National adoption program for reptiles and amphibians is launched

A national adoption initiative for reptiles and amphibians has been launched by The Healthy Trade Initiative (HTI) in partnership with the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM). The Herp Adoption Program was created to address a critical need for owners of these pets to have reputable and humane surrender options, according to the nonprofit HTI.¹

Photo courtesy of The Healthy Trade Institute

Reptile pet ownership is occurring in approximately 6 million US households. Results of the 2025 American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey also show the number of reptile pet households is about the as households with pet birds and for those owning small animals.²

The program offers a solution for surrendered reptiles and amphibians that is backed by science and verifies the health of these pets. It is currently accepting bearded dragons, ball pythons, and amphibians. Future plans include expanding the list of accepted animals with most snake species, excluding Burmese and reticulated pythons, in October 2025, and additional reptile species in 2026.¹

Pet owners seeking to surrender their reptile or amphibian to the Herp Adoption Program may do so at no charge, other than the cost to ship their animal, if needed, to HTI in Tennessee. Through a partnership with Redline Shipping, HTI offers a 65% discount on overnight shipping for pet owners.³

Matt Gray, PhD, president of the HTI, said the organization is proud to launch the “much-needed program” and the partnership with UTCVM. “This is a win-win for the pet trade. We are not only giving surrendered herps the care and attention they deserve, but we are also providing crucial training opportunities that will help shape the next generation of exotic pet veterinarians,” Gray said in a news release.¹

Each animal entering the unique program receives a veterinary health assessment and is tested for common pathogens that include chytrid, ranavirus, adenovirus, and Cryptosporidium to ensure that every animal rehomed through HTI is healthy. Pathogen testing not only promotes a healthier pet trade but additionally provides peace of mind to new owners.¹

"This program also protects wild amphibians and reptiles by reducing the likelihood that unwanted pets are released into the wild,” Emi Knafo, DVM, DACZM, a clinical assistant professor at the UTCVM, said in a news release.¹ “When owners have responsible alternatives, ecosystems stay healthier and responsible pet ownership is strengthened."

The HTI is seeking donations from the public to help support the Herp Adoption Program. Contributions directly fund veterinary care and pathogen testing as well as housing and food for the pets surrendered to the program.¹

References

1. The Healthy Trade Institute and University of Tennessee partner to launch nationwide Herp Adoption Program, training next generation of veterinarians. News release. Health Trade Initiative. September 2, 2025.
2. 2025 APPA National Pet Owners Survey stats. American Pet Products Association. Accessed September 2, 2025. https://americanpetproducts.org/industry-trends-and-stats
3. HTI nationwide Herp Adoption Program. Health Trade Institute. Accessed September 2, 2025. https://healthytrade.org/hti-herp-adoption-program/