Responsible Pet Ownership

Healthy animals, healthy ecosystems, happy people

We love invertebrates as pets but we also love to see them in the wild, which is a joy that connects us to even the tiniest patches of nature. There is a lot you can do to make your yard more bug-friendly to support the nature around you.

However we also recognise that keeping invertebrates as pets can foster a deep important connection. We support sustainably-reared terrestrial invertebrates in the pet trade, so if you want an invertebrate pet, keep reading to find out more about how you can be the most responsible mini-pet owner.

Advantages of sustainably reared invertebrates

(1) Keeps ecosystems functioning

We have many ecosystems full of endemic species in small pockets of habitat. Species with limited ranges could be particularly vulnerable to over-collecting. Supporting captive breeding can help support these unique ecosystems in the wild, by reducing the pressure from the pet trade. If too many individuals are taken from the wild, they will not be able to carry out their roles in their unique ecosystems.

(2) Invertebrates make great choices for companion animals or pets

• Easy to feed – lots of species don’t need feeding every day which can save time and money

• Easy to house – take up a much smaller space than other traditional pets

• Easy to handle – their often small size means they can be moved around

• Long or short lived – they have a variety of life spans

(3) Animals are healthier if bred and reared in captivity

Like all animals, invertebrates can have diseases and parasites, leading to a shorter lifespan. If bred and raised in captivity, the age of the individuals should be known and the seller will be able to tell you how long they will live. Individuals are less likely to have parasites and diseases especially if purchased from reputable businesses.

Some questions that you could ask sellers

• Where did this animal originate from?

• Was it captive-bred and raised?

• How old is the individual?

• If the price is cheap - it could have been sourced from the wild. For some species, to breed and raise to adult would take many years and the cost to buy would reflect that – ask why is it priced so cheaply?

Find out more in our invertebrate pet ownership guide.