RSPCA Brighton urges thorough research before adopting a snake

This World Snake Day (16 July), the RSPCA is shining a spotlight on snakes in its care who are searching for loving homes, while reminding would-be owners that these fascinating reptiles require experienced, knowledgeable carers.It comes as the charity reveals it received more than four reports per day about snake welfare in 2025 – the highest number in at least five years.

Reptile rescue – From corn snakes and royal pythons, to boa constrictors and Taiwanese beauty snakes, a number of snakes are currently being cared for at RSPCA Brighton Reptile Rescue, while they wait for their forever homes.The charity says that these remarkable reptiles need knowledgeable owners who are committed to understanding and meeting their specific welfare needs – but that for those in a position to adopt, “rescue is always best”. Snakes require carefully controlled environments, including specialist heating and lighting, appropriate diets and spacious enclosures that allow them to carry out natural behaviours. Many species of snakes can live for 20 years or more, making them a significant long-term commitment.

The appeal comes after new RSPCA figures revealed the charity received 1,485 reports involving snakes in 2025 – the highest annual total recorded in any of the last five years. Many of the snakes that come into the charity’s care have been abandoned or signed over to the charity after owners underestimated the specialist care they need. The charity’s appeal also comes as its Cruelty Hurts, Love Rescues campaign highlights the increased pressure on the charity’s frontline teams during the warmer months, when reports of animal cruelty typically peak and more vulnerable animals come into the charity’s care.

Provide a home – Now, the RSPCA is encouraging anyone considering adopting a snake or other reptile to carefully research their needs and ensure they can provide the right environment for them before taking one on. Evie Button, RSPCA Senior Scientific Officer, said: “Exotic pets such as snakes often end up in the RSPCA’s care after people realise they’re not easy to care for, or the novelty wears off. “Pet snakes are completely dependent on their owners to provide the right accommodation, heating, lighting and diet, all of which needs to replicate their natural habitat as closely as possible to keep them healthy and allow them to express their natural behaviours. “We’d urge anyone thinking about getting a snake to thoroughly research the needs of the particular species they are interested in, because the conditions in their enclosure needs to mimic the conditions of their natural habitat. “But for those who are able to provide specialist and appropriate care for a snake throughout their life, these reptiles can make fascinating and rewarding companions.”

Jenny Eden, Branch Manager at RSPCA Brighton, said: “Every one of these snakes has their own personality and we’d love to see them in loving forever homes with people who understand exactly what they need.“We spend time getting to know each snake and helping potential adopters understand the specialist care they’ll require, so they can go on to enjoy happy, healthy lives in their new homes”.

Ratsnake Ratt -Ratsnake Rattata has been waiting more than 800 days for a home, but staff say he still has the curiosity and energy of a much younger snake. He is hoping to finally find a forever home where he can settle in and thrive.ata

Jack the Python – Jack, a python, has been with the centre for more than18 months and staff say he is a calm, easy-to-handle snake who loves his food. They hope this laid-back snake will soon find his perfect match.

Maybeline the taiwanese beauty snake – Taiwanese beauty snake Maybeline has been waiting over 200 days for a home of her own. She is looking for a spacious enclosure of at least 6ft x 2ft x 2ft – although, the bigger the better!

Anyone interested in adopting a snake or reptile from the RSPCA can visit the charity’s Find a Pet page to find out more about pets currently looking for homes. Advice on caring for snakes and other reptiles can be found on the RSPCA website.