The UK’s pet population is booming, driven largely by a significant rise in “pandemic puppies” and “Covid kittens”. But less traditional, or so-called “exotic”, pets are also increasing in popularity: the latest UK Pet Food survey estimates that in the UK alone, we own a staggering 1.3 million indoor birds, 900,000 tortoises and turtles, 800,000 lizards and 700,000 snakes. That’s 3.7 million animals, and the number is increasing rapidly, the research suggests the number of these pets may have jumped by 19% in the past 12 months alone.
These are fascinating animals with a huge range of unique adaptations, behaviours and personalities, so it’s understandable that many people are keen to keep them as pets. However, a word of caution: exotic pets require complex, specific and often expensive care to ensure they are healthy and can live good, happy lives, but these requirements are not always clear when they’re bought, and the onus is on the owners to do research before taking them home.
For example, ball pythons and other snakes can be popular pets but, with the capacity to grow to more than a metre in length, they need a lot of space to stretch out fully and a complex environment to adequately stimulate them, as well as specialist diets and feeding plans. Even small and seemingly “easy” pets can present financial challenges – for example, leopard geckos, which are commonly kept, will suffer from metabolic bone disease if they do not get the correct UV light and appropriate diet, but with electricity costs soaring and these reptiles living for 10-20 years in captivity, this requires significant investment by owners.
Having worked as a vet over the past 15 years, I’ve seen first-hand a huge variety of pets and their problems. I’ve met exotic pets with extremely dedicated and highly informed owners who provide for all of their pets’ requirements, but sadly, I’ve also seen some really devastating cases.
Many of these owners, despite their best intentions, just aren’t aware of the specific needs of their pets. I’ve seen “pathological” fractures in reptiles – due to bones so weak they easily break – because the wrong diets were fed, or they didn’t get the right UV light. I’ve seen thermal burns in snakes due to inappropriate or broken heating and lighting elements. I’ve seen chronic and severe behavioural aberrations, including parrots feather-pecking themselves bald due to lack of appropriate social contact. These cases are heartbreaking and can result in such severe suffering that the only humane option for the animal is euthanasia.
A British Veterinary Association (BVA) survey reported that more than half of the exotic pets seen by vets have unmet welfare needs. Nine in 10 (92%) of these vets highlighted the lack of a suitable environment, and 85% flagged that appropriate diets were often not provided. Even more worryingly, 62% of these vets said that these animals are often not protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease – a significant increase from 46% in 2019.
So it’s no surprise that the survey found that 81% of vets, myself included, are concerned that the complex welfare needs of these animals are not being met – suggesting that, as a society, we’re falling short when it comes to ensuring the wellbeing of many millions of animals.
Choosing a new pet of any variety is a serious commitment and requires careful research and thought. Consideration should be given to which pet is right for you, whether you’re able to afford their care throughout their whole lifetime – as some, such as parrots and tortoises, can live for many decades – and, critically, whether you are not only able to meet their welfare needs but can also give them a “good life”.
Some exotic animals, such as primates, have such specific needs that it is extremely difficult – if not impossible – to meet these in a domestic setting. Many primates require specialist diets – for example, particular leaves, invertebrates or gum feeds – and all need complex environments to prevent behavioural problems. These animals are also highly social and must be kept in appropriate social groups, which requires lots of space and careful breeding management and expertise.
At the British Veterinary Association (BVA), we’ve been calling for a ban on owning primates as pets, so it’s good news that just last week the government set out proposals to deliver a ban in England. It is essential that the devolved nations follow suit, as there is no circumstance in which these intelligent, long-lived creatures can be properly cared for if they are kept as pets.
There are wider ethical considerations too – until the EU changed its regulations in 2007, birds were still harvested from the wild for the UK pet trade, and this remains the case for some pet fish. We recommend a move away from the wild-capture of fish, alongside the further development of high-welfare captive-breeding programmes for those species of fish whose needs can be met in the domestic environment, with improved regulation, traceability and independent auditing of the wild-caught fish trade.
The BVA, with the vets we represent, is encouraging everyone considering getting a pet, in particular an exotic one, to think carefully before they buy. We want all owners to be fully informed so they can give their pet – whether furred, feathered or scaled – a healthy and happy life, and to be honest enough with themselves to reconsider if this isn’t possible.
Dr Justine Shotton is senior vice president, BVA
