PetWatch, a program of EcoHealth Alliance, gives consumers a science-based list of the Best, Fair and Worst choices of exotic pets based on extensive research aimed at protecting native wildlife and resources, global biodiversity and public health.
It is important to examine the broader consequences of the wildlife trade, including the sale of wild animals as pets. The overharvesting of animals for the pet trade can potentially result in the extinction of species. Furthermore, the introduction of non-native species and diseases through wildlife trade represents a serious threat to native wildlife and human health.
PetWatch Recommendations:
- Choose captive-bred versus wild-caught pets
- Purchase pets from reputable sources and ask lots of questions
- Never release a pet into the wild
- Avoid pets with aggressive temperaments
Resources
- Amphibian Chytridiomycosis
- Bird Ownership
- Constricting Snake Ownership
- Diseases from Pet Rodents
- Download the PetWatch Pocket Reference!
- Local Wildlife as Pets
- Long-Living Pets
- Non-Native Pets
- Primate Ownership
- Salmonella and Pets
- Shipping Pets
- Spider Ownership
- Venomous Snake Ownership
- Wild Cat Ownership
