Our Mission

Good Friends in a Pinch

The Land Hermit Crab Owners Society (LHCOS) exists to protect land hermit crabs through education, advocacy, and ethical standards that prioritize animal welfare and the preservation of wild populations.

We work to reduce preventable suffering, correct harmful misinformation, and support responsible, conservation-minded 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.

Our Vision

We envision a future where:

  • Wild land hermit crab populations are protected and respected
  • Ethical care standards are widely understood and practiced
  • Education replaces impulse buying and misinformation
  • Conservation-minded choices are the norm, not the exception

Our Core Values (CARE)

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 Live Our Values

Our mission and values are reflected in:

  • Educational resources grounded in best-available knowledge
  • Advocacy efforts that address harmful industry practices
  • Programs that promote ethical standards and accountability
  • Partnerships aligned with conservation and welfare goals
  • Governance structures that support transparency and oversight

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

What We Do — and What We Do Not Do

To maintain clarity, trust, and ethical boundaries:

We do

  • Provide accessible, evidence-based educational resources
  • Support ethical care practices and welfare standards
  • Encourage conservation-minded behavior and sourcing awareness
  • Facilitate community programs aligned with humane principles

We do not

  • Sell animals
  • Promote novelty pet ownership
  • Certify or regulate private individuals or organizations
  • 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 research advances and best practices evolve, we adapt our education and outreach while remaining grounded in animal welfare and conservation ethics.

Learn More

Explore how our mission is put into practice: