Exotic pet Photo: VCG

As a growing number of pet enthusiasts, driven by trends and novelty, are fueling a craze for keeping exotic pets, Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) warned that the trade, breeding, medical care, and abandonment of these animals pose significant safety risks, threatening ecological and biological security.

Exotic pets, short for "non-traditional pets" or "alternative pets," refer to non-native wildlife species kept for companionship, display, or commercial purposes, distinct from conventional pets like cats and dogs. These include invertebrates such as insects, as well as vertebrates like birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.

The global wildlife trade, involving billions of animals annually, continues to expand, with exotic pets gaining increasing popularity. The 2025 China Pet Industry White Paper (Consumption Report) reveals that the number of exotic pet owners grew steadily in 2024. Statistics indicate that approximately 17.07 million people in China now keep exotic pets, with the market approaching 10 billion yuan ($1.39 billion). On social media, influencers sharing pet care tips and handling techniques are ubiquitous.

Yet, the history of human interaction with exotic pets remains brief, leaving critical gaps in understanding the pathogens they carry and the potential for disease transmission during trade and breeding. This lack of knowledge and effective countermeasures heightens the risk of outbreaks.

In 2023, China's "No.1 central document" for the first time included measures to strengthen exotic pet management, emphasizing a "crackdown on illegal wildlife introductions" and "enhanced regulation of exotic pet trade and release practices." But how exactly are "alien species" defined, and do they equate to "invasive alien species"? 

According to China's Invasive Alien Species Management Measure, alien species refer to those with no natural distribution within China that have been introduced via natural or artificial means, including all viable and reproductive parts. No entity or individual may introduce, release, or discard alien species without approval.

Invasive alien species refer to alien species that, after introduction and establishment, threaten ecosystems, habitats, or native species, jeopardizing China's ecological balance, agricultural/forestry/fishery sustainability, and biodiversity.

Most popular exotic pets are alien species with no natural presence in China. Lacking natural predators or ecological constraints, they often outcompete native species for resources and habitat, destabilizing local ecosystems. If these pets escape or are abandoned, they can severely damage biodiversity, disrupt ecological stability, and even trigger environmental disasters.

MSS warned that exotic pets must be kept responsibly. Citizens must heighten national security awareness, guard against the risks of exotic pet ownership, and become guardians of biosecurity.

According to MSS, China's biosafety law prohibits unauthorized introduction, release, or disposal of alien species. The Criminal Law stipulates that illegally introducing, releasing, or discarding invasive species may result in less than 3 years imprisonment and fines for severe cases. All citizens must strictly adhere to regulations regarding trade, breeding, transport, and release of alien species.

Buyers should purchase only from licensed breeders, reject smuggled or wild-caught animals, and demand quarantine certificates, said the ministry.

Global Times