The Healthy Trade Institute is a nonprofit organization advocating for healthier trade practices for reptiles and amphibians. But unfortunately, our mission is threatened every day by the lack of responsible care for herps.
Here’s how your support can make a real difference in building a healthier pet trade – as well as where to donate to reptile health research.
So, What Does HTI Do With Donations?
The community of reptile and amphibian owners, enthusiasts, and business owners is widespread – HTI is fortunate to have a cause that resonates with so many people nationwide. We couldn’t do this without people like you — seriously!
Because ethical pet trade practices involve numerous moving parts, a pet welfare donation can go in a multitude of directions. Here’s a quick overview of some of them:
1. Grants for HTI Memberships
HTI is proud to offer grants to help support businesses with the initial expenses as they begin the process of becoming Healthy Trade Certified. These grants help cover the costs associated with testing herps for pathogens and implementing safer practices in businesses. (Think of it as a “health inspection” for the pet industry.) Every certified business helps keep more pets healthy and safe.
2. Nationwide Adoption Program
HTI runs the first ever nationwide herp adoption program in the United States. Every year, thousands of amphibians and reptiles are released into the wild. And when animals are thrust into an unfamiliar environment, they can become invasive, endangering the delicate harmony of local wildlife and plant life. (They are pets, after all!) Donations to HTI support the safe rehoming of unwanted pets, as well as promoting responsible pet ownership awareness.
3. Research and Development
By partnering with different organizations and universities, HTI works to develop and refine healthier care practices for herps. This research encompasses the development of a vaccine for ranaviruses, the creation of new treatment options for chytridiomycosis, and the identification of practices that lead to healthier pets.
4. One-time Gifts
HTI graciously accepts one-time donations to support the foundation of the organization. Grassroots members are anyone who would like to provide a donation of any amount to support HTI’s overall mission.
Foundational sponsors are those who donate a more substantial amount of money. These donors will be recognized on various levels and receive additional perks, including free surveillance kits (to be personally accepted or donated to another business), an annual report of HTI’s progress, and the ability to request to be on the HTI Advisory Board.
Donate to a Healthier Pet Trade
To donate to exotic animal welfare, HTI has an easy-to-access link. Through this link, donors can choose to make a one-time, monthly, or annual donation of any amount. (P.S. All of your donations are tax-deductible in the United States!)
Every dollar that HTI receives through the donation site goes directly toward pathogen testing, animal surrenders, safe herp housing, and research for developing safer, healthier animal care practices. By supporting HTI, you’re supporting healthier reptiles and amphibians across the nation. If our herps could speak, they’d be thanking you!