Animal handling

At Hellfire Exotic Pets, animal welfare is — and always will be — our priority.

We’re aware that some previous establishments ran large “handling events.” That’s their choice. But we’re not running a circus.

Reptiles and invertebrates aren’t entertainment props. Frequent, high-traffic handling sessions can be stressful, especially for species that rely on calm, controlled environments. Stress affects feeding, behaviour and overall health — and that’s something we won’t compromise on.

That said, we understand that confidence and education are important when stepping into reptile keeping.

We will soon be offering 1-to-1 encounter sessions designed for those who genuinely want a more bespoke introduction to becoming a reptile keeper.

These sessions will:
✔️ Be pre-booked
✔️ Take place outside normal opening hours
✔️ Be calm, controlled and educational
✔️ Focus on correct handling, behaviour and husbandry
✔️ Provide a personal, guided experience

By holding them when we’re closed to the general public, we keep the atmosphere quiet, stress levels low, and the experience meaningful — for both you and the animal.

If you’re serious about learning, building confidence, and doing things the right way, we’ll soon have something tailored just for you.