Abstract

THERE is concern within and beyond the veterinary profession regarding the welfare of reptiles kept as pets, but little published data. Textbooks of reptile medicine, and anecdotal evidence, suggest that many of the pet reptiles that present to veterinary practices experience deficient husbandry and suffer from diseases related to this. However, these observations have not been quantified and, overall, little information is available regarding reptiles in veterinary practice compared with some other pet species.

We have compiled a survey for veterinary surgeons regarding their experiences of pet reptiles in practice. We are veterinary surgeons with experience of reptile practice, and researchers from the fields of animal welfare and veterinary epidemiology at the University of Lincoln School of Life Sciences. We have had input from representatives of the British Veterinary Zoological Society (BVZS) and the RSPCA. This survey is part of a larger project that includes a survey of reptile keepers. The results will be made widely available including publication in one of the major veterinary journals.

The survey, which is for veterinary surgeons only, is at this web address: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ReptileWelfareVets. It should take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Responses will be confidential. Even if you do not see reptiles in practice yourself, we would still value your opinion on the keeping of reptiles as pets (this should take about five minutes).

Your input will help to inform the debate about the welfare of pet reptiles. On completion of the survey, there is a chance to win an iPad (kindly provided by BVZS).