This website has been designed to assist governments, the pet industry, and their partners in establishing programs and policies that prevent the release/escape of pets into the natural environment, where they can become “invasive alien species” (sometimes simply called “invasive species”).

Invasive alien species are alien (non-native) species whose introduction and/or spread threaten biological diversity and, by some definitions, human health, animal health, or the economy. For more information on invasive alien species, please see the Introduction section.

The project is a direct response to a decision of the Parties (member governments) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). In 2008, the Parties agreed (Decision IX/4) that it would be useful to have a “toolkit” of best management practices specifically designed to prevent the escape or release of pets (including those maintained in terrariums and aquariums).

The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), in collaboration with Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP), implemented the Toolkit project with financial support from government agencies and the private sector (see Thank You page).

The website is intended to serve as a “living resource,” and will be updated and expanded as resources permit.