Reptile and Amphibian Law: What to Check Before You Buy

Four Questions to Ask

• Is it allowed here? Some countries, states and cities ban particular species, often because escaped animals have become invasive.
• Does it need paperwork? Many reptiles and some amphibians are protected by CITES, the international treaty on wildlife trade.
• Does it need a license? Venomous and some large species need a license in many places.
• Can it travel? Moving animals across borders, and sometimes across state lines, can need permits or be banned.

CITES Paperwork

CITES groups species by how much they're threatened by trade. In the UK and EU, the strictest group (Annex A) includes Hermann's, spur-thighed and marginated tortoises. In Great Britain you need a valid Article 10 certificate to sell, offer for sale or commercially use an Annex A animal, and buyers should see the seller's certificate before paying. Owning or giving one away for free doesn't need a certificate. APHA issues them; see "Commercial use of endangered species" on gov.uk. For other species, keep proof of where your animal came from.

Invasive Species Bans

• Great Britain: sliders (red-eared, yellow-bellied and Cumberland) are listed invasive alien species. Existing pets can be kept for life in secure containment, but not bred, sold, exchanged or released. See our red-eared slider page.
• European Union: sliders are on the EU invasive species list too, with similar limits.
• United States: the federal government lists some large constrictors (including the Burmese python, northern and southern African pythons, yellow and green anacondas and the reticulated python) and many salamander genera as injurious wildlife, which bans importing them. Florida bans new pet tegus, green iguanas and several large snakes. Hawaii bans all pet snakes.
• Australia: keeping exotic reptiles such as corn snakes and ball pythons is illegal; some native reptiles can be kept with a state or territory license.

Dangerous Animal Licenses

In Great Britain, venomous snakes and other species on the Dangerous Wild Animals Act list need a license from your local council, applied for before you get the animal. Northern Ireland has its own licensing law. Many US states and cities ban or license venomous reptiles and large constrictors. We don't cover venomous animals; see why.

Small Turtles in the US

US federal rules ban selling turtles with a shell under 4 inches (10 cm) long, because of salmonella risk. Many states add rules on keeping and releasing turtles.

Native Species Are Wildlife

Native reptiles and amphibians are usually protected wherever you live. In the UK, for example, great crested newts are strictly protected: it's illegal to capture, disturb, possess or sell them. Never take reptiles or amphibians from the wild, and never release a pet.

Welfare Law Applies Too

Most countries have animal welfare laws that cover reptiles and amphibians as well as dogs and cats. In England and Wales, for example, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 gives owners a duty of care to meet an animal's needs; Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own acts.