Options for Unwanted Exotic Pets1
This trifold brochure is best viewed as a pdf, available here: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/UW/UW35300.pdf
Before You Buy
Exotic reptiles, birds, and fish are popular pets. However, many species grow large and require special cages or become difficult to handle. Many reptiles and birds require a much longer commitment for care than a hamster or even most dogs—they may even outlive their owners! Before you purchase an exotic pet, be sure you fully understand how big it will get and how long it will live, as well as its current and future housing and feeding needs. Ask yourself, "Is this the best pet for my situation, or should I consider a different one?"
Credit: California Zoological Supply, Do Not Release campaign
Unfortunately, many well-meaning pet owners choose to release their pets into the wild when they tire of the animals or are no longer able to care for them. In addition to being against state laws, releasing a pet is inhumane because many of these animals die. However, some released pets beat the odds and survive, and some even find mates and reproduce. These animals are not native to Florida, and some have the potential to cause serious harm to our environment and economy. If at some point you are no longer able to care for your exotic pet, you have several options that are discussed in this brochure—but releasing it is not an option. Never turn a pet loose outside!
Credit: Joel Rotunda, Wikimedia Project
What to Do When You Can No Longer Care for Your Exotic Pet...
Keep It Anyway
If your pet is becoming difficult to handle, getting some advice from an expert may help. Contact your local animal shelter or rescue group for advice on dealing with behavioral problems and keeping your pet healthy (see the Helpful Resources Online section). Remember that you made a commitment to care for this animal.
Find It a New Home
The best option for dealing with an unwanted pet is to find it a new home. Use the resources listed in this brochure to locate rescue groups, animal shelters, or herpetological societies (for reptiles)—they will usually try to help you place your pet in a new home. You can also post a newspaper or internet ad or post fliers at local pet stores or animal shelters. Contact local science teachers and nature centers—they may want a classroom pet.
Credit: T. J. Lin, Wikimedia Project
Return It to the Pet Store
If you are no longer able to keep your pet, contact the pet store where you purchased it. Because of the growing concern about the problems caused by pet releases, many pet stores may be willing to take back unwanted pets rather than risk having them set free. However, you probably will not get your money back!
Credit: California Zoological Supply, Do Not Release Campaign
Contact Animal Control
Animal control agencies are usually only equipped to take mammals, but some may be able to help or offer advice. However, these agencies rarely have no-kill policies and most usually cannot place exotic pets in permanent homes.
Contact Your State Wildlife Agency
Although these agencies are not able to take in unwanted pets except during special events (such as Florida's "Amnesty Day"), contacting them for advice is always better than breaking wildlife laws and risking fines by turning your pet loose outside.
Euthanize It
Euthanizing a pet is never an easy choice. However, if you cannot find anyone to take your pet, you may have to consider humane euthanasia by a qualified veterinarian (see the Helpful Resources Online section). You should not release a pet into the wild under any circumstances.
Helpful Resources Online
AnimalShelter.org provides a directory of animal shelters by state or zip code. Many shelters are only equipped to take mammals, but they may be able to connect you with local rescue groups who will help place exotic pets in new homes. https://www.animalshelter.org/shelters/states.asp
Florida Exotic Bird Sanctuary provides permanent sanctuary for exotic birds that cannot be adopted. https://www.flabirdsanctuary.org
FloridaPets.net provides a list of localized pet rescue groups. https://floridapets.net
LocalVets.com provides a directory of qualified exotic pet veterinarians, searchable by zip code. Contact them for advice or euthanasia services. https://www.localvets.com/services/exotic/
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Nonnative Species page has information on options for unwanted exotic pets in Florida—check out their Pet Amnesty Days. https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/amnesty-program/exotic-pet-amnesty-day-events/
Acknowledgments
The original version of this brochure was prepared by the 2010 Invasive Species Task Team of the Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, and was titled "What to do with unwanted pet amphibians and reptiles"—the original version is available for download at www.uga.edu/separc/ [https://separc.org/unwanted-pets August 2022]. This version was created primarily as a resource for UF/IFAS Extension agents and other educators in Florida, and covers a broader range of species and provides resources specific to Florida.
