No Longer Just a Nation of Dog Lovers…Reptiles Leave Fido Standing!

LONDON - Reptiles, Amphibians and Invertebrates top Britain’s pet Population

8 million pet tortoises, turtles, lizards, snakes, frogs, toads, newts, salamanders, not to mention spiders and stick insects, have now become the UK’s largest pet population - ahead of cats (7 million) and leaving dogs well behind (5 million).

Herpetologist and writer David Alderton, editor of the new Practical Reptile Keeping magazine, is in no doubt that the trend is here to stay: “More and more people are fascinated by the idea of sharing their lives with a pet that adds a new dimension, and while asking little more than the right living conditions, provides education and entertainment.

“There is a reptile, amphibian or even an insect for everyone, and the choice of colours, size, lifestyle and so on is virtually endless. Compared with a dog or a cat, they can be much more economical, and of course they are much lower maintenance,” he says.

Practical Reptile Keeping- the first ever monthly magazine aimed specifically at owners of exotic pets including snakes, lizards, tortoises, amphibians and bugs - goes on sale on April 17 2009. The magazine is designed to help owners and would-be owners learn more about their hobby, with news, features on healthcare, vivarium set ups, and hints and tips from current owners.

For those who find the idea of reptiles and others indoors still a little too much, there will also be regular features on how to make your garden more wildlife friendly, and why frogs, toads, lizards and snakes are a gardener’s friend.

Summing up, David says: “Until now, there hasn’t really been a single source of information for fans of these wonderful creatures. Practical Reptile Keeping will help owners and those who want to know more keep their pets in the best way possible, and we hope it will help raise the profile for these pets with panache!”

Practical Reptile Keeping, published by Kelsey Publishing, is on sale now, cover price GBP3.00, and is available from WHSmith, Sainsburys, Asda and newsagents throughout the UK, as well as selected pet shops including Pets at Home.

Notes to editors:

About David Alderton: David is a well-known author and journalist specializing in pets and natural history. Trained as a veterinary surgeon, allergic dermatitis forced him to change his career. With over 50 published titles, David’s books have sold over six million copies and been translated into 30 different languages.

About Kelsey Publishing: Kent-based Kelsey Publishing is the UK’s fastest growing top 30 magazine publisher (retail sales value 2008 vs 2007), with a portfolio of 26 magazines aimed at hobbyists. Market leading titles include Practical Poultry and Tractor & Machinery as well as Classic Car Weekly, Jaguar Enthusiast, Grow It!, and Running Fitness.

Source: Practical Reptile Keeping

For further press information, reptile photography, or an interview with David - and a selection of exotic pets if required! - please contact: Cressy Brooks, Practical Reptile Keeping PR, +44(0)1303-872933 / +44(0)7876-162461, cressybrooks at gofast.co.uk