Open 11 am - 4 pm
Animal Surrender & Rehoming
Responsible Animal Care
Need Help Rehoming an Animal?
Sometimes circumstances change. If you can no longer properly care for an animal, please reach out before releasing or abandoning it. We cannot accept every animal, but we will try to help.
Please Don't Release Pets Into the Wild
A fish may outgrow its aquarium. A reptile may require more specialized care than expected. A bird may need a new home because a family's circumstances have changed. Sometimes an animal simply needs a responsible next home.
Whatever the reason, releasing a pet into the wild is not the answer. It can put the animal at risk and can also harm Florida's native wildlife and ecosystems.
Releasing Nonnative Animals Is Illegal in Florida
Florida law prohibits the release of nonnative animals into the state without authorization from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
If you are no longer able to care for an animal, please contact us or another appropriate rehoming resource instead of releasing it.
We May Be Able to Help
Some of the animals in our care came to us because their previous families could no longer provide the home they needed.
From aquarium animals and fish to reptiles, birds, and other exotic pets, every situation is different. If you can no longer properly care for an animal, call or email us. Our team can learn more about the animal and determine whether we may be able to assist.
We cannot promise that we can accept every animal, but we will take the time to learn about the situation and see how we may be able to help.
Please contact us before transporting an animal to the aquarium.
Some of the birds in our care came to us through responsible rehoming.
Every Situation Is Different
We cannot guarantee that we will be able to accept an animal. Every potential surrender has to be considered individually with the welfare of both the animal and the animals already in our care in mind.
The Animal
Species, size, age, health, diet, behavior, and current living conditions can all be important.
Our Facility
Available habitat or enclosure space, compatibility, husbandry requirements, and our existing animal population all have to be considered.
The Next Step
If we cannot accept the animal ourselves, we may still be able to help point you toward another responsible option.
Call or Email Us First
Tell us a little about the animal you need help with. Photos, species information, approximate size, current habitat or enclosure, diet, and any health information you know can help us better understand the situation.
If We Can't Accept the Animal
We are not always able to provide a home for every animal that is offered to us. That does not mean you are out of options.
For eligible nonnative pets, we can direct owners to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Exotic Pet Amnesty Program. The program helps Florida pet owners responsibly rehome nonnative animals with qualified adopters.
The program accepts rehoming requests year-round and is available at no cost to pet owners.
Learn About the FWC Exotic Pet Amnesty Program →A Responsible Decision Can Protect an Animal and Florida's Wildlife
Asking for help is far better than releasing an animal into the wild. If circumstances have changed and you need help finding the right next step for an animal in your care, please reach out.
We cannot promise that we can take every animal, but we will try to help.