in oxygen-depleted bags all experience welfare harms that fall outside regulatory frameworks. EU CITES management authorities have noted welfare as an increasing concern but legislative response has been slow.