My PhD examines the UK subculture of herptile keepers—those who keep reptiles and amphibians as domestic pets—shaped by the interplay between internal community dynamics and external societal perceptions. Using ethnographic methods across exotic pet shops, breeder conventions, and online forums, alongside analysis of media representations and public discourse, I will reveal how these forces define the cultural identity and societal impact of herptile ownership in the UK. This integrated approach advances understanding of the complex relationship between subcultural practices and public attitudes, offering insights that may inform public policy, animal welfare debates, and approaches to subcultural diversity in contemporary society.