BSAVA publishes new reptile welfare leaflets
(rested geckos are among the species covered by the leaflets.
The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new series of client information leaflets on caring for pet reptiles.
The leaflets give would-be owners key information on how to meet reptiles’ welfare needs through appropriate housing, feeding, handling and medication, as well as tips on how to spot health problems.
The content is based on information from the BSAVA Manual of Reptiles and has been reviewed by Simon Girling, head of veterinary services at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.
The initial run of leaflets covers the species which are most commonly kept as pets:
• Bearded dragons
• Crested geckos
• Leopard geckos
• Iguanas
• Snakes
• Tortoises
• Terrapins.
As terrapins can no longer be legally bought in the UK, due to being designated an invasive species, the leaflet about them focuses on care and welfare advice for people who already own them.
The new series has been published at a time when data suggests that the number of people keeping pet reptiles in the UK is increasing.
Pet Food’s annual survey of UK pet ownership found that around five per cent of households owned a pet reptile in 2023, an increase from 3.4 per cent in 2022.
The new leaflets are available to download and print through the BSAVA Library. They are free for BSAVA members. Non-members can pay for a subscription to the library.
Image © Shutterstock
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
