Reptile ownership is scaling upwards, which all began during the pandemic. Rich Crowley, treasurer and past president of the Chicago Hepatological Society, which helps to rescue reptiles and amphibians, offers ideas for people who are seeking a first-time reptile. He also describes that sometimes the animal may be less expensive than the enclosure and additional equipment required – so know what you’re getting into, it’s a matter of life and death to understand their needs.

Annie Peters, CEO of Pet Partners talks about therapy animals, taking pets into hospitals, nursing homes, schools, libraries and other facilities. Unlike just a few decades ago, today there is more need for therapy animals than there are available animals. And, she says, there’s a special need for therapy cats. She also talks about the science describing the benefits of the therapy animal visits both for the human client and the animal.

New pet population data.