When you imagine your perfect weekend, does it involve two full days surrounded by fellow herp enthusiasts? Because ours certainly does! And luckily, there are two upcoming weekends when those dreams can become reality.
The Healthy Trade Institute team is excited to meet you at the upcoming North American Reptile Breeders Conferences in March. Join us in Dallas, Texas, on March 7-8, 2026, or in Tinley Park, Illinois, on March 14-15, 2026!
We’re Accepting Surrenders at NARBC Tinley Park
For the first time, the HTI will be accepting surrendered amphibians, bearded dragons, geckos, and non-venomous snakes under 4 feet at NARBC Tinley Park. We’re proud to be the first organization to offer this service at a convention.
Our booth will be located outside the front doors of the Tinley Park Convention Center floor. We’ll be right by the photo booth and merchandise tables, so we should be easy to spot, just look for our logo!
The best part? There is absolutely no fee to surrender your animal to our team. While we reserve the right to deny any surrender that does not meet our criteria, our number one priority is ensuring every herp is properly cared for.
A Glimpse into the HTI’s NARBC Plans
At both of these upcoming events, the HTI team is on a mission to meet as many herp lovers, traders, and professionals as possible. We know how powerful a strong community can be, and we want you to join ours!
At our booths, the first two weekends in March will be filled with:
Building Connections
Let’s get to know each other at the NARBC! Our team will be at these conferences, ready to meet you! Let’s geek out over our favorite animals together.
Spreading the Word
If there’s one thing we love more than meeting fellow reptile hobbyists, it’s raising awareness. The HTI is on a mission to create a healthier, safer reptile and amphibian trade across the nation. We’re working hard every day, and we’re eager to tell you more about it.
Pathogen Testing
Because we’re so passionate about keeping herps healthy, we’re bringing some of our lab equipment to you. Bring your herps with you to the NARBC events for free pathogen testing. With a quick, minimally invasive swab, we can make sure your reptiles and amphibians are free of any hidden pathogens.
Fundraising
As a non-profit organization, we’re going to (shamelessly) take every opportunity we can to raise money for our animals. Every contribution we receive goes toward:
- Veterinary evaluations for every herp in our care
- Pathogen screening for high-risk diseases
- Species-specific housing, lighting, food, and other husbandry supplies
We truly mean it when we say every dollar counts. Your support is what keeps our adoption program thriving day after day.
See You Soon at NARBC Tinley Park
At the HTI, our mission goes beyond a casual interest in reptiles and amphibians. We’re working diligently to redefine the standards of herp care. We’re looking forward to sharing more about our organization at NARBC Dallas and Tinley Park.
Grab your NARBC tickets before they’re all gone! Once you’re there, just pull up the event map to find the HTI booth in Dallas or Tinley Park.