Knoxville TN, September 12, 2025
News Summary
The Healthy Trade Institute in Knoxville, TN has introduced a pioneering Herp Adoption Program for surrendered reptiles and amphibians. This first-of-its-kind initiative provides humane surrender options and addresses the growing need for responsible practices in the exotic pet market. Developed with the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, the program ensures thorough health assessments for all admitted animals while offering veterinary students hands-on training opportunities. Supported by community donations, HTI aims to expand the program to include more species in the coming years.
KNOXVILLE, TN – The Healthy Trade Institute (HTI) has launched a groundbreaking Herp Adoption Program, designed specifically for surrendered reptiles and amphibians. This initiative represents the first of its kind in the country, marking a significant step forward in providing humane options for the pet trade. The program has been developed in collaboration with the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine to address an urgent need for responsible surrender avenues in the growing market of exotic pets.
The Herp Adoption Program will accept various species, including pet amphibians, ball pythons, and bearded dragons. Every animal admitted to the program will undergo a thorough veterinary health assessment and testing for prevalent pathogens like chytrid, ranavirus, adenovirus, and Cryptosporidium. This rigorous health screening aims to promote healthy rehoming practices and reinforce the integrity of the pet trade.
Not only does this initiative focus on the welfare of surrendered animals, but it also provides vital experiential training for veterinary students. The program is intended to foster a dual benefit where both animals and aspiring veterinarians gain from this collaborative effort. By allowing students to work hands-on with a variety of reptiles and amphibians, it prepares them for future challenges in veterinary care.
Furthermore, the program is beneficial for wild populations, helping to prevent the release of unwanted pets back into their natural habitats, which can disrupt local ecosystems. Experts emphasize the importance of providing safe surrender options to avoid negative consequences on wildlife.
Funding for the Herp Adoption Program is heavily reliant on public donations, which are necessary to cover veterinary care, pathogen testing, housing, and food for the surrendered animals. To ensure the program’s sustainability and capacity to expand in the future, HTI is actively encouraging community support.
Looking ahead, HTI plans to broaden the program’s scope in October 2025 to include all snake species, with the exception of Burmese and reticulated pythons. Moreover, additional reptile species are anticipated to be integrated into the program in 2026, further enhancing its reach and impact within the pet trade. The community is urged to stay updated regarding the program’s growth and new developments.
Background Context
The Healthy Trade Institute is dedicated to improving the standards of care and adoption practices in the exotic pet market. Pets, particularly reptiles and amphibians, often end up abandoned or surrendered due to a lack of information on proper husbandry or changes in their owners’ circumstances. This new Herp Adoption Program seeks to fill a vital gap in the current marketplace, allowing animal lovers a trustworthy option for surrendering these pets in a humane and responsible manner.
Key Features of the Herp Adoption Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Animal Species Accepted | Pet amphibians, ball pythons, bearded dragons |
| Health Assessments | Veterinary health assessment and testing for key pathogens |
| Training Opportunities | Hands-on training for veterinary students |
| Community Support | Public donations needed for veterinary care and resources |
| Future Expansions | Inclusion of more species by 2025 and 2026 |
FAQs
What types of animals can be surrendered in the Herp Adoption Program?
The program accepts pet amphibians, ball pythons, and bearded dragons initially.
How does the health assessment process work for surrendered animals?
All animals will receive a thorough veterinary health assessment and testing for common pathogens prior to rehoming.
How can the public support the Herp Adoption Program?
The public can support the program by making donations which will go directly toward veterinary care, housing, and resources for the animals.
Are there plans to accept additional species in the future?
Yes, HTI plans to accept all snake species except Burmese and reticulated pythons starting in October 2025, with more reptile species to be added in 2026.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The Mountain Press
- Wikipedia: Reptile
- DVM 360
- Google Search: Amphibian Adoption
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Amphibian
- Google News: Sustainable Pet Adoption
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
