THE GROWING DEMAND FOR WILD PETS BETWEEN 2021 AND 2025 IN BRAZIL

Abstract

With the present research, the objective was to conduct a survey of data on the demand for wild animals as pets in Brazil, relating current regulations and the economic growth of the sector. The study also sought to highlight the challenges associated with wildlife trafficking, considering that it is harmful to the environment and may intensify when associated with the growing demand for “non-conventional pets.” The relevance of the study is based on the need to understand how the popularization of wild animals as pets can foster illegal trafficking, contribute to ecological imbalance, promote the spread of zoonoses, and require greater involvement of veterinarians in this context. The methodology used was based on bibliographic and documentary review, analyzing academic materials, reports, laws, books, and news, covering the period from 2021 to 2025, within the national context. Through this approach, it was possible to correlate the increase in the acquisition of native and exotic wild animals with the possible environmental and sanitary impacts resulting from this behavior, as well as its influence on the national market. The results point to a significant growth in the wild animal market after the SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) pandemic, reflecting changes in consumption and challenges to wildlife conservation.