USARK – United States Association of Reptile Keepers

CITES (the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species) is the international trade and environmental treaty that ensures trade in wildlife and wildlife products does not threaten species with extinction. The core mission of CITES is to ensure trade in species listed under the Appendices is legal, traceable, and sustainable. The Animals ...

A permit (the requirement passed in 2007) is required from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to possess certain snake species. There are recreational and commercial “Controlled Exotic Snake” permits. Read the FAQ at

Leon Valley is amending its animal ordinance to allow some exceptions for certain animal possession, such as zoos and veterinary offices. This would be a good time for residents to address problems that they have with the current ordinance. The city already has pet limits. One pet limit bans anyone from having more than six animals in any combination, and not more than four d...

The Mobile City Council has proposed a new animal ordinance. Local stakeholders should engage in the process and monitor this issue. While no broad ban is proposed, there could be serious implications for animal owners, especially those who do animal outreach. This is scheduled to be discussed at the August 4 City Council meeting.

Among the potential problems, all snak...