Author(s)

David L. Williams^*, Rebecca Jackson

Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England.

The popularity of keeping reptiles such as snakes and lizards is ever increasing. The health and welfare of these animals depends on the knowledge and understanding of their environmental and nutritional needs. But where does a new owner of these species obtain such information? This study aims to investigate what information is available in pet shops and stores for the reptile owning public and how well this information is imparted. Our findings show that there is a lot of excellent advice on the husbandry of reptiles in some shops while others offer less advice. It is hoped that through this study areas of downfall on primary knowledge can be recognized so that all shops can aspire to the highest levels of information.

Reptile, Health, Welfare, Care, Information

Williams, D. and Jackson, R. (2016) Availability of Information on Reptile Health and Welfare from Stores Selling Reptiles. Open Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 6, 59-67. doi: 10.4236/ojvm.2016.63007.