Good Friends in a Pinch

The Land Hermit Crab Owners Society (LHCOS) exists to protect land hermit crabs through education, advocacy, and conservation-minded care.

We work to reduce preventable suffering, correct harmful misinformation, and support responsible, ethical decision-making that prioritizes long-term welfare over convenience or novelty.

Our mission is grounded in the belief that informed communities create meaningful change—for individual animals and for wild populations.

What We Stand For

LHCOS is guided by the following core values, summarized by the acronym CARE:

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

Advocacy & Adoption
We advocate for humane treatment and responsible choices, emphasizing long-term care, ethical adoption practices, and the reduction of unnecessary harm.

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

Education
We believe education is the foundation of ethical care, conservation, and lasting change. Accurate information empowers caretakers, educators, and communities to do better.

How We Work

LHCOS fulfills its mission by:

  • Providing accessible, evidence-based educational resources
  • Supporting ethical care practices and welfare standards
  • Encouraging conservation-minded behavior and sourcing awareness
  • Facilitating community programs aligned with humane principles
  • Collaborating respectfully with mission-aligned individuals and organizations

Our work centers education and responsibility rather than enforcement or certification.

What We Do Not Do

To maintain clarity and trust:

  • We do not sell animals
  • We do not promote novelty pet ownership
  • We do not certify or regulate private individuals or organizations
  • We do not replace professional or veterinary guidance

Our role is educational, advocacy-focused, and conservation-minded.

Our Commitment

LHCOS is committed to transparency, accountability, and continuous learning. As understanding evolves, we adapt our educational resources and outreach to reflect best practices while remaining grounded in animal welfare and conservation ethics.

Learn More

Explore how our mission is put into practice: