USARK describes itself as "a science, education and conservation based advocacy (organization) for the responsible private ownership of, and trade in reptiles.
"[1] USARK was founded in 2008 to protect reptile keepers and breeders from an increasingly restrictive regulatory environment.
USARK is credited with pioneering advocacy for herpetoculture (the keeping and propagation under human care of reptiles and amphibians).
On conservation, USARK recommends approaches to maintaining the biodiversity of reptiles and amphibians that involve breeding in captivity.
[3] USARK endorses "caging standards, sound husbandry, escape prevention protocols, and an integrated approach to vital conservation issues.