Amphibians kept as pets have specialised husbandry requirements that are poorly understood by many owners, resulting in widespread welfare problems from inadequate temperature, humidity, and diet management.
Amphibian welfare in captivity is frequently poor due to the gap between owner knowledge and the complex requirements of these animals. Dehydration from inadequate humidity causes physiological suffering as amphibians depend on permeable skin for hydration and gas exchange. Incorrect temperature prevents normal metabolism and immune function. Inadequate diet causes nutritional deficiency. Because amphibians show no obvious distress displays, welfare problems often go unrecognised until animals are severely ill. Prospective owners should research species-specific requirements thoroughly before acquisition and source animals from captive-bred rather than wild-caught populations.