Monkey

Deals That Deal Out

Exotic pet sales can reach further than the wallet

Mom always said to shop around for the best deal. However, in the animal trade market, the cheapest deal is not always the best.

There is currently an active market for wild-caught birds, turtles and other creatures.

Many of these species are endangered, and pulling them out of the wild pulls them out of the breeding pool. This adds exponentially to all the obstacles these species face.

By not doing adequate research, many pet seekers are unknowingly helping the black market trade. There are a few ways to protect both yourself and the animals.

    The Internet is a great tool for finding anything in the world. You can Google it, then buy it on eBay and pay for it through PayPal. Nevertheless, the Internet is also full of scams, viruses and jokes. The pet trade thrives on the World Wide Web, both the good and the bad. Many sites don't care about local laws or what they are doing to the environment. They are there to make money and make it fast. Research is your No. 1 defense against the black market trade of animals on the Internet. Here are five things to ask before you buy:

  1. Does the seller have certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or a reputable international agency?
  2. Does the seller have stipulations about what/where they will send?
  3. Is the seller willing to take back the animal if you do not want it anymore?
  4. Is the seller willing to help you find a specialized veterinarian or a community of people who also have your type of exotic pet?
  5. Is the seller willing to let you tour the facility or look at company records?