The following is a list of actions you can take to ensure that your pet purchase is well-informed and promotes sustainable wild populations of that species:
Do Your Homework
Always research an animal before taking it home as a pet. Knowing what you are getting into with your new king snake or rat can prevent many of the issues plaguing uninformed exotic pet owners. In addition to our Best Bets for Pets information, the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Wild Animals Don't Make Good Pets also has helpful information on choosing pets wisely.
Only purchase captive-born exotic animals from reputable sources, such as licensed breeders or pet stores that do not trade in wild-caught animals. It may be difficult to assess the reliability of a pet store or breeder. Although it may be difficult to assess the reliability of a pet store or breeder, here are a few pointers:
Protect Local Ecosystems
Never release unwanted pets into the wild or flush live fish. An exotic animal is very likely to have a negative effect on local wildlife if released. If you must give up your pet, you should do so through a shelter or rescue organization that's willing to take exotics.
Pet Stores: The important thing to remember about evaluating a pet store is to seek out information from sources other than the store itself. Finding information on where a store gets its animals and whether it is known to be a reputable business is also important. When visiting a pet store, examine the cages of the animals. Does each animal have food available, and a source of clean water? The only exception here should be snakes, which may only be fed once or twice a week – as is appropriate. Are there toys available for the animals to play with? Are the cages clean and free of waste? Next, observe the animals themselves. Are they alert? Do they exhibit any stress behaviors (which may include circling the cage, pulling out fur or feathers, or repetitive movements such as swaying back and forth)? Do the animals look healthy? In general, scales, coats, and feathers that are patchy, mottled, dull, or feathers that are broken are signs of ill-health. Again, research unbiased information that will help you determine a pet store’s philosophy. You can visit the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council for more information about pet industry regulations.
Private Breeders: Ask questions! Ask to see licensing or permits for the animals – breeders who apply for a license or permit from the government often need to undergo some form of inspection, in both their business and hygiene practices. Ask about their breeding philosophy – someone who claims they are "in it for the money" is probably less concerned about the welfare of captive or wild animals. Ask about the care of the animal – if a breeder is willing to talk in detail about how they care for their animals, and lists both the good and bad aspects of owning an animal (i.e. is more candid), it may be a sign they are truly invested in the welfare of their animals. Ask for a reference from a local vet. Many vets, especially those specializing in the care of exotic animals, will be familiar with breeders in the area, since those breeders utilize the services of the vet.
Lastly, if a breeder thoroughly checks you out, chances are good that they are responsible and reliable; wanting their carefully raised babies to end up in homes where they will be loved and cared for is a sign that the breeder truly cares about the animals.
Support organizations like National Parks that protect wildlife and offer opportunities for the public to enjoy wild animals in their natural environment.
Never purchase items with wild animal products in them (which includes, but is not limited to: items carved from elephant or rhinoceros ivory, jewelry made from the shells of sea turtles, or skins or hides of tigers, leopards, jaguars, and others). It’s illegal! Many exotic species that are threatened by the illegal wildlife trade are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Violators of this agreement can be punished with fines and/or jail time, depending on the severity of their crime.
Spay or neuter your cat or dog. Although pet overpopulation is not necessarily a "pet trade" issue it is a conservation issue and a major concern for many countries, including the United States. Spaying and neutering can be one of the safest and most effective ways to protect your health, your pet's health and the health of your local wildlife.
Cats should always be kept indoors. In addition to not contributing to pet overpopulation, indoor cats are exposed to fewer diseases, live longer, and don't play a role in the decline of populations of local wildlife. The Humane Society of the United States' Safe Cats campaign can offer more on why staying inside is the best bet for your feline pet.
Purchasing environmentally-friendly items, such as wood certified as sustainable by the Forest Stewardship Council is a great way to prevent your everyday purchases from contributing to both the illegal pet trade and the unsustainable harvesting of a natural resource.