Pets come in all shapes and sizes, and gone are the days of just owning cats, dogs and a humble goldfish. Not that there is anything wrong with owning ‘just’ cats, dogs or fish – but the pet market has exploded with a range of different animals that owners absolutely love to keep as pets. 

No matter if your pet has fur, scales, a shell, four legs or eight legs, they still have a special place in your heart.  

So, when it comes to the exotic pet trade, how can we be sure that animals that we are purchasing are legitimate? Let’s explore how the illegal pet trade is well and truly a firm problem not only in the UK but worldwide, as well as how you can avoid accidentally contributing to the wider issue. 

What is the illegal exotic pet trade? 

When we talk about the illegal pet trade, we’re referring to the underground trading of animals that have been bred or imported illegally. This usually involves the capture, breeding, buying, selling or transportation of exotic animals that breaks wildlife protection laws and regulations. 

Illegal exotic pet trading isn’t just about snatching animals from the wild for ownership, but it also relates to species that are traded or sold without the required permits or licenses, as well as animals that are smuggled across borders. 

There are more pets affected than you may think, from parrots to reptiles and even small mammals – a wide variety of exotic animals can unfortunately fall into the wrong hands. 

Whilst this all sounds very serious, many exotic pets are bred and sold responsibly by reputable sellers. However, other pets may have been taken from the wild and passed through many different owners. 

When you think of buying an illegal exotic pet, you may instantly think of poor animal welfare or deals taking place in dark back alleys. However, it’s not always this obvious when purchasing an animal. With the illegal pet trade involving organised criminals, false documents and misleading claims, it’s pretty easy to fall into the trap. 

It’s important to note that many exotic species can be housed and sold completely legally, and many do not require a license. The true problem arises when animals are sourced, transported or sold unlawfully. 

Which animals are most at risk of illegal trading? 

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the illegal wildlife trade is a global problem affecting thousands of different species. Its World Wildlife Crime Report 2024 found that wildlife trafficking affected approximately 4,000 animal and plant species across 162 countries and territories between 2015 and 2021. 

More concerningly, more than 40% of the 1,652 mammal, bird, reptile, and amphibian species recorded in wildlife seizures were classified as threatened or near threatened populations. 

However, it’s important to remember that these figures cover wildlife trafficking more broadly, including plants, animal parts and products, rather than just live exotic pets.  

So, what does this mean for prospective exotic pet owners? Whilst these statistics don’t tell us exactly how many pets are illegally traded, they demonstrate the scale of the wider problem. By researching an animal’s origins, checking the relevant documentation and choosing reputable sellers, prospective owners can help reduce the risk of unknowingly supporting illegal wildlife trading. 

When you think of exotic pets, your mind may quickly turn to reptiles and amphibians such as tortoises, lizards, snakes, and frogs. However, there isn’t one single group of pets that are more affected than others as wildlife trafficking affects a huge variety of species. 

Many are popular because they’re rare, colourful or unusual, whereas other illegal exotic pets are targeted because they’re small and easy to conceal for transport. 

Some animal groups that are among the most illegally traded include: 

Birds:  

Many exotic birds such as parrots and cockatoos can fall under the umbrella of the illegal pet trade. Demand for certain species can encourage the capturing of wild birds to obtain eggs and even chicks. 

Many bird species across the world are protected by international wildlife trade regulations, meaning their sale requires specific documentation. 

Reptiles:  

Of course, reptiles were going to make the list. Prized for their unusual appearance, reptiles are a major target for the exotic pet trade. Tortoises, geckos, snakes, and iguanas can all be illegally trafficked. Many reptiles can be captured directly from the wild, or their eggs and hatchlings are stolen. Many wild-caught reptiles can also be falsely sold as captive bred. 

Amphibians:  

Frogs, newts, and salamanders are popular due to their colours and remarkable patterns. Poison dart frogs are a particular example due to their impressive appearance. 

Mammals:  

Monkeys and other small mammals can be affected. Young mammals can be taken from the wild and once in captivity, may struggle with adapting to life without their social groups. 

Unfortunately, no animal group is immune to the illegal pet trade. Before bringing an exotic pet into your home, it is essential to carry out plenty of research on its origins and legal requirements. 

What are the legalities regarding exotic pet ownership 

You can keep many pets here in the UK without having to apply for a license. There are some animals that do require a license, with the two main types being a Dangerous Animal License and a Zoo License.  

Animals that fall into the dangerous wild animals legislation, therefore requiring a license, include: 

  • Large cats: Cheetahs, lions, leopards, tigers, lynx, servals and ocelots Marsupials: Wallaroos, wallabies and kangaroos  
  • Wild dogs: Wolves, jackals, dingoes and maned wolves  
  • Certain types of venomous spiders and scorpions   
  • Birds: Ostriches and emus  
  • Reptiles: Caimans, crocodiles, alligators and venomous snakes  
  • Primates: monkeys, lemurs and apes  

In the UK, exotic pet ownership isn’t governed by one single law. The rules all depend on the species and where the animal will be kept. 

It’s important to remember that just because an animal is available in a pet shop or advertised online, it doesn’t mean that they are exempt from requiring a license. 

Exotic pet ownership can be legal, but the rules aren’t the same for every species. Before committing to any animal, it’s important to carry out your own research and ensure that they are permitted to be kept in the UK. 

How to avoid buying pets from the illegal pet trade 

It’s important to mention that many of us would be horrified to know that our beloved pet had come from the illegal exotic pet trade. Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy or obvious to tell where an exotic pet has been obtained from. 

However, the good news is that there are steps that you can take to reduce the risk of supporting the illegal pet trade. 

Choose a reputable seller:  

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Research. Research. Research. Look for an established breeder or specialist exotic supplier. Even better, look for a reputable organisation such as a rescue, although this does get a little tricky to know the animals’ true origin.  

A responsible and legitimate seller will be able to answer simple questions about the animal’s history and care. It’s a bit of a red flag if they seem evasive, refuse to provide proof or are trying to pressure you into making a decision. 

One of the best ways to identify a reputable breeder is to speak to other owners of the same animal. Online forums or communities are a great way of connecting with like-minded keepers. 

Check all paperwork thoroughly:  

Some exotic pets require specific documentation to be legally bought. This is particularly important for species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). 

In many cases, you will not need documentation when purchasing an exotic pet. But, if it is required, check what documentation is legally required for your chosen species and make sure that any documents match or link to the animal being sold to you. 

Be cautious online:  

The internet can be a great place to find your new exotic friends, but it can also make it difficult to verify a seller’s claims, especially if your new friend is posted to you without any interaction from the seller. 

Red flags include: 

  • Low prices for rare animals 
  • Pressure tactics to pay a deposit or make a swift sale 
  • The seller cannot explain where the animal came from 
  • Shipment of the animal does not explain legal requirements 
  • The seller refuses to show you the actual animal. If this does occur, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the animal is being sold illegally; however, it should prompt you to think twice. 

What to do if you suspect an illegal exotic pet sale 

Let’s say you’ve spotted something that’s a little suspicious, or even a bold illegal seller that states that they’re selling wild-caught reptiles. What should you do? 

If something doesn’t seem right, reporting the activity could prevent illegal pet trading in the future. 

Obtain evidence:  

I don’t mean launching your own investigation. The best that you can do is to note the seller’s name, business and contact details, or take a screenshot if it is advertised online. The time, date and website or location is also important. 

Report the sale:  

No matter where you live in the world, the police can always be a good first port of call. Wildlife crime is a common problem, and many forces have a specific team to deal with allegations. Other UK-based organisations that could help include Natural England, the RSPCA and the Animal and Plant Health Agency.  

Many exotic animal sale websites also have the option to report suspicious adverts directly to them, where they can act if required. 

Final Thoughts 

The illegal exotic pet trade is a serious problem, and not just here in the UK. It’s easy to assume that this only happens overseas, but the problem can be much closer to home than we think. 

However, the good news is that you don’t need to be part of it. By researching your chosen species, choosing a reputable seller and checking any relevant paperwork means that you can reduce the risk of contributing to criminal activity. 

At the end of the day, bringing home an exotic pet should be an exciting experience. A little research goes a long way in protecting the animals and the beautiful natural world that we live in.