According to a recent report by the United States Census Bureau, nearly half of all American households have pets, with reptiles making up to 2.5 million households alone. Pet reptile industry statistics show that this has grown over the last 10 years to make reptiles one of the most popular pets.

This may sound like a relatively low number compared to common pets like cats and dogs. However, this number shows the remarkable growth of the pet reptile industry business and the demographic shift toward having exotic pets as a part of the family.

If you’re interested in finding out more, this guide will walk you through 18 of the most interesting pet reptile industry statistics that will amaze you. So without further ado, let’s dive right in!

1. The Pet Reptile Industry Is Valued Over $1.0 to $1.4 Billion

Let’s kick off the list with one of the main pet reptile industry statistics that show the huge growth of the pet reptile market in the last few years. 

According to a major governmental report released in 2011 by the White House, the pet reptile market’s revenue exceeded the $1.4 billion mark, with expectations for the market to grow even further in the following years.

This figure doesn’t only include pet reptile sales, but also other services and products associated with pet reptile care, providing lucrative opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses in the industry to thrive!

2. There are Over 9.6 Million Pet Reptiles in the U.S.

According to multiple reports, North America and Europe are the two largest markets for pet reptiles in the world, as they have the largest pet reptile populations.

Unfortunately, there is limited information about the number of pet reptiles owned globally due to a lack of documentation in many countries around the world. 

Yet, recent data in 2021 shows the number of pet reptiles in the United States alone is around 9.6 million. This includes a wide range of lizard, turtle, and snake species.

3. There Are Around 4.5 to 6 Million Reptile Pet Owner Households in the U.S.

The previously mentioned report also sheds light on the number of households that have a reptile as a pet. According to the figures provided, it’s estimated that over 4.5 million households in the United States own a reptile.

This makes the United States the country with the largest population of pet reptile owners in the world. It’s also the largest importer and exporter of pet reptile species, according to the same report. 

Not only that, but this also makes the United States the largest market for pet reptiles in the world, including pet owners, breeders, vets, hobbyists, and pet stores that specialize in pet reptile services and products.

Although 4.5 million is the official figure, some reports claim that the number is even higher, standing at around 6 million households.

4. The Number of Pet Reptile Owners in the UK Grew by Over 75%

The trend of tremendous growth in the number of pet reptile owners isn’t limited to the United States alone, but in many countries around the world as well. Pet reptile industry statistics for the UK have been gathered for years by the statistics office and the RSPCA.

In fact, a recent report by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals shows that the number of reptile pet owners in the United Kingdom has grown from 400,000 in 2008 to 700,000 by 2017. In other words, it grew by around 75% in less than a decade!

5. Reptile Pet Food/Supplies Sales Are Expected to Grow Up to $650 Million in 2024

The incredible growth of the reptile market business in recent years has also led to a thriving ecosystem of side businesses and services that cater to the diverse needs of reptile owners and hobbyists.

This includes but isn’t limited to pet reptile food products, non-food supplies, specialized breeding, reptile-specific vet clinics, and even pet sitters.

As a result, pet reptile food and supplies sales are projected to grow rapidly in the next few years. A good example here is the Business Research Insights report that shows that sales of reptile products will reach $650 million by the end of 2024.

6. 45% of Pet Reptile Keepers Are 20 to 30 Years Old

Understanding the demographics of the industry is an essential aspect when it comes to addressing target audiences.

Of course, people of all ages and social classes own pet reptiles. However, an interesting report by Zippia shows that the largest pet reptile keeper demographic is young adults between the age of 20 to 30 years old.

The second and third highest demographics reported are the age group between 30 to 40 years old and 40+ years old respectively. They have fairly similar percentages at 25% and 23%.

7. Reptile Pet Ownership Grew by 11% Among Gen Z

Although older age groups are still the dominant demographic, pet reptile ownership is rising significantly among younger generations as well.

A recent report by the Pet Food Industry shows that keeping a pet reptile is becoming a trend among Generation Z (born between the 1990s and 2010s), growing from 18% to 29% in just 5 years (2018 to 2022).

The report even discusses how this rising trend is allowing the industry to thrive and creates opportunities for premiumization and creating high-end reptile pet food lines.

8. Captive Bred Pet Reptiles Typically Live Longer Than Wild Counterparts

As reptiles are becoming an increasingly popular choice for exotic pets, so do the talks about their welfare. 

One of the key concerns here is the mortality rate of reptiles, and whether it’s cruel to remove them from their natural habitat, which puts them at great risk of dying, especially in the first year of ownership.

The good news here is that captive breeding of reptiles actually helps them live longer, according to science!

One study found that the overall mortality rate for reptiles in the first year of ownership was 3.6%, which is quite low. This is mostly because captive-bred reptiles have a consistent food source and aren’t exposed to the harshness and predators of the wild.

9. Captive Breeding Reduces the Stress on Wild Reptile Populations

Another concern that people have about the pet reptile trade is that it puts a lot of pressure on the wild population of these species.

Surprisingly, however, recent studies also show that captive breeding can actually improve sustainability and reduce the stress on wild animal populations.

This 2015 report shows that captive breeding offers an excellent potential alternative to wild capture, which allowed the number of wild-caught reptiles to drop by over 70% in the last few years.

10. 60% of Pet Reptiles Are Sold Outside of Official Pet Stores

Back in the day, registered pet stores were the go-to channel to find and raise a healthy pet reptile. However, the hobbyist and part-time breeders scene is quickly overtaking its spot.

According to this report, a significant portion of pet reptiles are now sold outside pet stores, with estimates suggesting that these informal channels make up over 60% of the sales.

One of the main drivers behind this shift in trends comes from online marketplaces. Despite the convenience and affordability of these methods, they’re not as guaranteed as pet stores, which may pose risks to the reptile’s well-being and levels of comfort.

11. Poor Reptile Pet Trade Regulations Threaten Many Reptile Species

This one goes in line with the previous point, showing how unregulated pet reptile trade can pose a significant risk to the welfare of wild species.

A recent study found that over 35% of all pet reptiles are now traded online. Unfortunately, the majority of these online vendors don’t abide by pet trade regulations, especially for the pet reptiles that were captured from the wild.

The study puts a lot of emphasis on the importance of setting up trade regulations for these forms of trade for the sake of the wild species that are continuously endangered by these irresponsible acts.

12. There Are Over 10,000 Active Pet Reptile Breeders in the U.S.

Technically speaking, estimating the number of pet reptile breeders out there can be quite a challenge. This is because some of them don’t document their activity, which makes it hard to track and document.

However, the report on the Modern U.S. Reptile Industry has put an estimation for the number of breeders in the country, which is anywhere between 8,000 to 10,000 active breeders with most of them labeled as hobbyists.

13. The Pandemic Contributed Both Negatively and Positively to the Reptile Pet Industry

It’s no secret now that the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruption for all kinds of supply and distribution chains of many industries, including pets.

In fact, the Business Research Insights report suggests that this disruption affected the pet reptile market negatively. 

However, the psychological impacts of the pandemic and social distancing sparked an interest among many people to adopt pet companions, which allowed the entire pet industry (reptiles included) to thrive.

14. Ball Pythons and Bearded Dragons Are the Most Popular Pet Reptiles

Some people may have a hard time pinpointing their favorite pet reptile, as there’s a wide variety of reptile species out there that can thrive as pets.

However, this report also highlighted the most popular pet reptiles among hobbyists and enthusiasts through surveying and direct questioning. This included reptile keepers from all over the world and covering multiple social media platforms to give the most accurate representation.

The findings of these surveys put Ball Python in first place at 86.8% and the bearded dragon in second place at 80.2%, followed by leopard geckos at 74.7%.

15. The Common Iguana is the Most Imported Pet Reptile in the U.S.

Despite the previous data, other reports show that the most imported pet reptile in the U.S. is the common iguana.

This is mainly because the previously mentioned species are commonly raised locally by pet breeders, which are easier to breed outside their habitat than iguanas, which are originally native to Mexico and Latin America.

16. The Average Reptile Keeper makes around $35,000 a Year

The Zippia report also talks about the demographic makeup of reptile keepers. According to this data, the average reptile keeper is expected to make $35,000 a year by selling pet reptiles.

However, as previously established, most reptile keepers are part-timers who consider it a side hustle. 

Interestingly, the report finds that those who work in the education and hospitality business make up the majority of reptile pet keepers, with both of them claiming over 24% of all industries.

17. There Are More Female Reptile Keepers Than Males

Although the ratio between men and women who keep a pet reptile in their home is technically balanced, there are slightly more female reptile keepers than males.

However, the ratio between men and women keeping pet reptiles has been shifting throughout the years. For example, in 2012 males made 54.7% of reptile owners, the highest in recent years.

Females, on the other hand, reached their highest percentage at 54.3% in 2017. The latest records date back to 2021, with males making up 48.8% and females gaining a slight edge at 51.2%

18. 85% of Reptile Pet Owners Consider Them a Part of Their Family

Ending on a wholesome note, the intriguing behaviors and wonderful appearance of pet reptiles have made a lot of people fall in love with them.

A whopping 85% of reptile keepers consider them more than just a companion, but rather a part of their family! My favourite pet reptile industry statistic of them all!

Wrap Up

This marks the end of today’s guide that walks you through some of the most interesting pet reptile industry statistics. 

As you can see, the reptile industry has grown significantly over the last few years, with reptile ownership levels reaching unprecedented levels among newer generations.

Not only that, but the industry is also expected to grow even further in the following years, which is a testament to the joy that these mini dinosaurs can bring to our lives and how many people are enjoying it!