Who We Are

The Land Hermit Crab Owners Society (LHCOS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the welfare of land hermit crabs through education, advocacy, and conservation-minded care.

Founded to address widespread misinformation and preventable harm, LHCOS serves as an educational resource for caretakers, educators, and communities seeking accurate, ethical guidance.

Our work centers on responsibility, transparency, and respect for both individual animals and wild populations.

Why We Exist

Land hermit crabs are frequently misunderstood, poorly cared for, and treated as disposable novelty pets. These practices contribute to high mortality in captivity and sustained pressure on wild populations.

LHCOS exists to change that pattern.

We believe that better outcomes begin with:

  • Accurate, accessible information
  • Honest discussion of welfare and conservation realities
  • Communities that value long-term care over convenience

Education is the most effective tool for reducing harm.

Our Values

LHCOS is guided by four core values, summarized by CARE:

Conservation & Community
We promote conservation awareness while fostering informed, respectful communities that support ethical care and responsible interaction with natural environments.

Advocacy & Adoption
We advocate for humane treatment and responsible decision-making, emphasizing long-term care, ethical adoption, and reduced demand for harmful practices.

Research & Rescue
We value evidence-based knowledge and rescue-informed perspectives that improve outcomes for hermit crabs affected by exploitation or inadequate care.

Education
We believe education is the foundation of ethical care, conservation, and lasting change.

What We Do

LHCOS advances its mission by:

  • Developing and sharing evidence-based care and conservation resources
  • Providing guidance for educators and classroom environments
  • Supporting welfare-focused community programs
  • Encouraging ethical sourcing and conservation-minded behavior
  • Maintaining transparent governance and policies

Our approach prioritizes education and harm reduction rather than enforcement.

What We Do Not Do

To maintain clarity and trust, LHCOS does not:

  • Sell or broker animals
  • Promote novelty or impulse pet ownership
  • Certify, license, or regulate individuals or businesses
  • Replace professional or veterinary care

Our role is educational and advocacy-focused.

How We Are Governed

LHCOS is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors and operates under written policies that guide ethics, community management, and program oversight.

Information about governance, transparency reports, and organizational policies is available in the Transparency & Governance section of this website.

Working With Others

LHCOS collaborates with mission-aligned individuals, educators, rescues, and organizations where goals and values align. We respect the independence of other initiatives and prioritize clarity in how relationships are described.

Educational reference does not imply endorsement or oversight.

Learn More

Explore our work and resources: