Social media has become one of the most powerful places where people learn about animals. Every day, Canadians scroll past videos of sugar gliders, servals, turtles, snakes, and even native species of wild animals being kept in homes.
But what do these posts actually tell us about public attitudes toward the exotic pet trade?
A 2024 research study examined social media content to better understand how Canadians talk about exotic pets online. What the researchers found raises serious concerns for animal welfare, conservation, and the growing normalization of keeping exotic animals as companions.
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The study found that a wide range of animals appeared in social media posts, including:
Many of the most popular posts showed exotic animals in ways that encouraged admiration, without explaining how difficult it is to meet their complex needs.
Public opinion was often positive
One of the most troubling findings was that overall public opinion about the exotic pet trade in Canada was mostly positive.
Reactions often depended on the type of animal being shown. Mammals received more positive responses than reptiles or spiders, for example.
When people expressed concern, it was usually focused on one visible issue, such as an enclosure being too small. Much less attention was given to broader harms, including:
In many cases, the deeper consequences of the exotic pet trade were missing from the conversation entirely.
A growing “Collector” mindset
Researchers also noticed a strong “collector” mentality online.
Some users expressed a desire to own more animals, more species, and rarer animals simply for the sake of having them. This mindset treats living beings as possessions rather than individuals with complex needs.
At the same time, there was little awareness of how the exotic animal trade threatens wild populations and ecosystems.
Exotic pets are often personified for entertainment
Another major trend was the way exotic animals are portrayed with human-like emotions or personalities.
Many posts gave animals voices, assigned them roles like “best friend” or “baby,” or suggested they enjoy captivity the way humans might.
This kind of content can be deeply misleading. Exotic animals are not domesticated and treating them like props or characters can hide serious welfare concerns.
Confusion about what’s legal
The study also found widespread misunderstanding about whether exotic pet ownership is legal.
Many viewers assumed that if an animal is shown online, it must be permitted or ethical to keep. In reality, laws vary widely, enforcement is limited, and illegal ownership can easily go unnoticed on social media.
When viral content drives demand: “Paris Hilton Syndrome”
The researchers highlighted a phenomenon sometimes called “Paris Hilton Syndrome.”
This term comes from the surge in Chihuahua popularity after Paris Hilton’s dog frequently appeared in the media. Many people bought the breed impulsively, and countless dogs were later abandoned or surrendered to shelters.
Similar trends have followed popular films and television shows, including:
Today, influencers and celebrities sharing exotic pet videos can have the same effect. Viral content can make exotic animals seem trendy, accessible, and easy to care for, even when the reality is far more complex.
The danger of “Folklore Husbandry”
The study also identified a troubling pattern of misinformation known as “folklore husbandry.”
This refers to exotic animal care advice that spreads online without scientific evidence or best practices, often based on convenience or personal opinion.
Examples included false claims such as:
These myths can lead to suffering and neglect.
What this means for animals
Positive reactions online can encourage people with little experience to purchase exotic pets or accumulate more animals over time.
When exotic animals are presented as cute, funny, or emotionally relatable, viewers may accept the content without questioning whether the animal is stressed, improperly housed, or even being kept illegally.
The result is increased demand, weak oversight, and growing risks for animals.
What can we do?
Technology can worsen the exotic pet trade, but it can also help stop it. How we use social media matters.
We can do better by:
Social media can be part of the solution, not the problem.
Share our content to reach more people and spread the word!
Read the original study here:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1617138123001930
