Keeping venomous snakes as pets raises serious welfare concerns for both the animals and their keepers, with most jurisdictions permitting but poorly regulating private ownership.
Venomous snakes kept as pets face welfare challenges compounded by the safety concerns they create. Enclosures rarely match the thermal and spatial complexity these animals need; social stress from improper handling is common; and surrender to shelters or release (illegal and ecologically harmful) is frequent when owners cannot manage them. Responsible keeping requires significant expertise, appropriate permits, secure housing, and access to emergency medical care including antivenom — a high bar few private keepers clear.