The estimated number of pet reptiles in the United States is over 7 million divided between over 3 million households. Each year the U.S. pet industry imports 2 million reptiles and collects from the wild in the United States or breeds in captivity countless more. An increasing number of these reptiles are ending up in animal shelters because their owners either tire of them or cannot take care of them. Many die within a year of purchase. Wild-caught reptiles are mistreated from the time of capture.
Reptiles often arrive at pet stores emaciated, dehydrated, wounded, and infected with parasites.
The pet trade has been a disaster for many wild reptile populations. Trade has destroyed wild populations of island reptiles such as the prehensile-tailed skink from the Solomon Islands and the Parson's chameleon from Madagascar. America's bog turtles are highly prized by reptile collectors, who reduced their wild populations to such an extent that the species now is protected under the Endangered Species Act. And then there is the habitat degradation. Dumping Unwanted Reptiles Live reptiles are often released into the wild by well-meaning people who can no longer provide care.