Recommended stocking densities for reptiles kept in a pet retail environment
Background
In line with a decision made by PIJAC Canada’s National Board of Directors, the association was asked to prepare a set of recommended stocking densities for pets kept in a pet retail environment. This document represents the sixth segment of the exercise and refers to reptiles.
The following draft is the result of some extensive research. It is expected that this document will be subject to additional consultation. At this point in its development, the document reflects the expertise identified and selected by the staff of PIJAC Canada. Through our involvement with the International Pet Advisory Council we were able to review pertinent documents referred by other sources around the world, including the State of Colorado’s published Animal Care Facilities guidelines, the European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals and the Pet Industry Association of Australia National Codes of Practice.
Assumptions
The following assumptions have been taken into account in establishing the recommendations appearing in this document:
- Definition of Pet retail environment. “Pet retail environment” means any place or premise used in whole or in part, whether on a permanent or temporary basis, for the purpose of retail sale, trading, bartering, or otherwise transferring pet animals to the public.In addition to the traditional pet shop or wholesaler, pet retail environments shall include the keeping for transfer or the transfer of pet animals at temporary facilities such as flea markets, mobile facilities, department stores, merchandise outlets, discount outlets, pet animal shows conducting a sale, and other types of retail outlets.
- “Reptile” means an aquatic or terrestrial reptile and amphibians.
- The minimum needs for socialization and exercise (when applicable) are met.
- “Housing unit” means any aquarium or other enclosure used to house a reptile but does not include housing in a container while transporting a reptile outside a companion animal establishment.
- Notwithstanding the other assumptions, it is understood that while this document specifically refers to stocking densities, it is assumed that all other pertinent animal welfare considerations, as outlined in other PIJAC Canada publications, are being met.
- The housing units shall comply with the following:
a. Height of housing unit must not be less than 10 cm from the top of the head of the tallest reptile to the ceiling of the housing unit, as measured when the reptile is standing and must allow the animal to stretch fully upright.
b. It is recommended that reptiles from different clutches should be housed in separate enclosures to avoid any possible cross-contamination.
In light of these assumptions, PIJAC Canada recommends the following as suggested cage stocking densities for reptiles kept in a pet retail environment.
Recommended stocking density for reptiles in a pet store environment (revised October 2018):
| Species Type | Size of animal without the tail (cm) | Area for one animal (cm2) | For an additional animal (cm2) | Other specifications |
| Terrestrial and semi-aquatic frogs |
Less than 4 4 to 8 8 to 12 12 to 16 16 to 20 |
200 400 800 1600 2500 |
100 200 400 800 1250 |
A basin should occupy at least 50% of the area for semi-aquatic species. |
| Terrestrial and semi-aquatic salamanders |
Less than 4 4 to 8 8 to 12 12 to 16 |
150 200 400 800 |
75 100 200 400 |
A basin should occupy at least 50% of the area for semi-aquatic species. |
| Fully aquatic frogs and salamanders |
Less than 4 4 to 8 8 to 12 |
150 200 400 |
75 100 200 |
Water depth should be more than the length of the animal. |
| Arboreal frogs |
Less than 4 4 to 8 More than 8 |
150 300 600 |
75 150 300 |
Height should be at least 30 cm. |
| Species Type | Size of animal without the tail (cm) | Area for one animal (cm2) | For an additional animal (cm2) | Other specifications |
| Terrestrial lizards |
Less than 4 4 to 7 7 to 13 13 to 20 20 to 25 |
300 500 800 1900 3300 |
150 250 400 950 1650 |
A basin should occupy at least 30% of the area for semi-aquatic species. |
| Arboreal lizards |
Less than 4 4 to 7 7 to 13 13 to 20 20 to 25 |
220 380 650 1700 2200 |
110 190 325 850 1100 |
Height should correspond to at least 3 times the length of the animal. |
| Species Type | Size of animal without the tail (cm) | Area for one animal (cm2) | For an additional animal (cm2) | Other specifications |
| Snakes (total length) |
Less than 30 30 to 60 60 to 90 90 to 120 120 to 150 150 to 180 180 to 210 210 to 240 |
200 400 700 1600 2600 3900 5400 7000 |
100 200 350 800 1300 1950 2700 3500 |
Height for arboreal species should correspond to at least 40% of the animal’s length. A basin should occupy at least 50% for the area for semi-aquatic species. |
| Species Type | Size of animal without the tail (cm) | Area for one animal (cm2) | For an additional animal (cm2) | Other specifications |
| Tortoises (terrestrial) (shell length) |
Less than 10 10 to 15 15 to 20 20 to 30 |
700 1700 2800 4700 |
350 850 1400 2350 | |
| Turtles (aquatic) (shell length) |
Less than 10 10 to 15 15 to 20 20 to 30 |
500 1400 2300 3800 |
250 700 1150 1900 |
Depth in the middle of the swimming basin should be more than the length of the shell. An area completely above water must be accessible. |
Revised October 2018