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Healthy Trade Certification Program

Program Resources & Components

A science-based program to promote healthier animals, responsible trade, and a more sustainable future for reptiles and amphibians.

Download the program flyer Approved diagnostic labs
How certification works

The 4 Pillars of Healthy Trade

Every HTI-certified business commits to all four.

Online Training

Educational resources to build knowledge and support responsible animal care.

Learn more

Best Practices in Biosecurity

Guidance and tools to reduce the risk of disease introduction and spread.

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Animal Testing for Target Pathogens

Required pathogen testing to verify animal health.

See requirements

HTI Expert Guidance

Access to HTI experts when a positive detection occurs.

Learn more
Pillar 1

Online Training

Member businesses have access to online training videos that discuss how to recognize signs of disease, healthy trade practices that reduce the likelihood that animals become infected with pathogens, techniques used to collect non-lethal samples from animals for pathogen testing, and response strategies for containment if positive detection of a target pathogen occurs.

Dr. Matthew Gray examining an amphibian
Pillar 2

Best Practices in Biosecurity

Member businesses are required to incorporate healthy trade practices that research has shown reduces the likelihood that disease spreads among animals in a business. These practices include:

  • Establishing a quarantine area for newly acquired animals
  • Use of disposable gloves that are changed between animal habitats
  • Use of disinfectants at approved concentrations
  • Disinfection of habitats potentially contaminated with pathogens
  • Proper disposal of dead or euthanized animals
Pillar 3

Pathogen Testing Requirements

Member businesses are required to test 50% of newly acquired animals before release from the quarantine area and test a subset of resident and for-sale animals twice per year to validate health.

Testing schedule

  • Entry into HTI program50%

    of habitats tested.

  • Once a business member25% 2X / year

    of habitats tested twice per year.

  • Newly acquired animals50%

    tested, after quarantine.

  • Save money by pooling3

    samples per test.

Targeted pathogens

  • AmphibiansChytrid fungusRanavirus
  • SnakesCryptosporidiumOphidiomyces
  • Bearded dragonsAdenovirus

Member Savings: Member businesses that purchase animals from another HTI member business do not have to quarantine or test animals. Member businesses often receive discounts on diagnostic fees from HTI member laboratories.

HTI Diagnostic Labs pass rigorous Quality Control testing before being approved.

Approved labs
Pillar 4

HTI Expert Guidance

Member businesses are required to isolate positive animals, consult the HTI or a veterinarian for treatment, and verify the animal is negative before it is released into the resident or for-sale population. The HTI provides up to 10 hours of free consulting per year for business members and can assist with public relations as needed.

Questions about certification?

Our team is happy to walk your business through the program.

Become a member Email HTI