5 Ways to Support the End Betta Cups Campaign

By Conner Tighe

Betta fish are still commonly displayed for sale in small plastic cups, a practice that raises significant welfare concerns. Betta World For Bettas' End Betta Cups campaign is calling on Petco, PetSmart, Pet Supplies Plus, and Pet Supermarket to publish a plan by March 2027 to phase out betta cup displays across their stores.

You don't have to be an animal welfare professional to get involved. Here are five simple ways you can support the campaign and help push for better conditions for betta fish.

1. Sign the End Betta Cups Petition

One of the easiest ways to support the campaign is by signing the End Betta Cups petition.

Adding your name helps demonstrate that customers and fish advocates want retailers to stop displaying bettas in small cups.

You can find the petition

 and other campaign actions on the Betta World For Bettas Take Action page.

2. Document Betta Cup Conditions

If you encounter betta fish displayed in cups at a pet store, you can help document what you see.

Betta World For Bettas is collecting photos of betta cup conditions as part of its advocacy work. Photos can help provide a clearer picture of how bettas are currently being displayed across different retailers and locations. Instructions for submitting photos are available through the campaign's Take Action page.

3. Contact Pet Retailers

Consumers can also communicate directly with retailers.

Betta World For Bettas provides resources for supporters who want to email, mail, or deliver a letter in person to major pet retailers. Supporters can respectfully explain why betta welfare matters to them and ask companies to publish a plan to end the use of cup displays.

The campaign's recently published Open Letter on Betta Cups can also serve as a resource for discussing the issue. The letter includes concerns from veterinarians, scientists, fish welfare researchers, and other animal welfare professionals about factors such as waste buildup, unstable temperatures, lack of filtration, limited space, and lack of environmental enrichment in small retail cups.

Read the Open Letter on Betta Cups.

4. Print and Share End Betta Cups Flyers

Awareness can start in your own community.

Betta World For Bettas provides an End Betta Cups flyer that supporters can download, print, and distribute. Sharing campaign information with fellow fishkeepers, animal advocates, local groups, or others interested in animal welfare can introduce more people to the issue.

The more people who understand the campaign and its specific goal, the stronger the collective call for change can become.

5. Participate in the End Betta Cups Week of Awareness

From October 18–24, 2026, Betta World For Bettas will hold an End Betta Cups Week of Awareness.

Throughout the week, supporters are encouraged to take one or more of the campaign actions above and share what they are doing on social media using #EndBettaCups.

You might sign the petition, contact a retailer, share the open letter, distribute a flyer, document cup conditions, or help another person learn about the campaign.

The goal is simple: bring as many people as possible together behind a clear request that major pet retailers develop a plan to end betta cup displays.

Every Action Helps

Changing an established retail practice takes sustained public attention, and supporters can contribute in different ways. Signing a petition may take only a minute, while another person may choose to contact a retailer or document conditions at a local store.

Whatever action you choose, you can help amplify the message that betta fish deserve retail environments that better prioritize their welfare.

Visit the End Betta Cups Take Action page to get involved.