Diseases are spreading in wild reptile and amphibian populations for various reasons, and because of that, they often find their way into pet stores and pet owners’ homes, resulting in millions of dollars lost every year to businesses and suffering of beloved pets. There are no government programs that support the healthy trade of herps – so it is time for industry to take control! In the USA, pet owners overwhelmingly support the incorporation of healthy trade practices by businesses, and are willing to pay more for pets whose health is certified.
Keep reading to find out how the Healthy Trade Institute (HTI) is revolutionizing herp trade in the USA!
The Healthy Trade Certification Program
The scientists and industry professionals who founded HTI recognized the need for more regulations and higher exotic animal health standards. This is exactly what jump-started the creation of our amphibian and reptile certification program!
In this program, we train businesses on healthy trade practices and assist in reptile veterinary testing to limit the spread of harmful pathogens. (Because nobody wants sick pets crawling around!) There are four components of the certification program:
- Online training on healthy trade practices
- Active incorporation of healthy trade practices
- Assisted pathogen testing of newly acquired herps
- Treatment of positive animals
This training program is perfect for businesses. But what if you’re a herp owner?
What’s in it for Pet Parents?
As a reptile or amphibian owner (or prospective owner), choosing to purchase a pet from an HTI-certified business can make a huge difference in the health of your pet! Not only that, but you benefit by…
- Saving money. With a lower chance of purchasing a pet infected with harmful pathogens, you’re saving money and protecting the health of your pet(s).
- Protecting the environment. With your health-conscious purchase, you’re helping conserve safe biodiversity in the wild.
- Having ongoing support. If you were to purchase a herp from an HTI-certified business, and it fell ill or died from an undiscovered pathogen, you could easily report this case directly to HTI for thorough investigation.
By choosing an HTI-certified business to purchase your reptile or amphibian from, you’re ensuring the safety and health of your pet, as well as promoting humane practices for the future. HTI-certified businesses are listed here. If a business that you purchase from is not an HTI member, please share our information with them!
Another way to acquire a healthy trade-certified animal is through HTI’s new Nationwide Herp Adoption Program. The health of all animals surrendered to it is verified by University of Tennessee veterinarians prior to adoption!
How to Get Proper Reptile Health Certification
The HTI Certification Program is open to herp businesses and hobbyists across the U.S. And with five tiers of membership available, you can easily tailor the experience to your business.
Once you apply for membership through the HTI website, your application will be reviewed and processed. After approval, you will be guided through the certification process, with support available the whole time. The certification process typically takes members between one and four months to complete. And once you’re healthy trade-certified, you can promote your dedication to safe herp care practices!
The Future of the Herp Trade
By promoting the safe care, handling, and trade of reptiles and amphibians, HTI is reinventing the standards for herp businesses. Reptile pathogens are a serious danger, and they can run rampant under a lack of best biosecurity practices.
By supporting HTI – through tax-deductible donations, membership, or adoptions – you’re supporting a powerful mission to protect our cold-blooded friends!