Hermit crab care programs at the Land Hermit Crab Owners Society advance ethical care, education, and advocacy while working to reduce harm at its source.
Programs are standards-driven, structured, and designed to support long-term impact rather than short-term solutions.
Participation in programs requires alignment with LHCOS values and adherence to established guidelines.
Program Philosophy
LHCOS programs are built on three core principles:
• education prevents harm
• standards create accountability
• sustainability protects long-term outcomes
Programs are not rescue operations, disposal systems, or substitutes for ethical decision-making.
Approved Sellers Program for Hermit Crab Care
The Approved Sellers Program promotes ethical sourcing, transparency, and responsible practices within the hermit crab marketplace.
Approved Sellers meet defined criteria designed to reduce harm associated with the pet trade and to discourage impulse purchasing.
This program exists to change industry expectations, not to endorse commercial sales.
Link: Approved Sellers
Hermit Crab Adoption Program
The Hermit Crab Adoption Program supports responsible rehoming of hermit crabs already in private care when circumstances change.
The program prioritizes animal welfare, adopter readiness, and realistic capacity. It does not absorb commercial overstock or offset predictable outcomes of the pet trade.
Adoption decisions are guided by care standards and available resources.
Link: Adoptions
Claws in the Classroom Education Program
Claws in the Classroom supports educational environments by providing hermit crab-related resources to qualifying classrooms.
The program focuses on education and ethical care awareness. It does not supply animals or promote classroom acquisition.
Link: Claws in the Classroom
Volunteer Program
Land Hermit Crab Owners Society (LHCOS) is powered by volunteers who care deeply about hermit crab welfare, ethical trade, and public education. Whether you have a few hours a month or want to take on a regular role, your time and skills directly support programs that protect hermit crabs and the people who care for them.
Link: Volunteer with LHCOS
Hermit Crab Advocacy Initiatives
Advocacy initiatives address systemic causes of harm through education, promotion of care standards, and responsible influence.
Advocacy emphasizes prevention, accuracy, and ethical consistency rather than confrontation or individual intervention.
Link: Advocacy Initiatives
How Hermit Crab Care Programs Work Together
All LHCOS programs are informed by:
• Care & Education standards
• Ethical Care Overview
• Research & References
Education informs adoption readiness. Standards inform seller criteria. Advocacy reinforces all programs.
Program Participation and Responsibility
Participation in hermit crab care programs requires:
• alignment with ethical standards
• respect for boundaries and capacity
• understanding that not all requests can be fulfilled
Clear boundaries protect animals, volunteers, and long-term outcomes.
Where to Go Next
To participate:
• Get Involved
• Volunteering with LHCOS
To understand the standards behind programs:
• Care & Education
• Ethical Care Overview
Why These Programs Matter
Hermit crab care programs are most effective when they are clear, consistent, and sustainable.
Grounding programs in education and standards protects animals, supports volunteers, and preserves the integrity of the mission.