While we are unable to accept animal donations, there are several organizations that provide online guidance for humanely rehoming or surrendering animals. Releasing a pet is never a good idea for the animal or for our local environment. Instead, please see the suggestions offered by Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation:
http://separc.org/unwanted-pets/
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) provides information about the harmful impact of nonnative species and also offers options to avoid releasing a pet:
http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/exotic-information/
Don’t let it loose
If you can’t care for an exotic pet anymore, don’t set it free - that’s illegal, and your pet will likely die without care from you.
- find a local hobby group or rescue that may have an adoption program
- see if the pet shop will take it back or accept it as a donation
- check your local nature centers and museums
- talk to your humane society
- bring it to an Exotic Pet Amnesty Day or call the FWC’s adoption hotline at 888-IVE-GOT1
FWC also periodically hosts Exotic Pet Amnesty Events:
http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/amnesty-program/