J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue (JRAAR) successfully hosted an Exotic Pet Surrender Event at 1000 Islands Environmental Center, providing a safe and responsible rehoming option for exotic pet owners. A total of 14 animals were surrendered, including clownfish, lizards, snakes, and an axolotl.
The most common reason cited for surrender was that owners could no longer provide the care their pets required. These events serve as a critical alternative to releasing exotic pets into the wild, which can be both harmful to the animals and detrimental to local ecosystems.
“We understand that circumstances change, and sometimes pet owners find themselves unable to provide the care their animals need. Our surrender events offer a compassionate, judgment-free option to ensure these pets receive the best possible future. By choosing to surrender instead of releasing an animal into the wild, pet owners are making a responsible decision that protects both their pet and the environment,” said Macy Yohr, Surrender Event Specialist at J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue.
JRAAR partnered with Fox Wolf Watershed Alliance, Winnebago Waterways, and University of Wisconsin Sea Grant/Water Resources Institutes to host the event. Support from Petco Love and the Petfinder Foundation made it possible to offer this vital service to the community.
Next Exotic Pet Surrender Event – March 28 in Stevens Point
For those who were unable to attend, the next Exotic Pet Surrender Event will take place on March 28th in Stevens Point. These events are open to anyone needing to surrender an exotic pet—no questions asked. More details can be found here: Event Info.
Surrendered pets will receive a brief quarantine and observation period before becoming available for adoption. There are no same-day adoptions.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact John Moyles at [email protected].
About J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue
J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue is dedicated to the responsible rehoming of exotic pets and educating the public about proper pet care. The organization also works to prevent the release of non-native species into the environment by offering surrender events as an alternative.