Reptile Adoption: Where to Find Rescue Reptiles
Are you considering adding a new reptile to your family? If so, you may be excited to hear that the world of animal rescue isn’t restricted to just dogs and cats.
While our furry friends are the most common rescue animals talked about, there are some incredible rescues and organizations across the country and around the globe working to connect rescue reptiles with their perfect forever families.
The hardest part of rescuing a reptile isn’t even the rescue process itself. It’s the search for a reptile-focused rescue to start the process.
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Below, you will see a list of great organizations focused on reptiles of all kinds to help you start your own rescue journey!
Unlike dog and cat rescues, organizations that are focused on saving and rehoming rescue reptiles aren’t nearly as common. There are a few key reasons for this:
- Reptiles as pets aren’t nearly as common, meaning that there are less homes searching
- Fewer reptile homes mean fewer reptiles being abandoned and in need of rehoming
- Reptiles require specialized care that not all rescue organizations are familiar with
Whatever the reason, don’t let it discourage you from considering the world of rescue when planning to add a new reptile to your family.
There may not be as many organizations but those that do exist are devoted reptile lovers focused on finding the best possible home for the pets that are in their care.
Is A Reptile the Right Pet for Your Family?
Before taking the step of contacting a reptile rescue organization or putting in adoption paperwork, you should first take a step back and assess whether a reptile is the right fit for your family and your lifestyle at this time.
This isn’t to say that any decision is a permanent one, however, we need to recognize if we are in the position to provide these amazing creatures with the care that they need.
The process of putting together a suitable habitat for a reptile can be costly with requirements in terms of sufficient space and heating lamps.
Do some research specifically about the type of reptile that you are considering and discover what they need, how often they eat, what the average yearly veterinary costs look like and anything else relating to potential expenses.
If this all sounds like too much at this point in your life, it’s not the right time.
Another concern when it comes to the care of many types of reptiles is the food that they require for each meal and whether you are willing to store and feed your new pet as necessary.
If you are adopting a prey-eating reptile, you will need to be comfortable with providing them with the food that they require which may include mice, rats, rabbits, and chicks.
Finally, don’t forget to take into consideration the length of time that your new pet may live. These aren’t short-term commitments.
Many reptiles that are kept as pets have surprisingly long lifespans.
Before paying any fees or signing any adoption paperwork, ask yourself if you’re prepared to provide for this pet for the full duration of their lives.
Here are some average life spans of reptiles commonly kept as pets:
- Old World Chameleons: 3 to 8 years
- Bearded Dragon: 5 to 10 years
- Green Iguana: 5 to 15 years
- Corn Snake: 10 to 15 years
- Ball Python: 15 to 20 years
- Boa Constrictor: 15 to 25 years
- Leopard Gecko: 20+ years
- Eastern Box Turtle: 25 to 50 years
- Leopard Tortoise: 50+ years
If that level of commitment feels overwhelming to you, it’s a sign that you aren’t ready to bring a reptile into your family. Make sure to be 100% honest with yourself.
Like all rescue pets, these rescue reptiles deserve a proper loving home.
Where to Find Rescue Reptiles
Local Shelters
While most local shelters and humane societies will largely take in dogs and cats, there are times that they find themselves in the care of other pets.
Depending on where you live, they may share any reptiles that come their way online just as they do the rest of the pets, or they may connect with a reptile-specific rescue to ensure that they are given the proper care.
Contact the shelters in your area to express your intentions.
If they don’t keep reptiles at their shelter, they can likely direct you to someone in the area that can help to connect you with that perfect pet.
Petfinder Online Searches
Petfinder is a website that allows shelters and rescue organizations to share the animals in their care where prospective adopters can easily search for the ‘right fit’.
This is also mistakenly viewed as being just for cats and dogs in many cases, especially considering the fact that the ‘Find a dog’ and ‘Find a cat’ buttons are so prominent on the homepage.
However, if you look beside these buttons, you will see an option to ‘Find Other Pets’. It is here that you can access the portion of the website called ‘Scales, Fins, & Other’.
To find the reptiles available in your area, simply set the search based on your postal code and the radius around your area that you are willing to consider.
If you find a pet that you are interested in, you can view their profile for more information, view information about the organization that they are currently with, and even introduce yourself to open the lines of communication.
Organizations Specializing in Rescue Reptiles
Canada
- Ontario Reptile Rescue
- Little Res Q – Specializes in the Red Ear Slider
- Reptilia
United States
- American Tortoise Rescue – Specializes in Turtles and Tortoises
- Arrowhead Reptile Rescue
- Blue Ridge Reptile Rescue
- California Turtle & Tortoise Club – Specializes in Turtles and Tortoises
- Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary
- Herp Haven Reptile Rescue & Sanctuary
- Hudson Valley Reptile and Rescue
- Medusa’s Misfit Rescue – Specializes in Reptiles Requiring Medical Attention
- Nate’s Reptile Rescue
- Wasatch Exotics Rescue
If you know of a rescue that specializes in the care and adoption of rescue reptiles that is not included on this list, please let me know!
Visit my Contact page and share their information to help those that are on the search or email the information to britt@shedhappens.net.
Have you previously adopted rescue reptiles or are you in the process of adoption? If so, I would love to hear all about your experiences in the comments section!
Feature Image Credit: D-Keine | Canva
I had no idea Gecko’s could live so long, so that was quite a surprise. I used to have corn snakes and while they’re fairly low maintenance to look after, if you’re living in shared accommodation it can be tough to find people who are ok with sharing a freezer with your dead mice to feed your snakes. Also, a lot of reptiles eat very noisy insects. I used to live with someone who had a bearded dragon and the insects were relentlessly noisy
I could definitely see that being a concern in shared accommodations. That’s why most rescues that I’ve spoken with actually confirm that everyone in the house is on the same page because if even one isn’t, it can cause big problems.
This was such a good read. I remember, growing up, there was this turtle in my neighbor’s home that had an eye missing. It seemed so laidback and wise. Thanks for sharing xx
They really are such great pets for the right home 🙂
It’s so great that you’ve included specific organisations that specialise in reptile rescue. I’ve never considered owning a reptile myself because I have always thought they would be complicated to look after, and there might be ethical considerations too depending on where the reptiles were sourced. Rescuing a reptile sounds like a great option. They are really beautiful creatures x
There is really a broad spectrum of reptiles in terms of the care that they require. Some are so incredibly easy to care for while others take a lot of specialized care. That’s why it’s so important to do your research before bringing a pet home. Too many people pull the trigger only to find themselves in over their heads.
I have never heard of anyone having a reptile as a pet, but I think this is something that would be pretty cool. How often can someone say ” yes, I have a pet. It is a reptile. Hahaa and they are adorable too. Your post is very informative. I really hope someone gets to adopt them. They are very uncommon which makes them even special. I’m actually very impressed with their lifespans.
I have learned so much simply by reading your post, thank you for this. I definitely need to do some research on them just for my sake of knowledge. It is pretty interesting.
They aren’t as common as cats and dogs, but they are growing in popularity. I love that there are so many people recognizing that they are a good fit but the long lifespans are definitely a factor that needs to be considered when making that decision.
This is a cool post. My friend used to have loads of reptiles in the bottom of her garden, she was obsessed!
Rosie
They can make great pets!
I remember on a visit to Petsmrt’s offices in Arizona, people were allowed to bring their pets to work and someone had a bearded dragon in a very large tank. Totally epic and I have loved bearded dragons ever since!
I remember Blogpaws used to do a weekly Twitter meetup and one month it was about reptiles. So many new people turned up for that event and they got such a positive response I thought it would be a regular event but BP didn’t take it any further. Shame it had such potential.
The number of people welcoming reptiles into their families has been on the rise. It’s becoming more common and I love it IF we continue to focus on the importance of doing your research and ensuring that anyone bringing a reptile home is capable of providing everything that they need.
Great post! It doesn’t seem like it’s common knowledge that you can find pets other than cats and dogs in rescues. They aren’t as common, like you mentioned, but many types of exotic pets can be adopted through rescues too. Before I moved, I did a lot of volunteer work with a rabbit/small animal rescue that took in all kinds of critters, including amphibians and reptiles.
It’s so true! Honestly, there are rescue organizations out there for any type of pet that your heart may desire if you know where to look.
Reptiles are a huge commitment. My neighbor adopted desert tortoises many years ago. I was amazed at how the process works. He was required to put into his will that they would come back to the organization, if his family wasn’t interested in keeping them after his death.
He built a HUGE habitat outside the length of his house for them with heat lamps and underground burrows. Each year they’d lay eggs. My neighbor would help tend to the eggs until they hatched. Then he’d he’d return them to the organization in Southern Nevada. He definitely spent a lot of time with these tortoises.
I was very lucky to take care of the his tortoises several times when he went on vacation. I never knew they could move so fast when they saw corn to eat. lol
Sadly, my neighbor’s health has taken a turn for the worse and the desert tortoises went back to be cared for by the organization.
They do live a long time. It’s really nice to learn about the other organizations offering reptiles for adoption.
It’s sad to hear that his health has taken a turn for the worse, but it sounds like he offered an incredible life to those tortoises while he could!
WOW I just learned so much although I am not into reptiles it is interesting to know there are rescues, their life span plus so much more, thanks for such a great post and eye opener.
Thank you!
Reptiles are not my preference however I appreciate this post. This is very informative and insightful information for those considering adopting a reptile. I think it was especially great you pointed out research, understanding the habitat that will need to be created for them as well as potential life span to get a fuller picture of the commitment involved. Petfinder is a great tool to use. I haven’t used it in years so it’s nice to know they now have a reptile/other tab to explore. Plus you listed many other resources to find reptiles here in the USA/Canada.
I love that there are so many great resources for rescuing a pet, regardless of the type of pet that you prefer. These organizations are so important, providing care for animals that otherwise would be left in need.
I have never had a reptile as a pet personally, but I have had friends with them and I love to visit them! My husband really loves iguanas. You are absolutely right about doing your research before bringing a new reptile pet home. Reptiles have their own unique personalities and needs.
They definitely have unique needs to consider. I love them so much but right now we don’t have a reptile in the house due to the fact that I know our lifestyle isn’t ideal for giving them everything that they need. Maybe someday!
No experience with reptiles here whatsoever. I think my pet ought to have fur. And soul. I do admire snakes, though.
That’s the great thing about pets, there are different options for every home 🙂 That being said, some reptiles show as much personality (and soul) as dogs and cats.
My daughter has a tortoise and he is an awesome pet! Every so often, I check Petfinder to see if there is a tortoise up for adoption in our area.
They do make great pets, don’t they! They are often overlooked as an option but in the right home, they are a great choice!
Amazing post. A friend of mine recently adopted 2 leopard geckos. They are really cute and interesting creatures but totally not something I could see myself taking care of. Not because I wouldn’t like them but because I know I do not have time to focus on them properly. It wouldn’t be fair to it. Great post as always.
Recognizing whether or not you have the time to invest is a HUGE step, one that far too many people fail to take.
Having never had a reptile, or even can remember any family or friends having one, I know next to nothing about reptiles or their needs. This post was quite an eye-opener to me and to see how long some of them can live and to appreciate how specialized some of their needs are and the investment required to look after them. It is so important that people understand this information properly before thinking that they would like to add one to their family and household.
It is so important to get to know facts like the lifespan of a pet before making that kind of commitment. In some cases, it’s really a lifelong commitment that you’re taking on by bringing them into your family. Definitely something that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
My grandson loves turtles – he’ll be thrilled to learn about this. Will have to find out if there are any reptile rescue centres near us.
Turtles are adorable and have always fascinated me. After doing the research for this post, I would say that there’s a good chance there is a rescue somewhere nearby. I had NO idea there were so many here in North America until I started putting the list together.
I had no idea you could rescue reptiles, but I’m glad you can! Also WOW some reptiles have such long lifespans, that’s so cool! x
mia // https://beautiful-inspiring-creative-life.com/
Those long lifespans are a good part of why rescue is so important. I can’t imagine how many people don’t do their research and bring a reptile into the home without realizing how long the commitment is.
This was really interesting Britt. I didn’t know that you could adopt reptiles. They’d make good pets and they live for a long time so you’d have a long term companion.
I have a few friends that have reptiles in their homes and they always talk about how sweet they are and their unique personalities.
your post is right on time. We are thinking to adopt a lizard this fall (because it’s the time of the year we have a little more spare time).
That sounds like the perfect time to bring a pet into your home and go through the adjustment phase.
Great post! I always encourage adopting rescue animals vs buying them from breeders. I personally would love to own a cute little lizard, maybe eventually I will!
There are so many incredible pets out there in need of a loving home.
This post was eye opening. I grew up with a turtle and he was the cutest thing ever. I was too terrified of lizards to get on as a pet but I enjoy learning about them. Thanks
Growing up, I was fascinated with the smaller lizards like geckos but anything larger was intimidating until I met a friend’s bearded dragon. It’s amazing how one experience can really open your eyes.
Just when I thought I had learned everything from you already, you go and show me just how wrong I am! I had no clue reptile rescues and adoptions were a thing. Quite honestly, I thought you went to the pet store or some weird friend who lives in his mom’s basement and find reptiles for pets. Lol. This is definitely a new thing to learn about, and that is awesome. I knew reptiles generally had pretty good lifespans, which is part of why I don’t have one, plus the space needed for a cage/home/aquarium. I do better with just feeding my cat dry nuggies every day versus another live animal.
I would struggle with feeding a live animal personally, which is why that I know many reptiles wouldn’t be the right fit. However, I have friends that really connect with their reptiles and I’m SO happy for them! I love that there are so many organizations focused on those in need. With their long lifespans and the fact that they aren’t as popular as some more traditional pets, I’m sure that it’s harder to find a good home for them.
Ooh! I had two red-eared slider turtles growing up named speedy and johnbob haha! THey were the best but we did end up giving them away when they got bigger to a family who could take care of them. Thanks for sharing x
Lynn | https://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
The size that many will reach is another great point to consider! Much like adopting a puppy, they start off small and cute but they don’t stay that way forever.
I would absolutely love to have a little lizard in our life and call it Henry! LOL! Unfortunately we are not allowed to keep them as pets in our country.
They are restricted in some countries due to the potential impact of them getting loose in that ecosystem. While I’m sure there are many great owners that would keep their pets contained safely, they unfortunately always have to consider the less than desirable situations.