Reptiles are the fastest-growing category of pet ownership, yet remain poorly understood welfare subjects with specific environmental needs often unmet in captivity.
Reptile welfare failures are often invisible to owners: a reptile that is chronically cold, UV-deprived, or incorrectly fed may appear normal while slowly developing metabolic disease. These are not low-maintenance pets — they require significant knowledge, appropriate enclosures, and consistent monitoring. Wild-caught reptile trade further harms welfare through the capture, transport, and high mortality rates before sale.