10 Points to Confirm Before Purchasing Live Animals

Introduction: Before Purchasing Live Animals Online

We now live in an era where purchasing live animals through the internet has become possible, making it easier to acquire rare individuals from breeders across the country. However, online purchases—where you cannot directly see the actual organism—come with considerations not present in face-to-face transactions. Failures such as "the condition was different from what I expected when it arrived" or "I wasn't prepared to receive it" often stem from insufficient prior verification.

Here, we provide a detailed explanation of 10 key points you must confirm before purchasing live animals online.

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Points 1–3: Basic Husbandry Environment and Legal Verification

Point 1: Is Your Husbandry Space Adequately Prepared?

Waiting to set up your environment after the animal arrives is a major mistake. All necessary equipment—aquariums, cages, temperature control devices, filters—must be prepared and fully operational before the animal arrives.

In particular, with aquariums, a minimum of 2–4 weeks of "cycling period" is necessary for beneficial bacteria to establish and water quality to stabilize. Introducing the animal without allowing this period risks rapid spikes in ammonia and nitrites that can be fatal. Once you begin considering a purchase, start by preparing your environment first.

Point 2: Is Raising This Species Legally Permissible?

Animal husbandry is deeply regulated by law. This is an easily overlooked point but must be verified before purchase.

• Designated Animals: Some reptiles (crocodilians, large snakes, etc.) require permission from the prefectural governor to keep
• Invasive Species Law: Certain species such as red-eared sliders and bullfrogs are prohibited from ownership, sale, and transfer
• CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species): Corals and certain reptiles and birds are subject to international trade restrictions, sometimes requiring certificates

Even if kept unknowingly, you may face legal liability. Always research any species you are interested in before purchase.