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Josh's Frogs

Our Mission

At Josh's Frogs, we made the decision long ago to only sell healthy, captive-bred animals. This might seem like an easy choice, but it does put us at a serious competitive disadvantage to those online pet stores that sell wild-caught animals. Wild-caught animals are cheaper, more easily available, and the seller does not have to go through the trouble of breeding their own stock – it's as simple as ordering more when you're out. This greatly reduces overhead costs, and allows for a greater profit. We decided that was not the best direction for Josh's Frogs – even if it cut into the bottom line. In the best interest of our animals and of our customers, we feel there are better ways to provide exotic pets to the public.
By selling only captive-bred animals, Josh's Frogs is not harming wild populations of the animals we love. By purchasing our captive-bred animals, you are not harming the wild populations of the animals you love. These statements are very simple yet powerful nonetheless. Every animal removed from the wild is one less animal that can contribute to wild populations. With many wild populations of amphibians on the decline, additional pressure from the pet trade is certainly not something that's needed. By captive-breeding animals in our facilities, we're filling the demand for amphibians that could otherwise be filled with wild-caught animals, therefore reducing the demand for their wild-caught counterparts. Less demand for wild-caught animals = fewer wild-caught animals coming into the country. That's a win for wild amphibian populations and a win for our customers.
Captive-bred animals are already adapted to life in a vivarium or terrarium and do not undergo the stress that wild-caught animals do. Stress often causes other health problems, such as malnutrition, bacterial or fungal infections, or parasite infestations, which are all very common in wild-caught animals, and much less common in captive-bred animals. Stress tends to snowball, leading to one very unhappy and unhealthy animal. The majority of wild-caught amphibians perish very quickly (and needlessly) after capture. The trip from the wild to a terrarium is often a long one. Animals are often captured by locals, acquired by local dealers, then other dealers, and finally by the exporter. Then, they travel across the world, are received by an importer, and often change hands 2-3 more times before finally ending up at their permanent place of residence. It's unrealistic to think that wild-caught animals receive proper care during the whole journey, which can take weeks. In short, captive-bred animals tend to be much healthier animals.
With fewer health problems than wild-caught animals, captive-bred ones make better pets. Being that they were bred in captivity, it's easy to find out exactly how old the animal you are purchasing is – no need to be concerned about receiving a wild-caught animal that is already nearing the end of its natural life. While wild-caught animals are occasionally needed to establish new captive-breeding populations, there is simply no need for the vast majority of wild-caught animals to ever be imported into the USA for the pet trade.
Don't be a part of the problem, be a part of the solution – always choose captive-bred!

Our Partners:

Habitattitude - Habits, Attitude, and Habitat—together they comprise Habitattitude. This educational campaign with the uncommon name addresses common concerns of private enterprises, state and federal natural resource agencies, and responsible pet owners: protecting our environment from the impacts of invasive species. Habitattitude™ seeks to inspire and empower people to explore the connection between responsible pet ownership and environmental stewardship.
Don't Let It Loose - Whether you're just curious about how released pets can become invasive species or you're looking for rehoming advice for your pet, Don't Let It Loose™ is here to help. The resources found throughout their website educate on how released pets can become invasive species and discuss how you can help.