Pet Amnesty Day

We’re partnering up with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to host a Pet Amnesty Day.

Instead of releasing unwanted pets into Florida’s natural habitats, the Exotic Pet Amnesty Program offers an alternative for owners to surrender their exotic animals without penalty or cost, whether they are being kept legally or illegally.

This free event is open to the public. Professionals from each organization will be onsite with information about caring for exotic pets, responsible pet ownership, and potential ecological impacts of invasive species in Florida.

Animals that will be accepted include nonnative species of reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds, fish, and invertebrates. Domestic animals such as dogs, cats guinea pigs, and rabbits will not be accepted.

Please note—finding homes for large pond turtles including red-eared sliders, yellow-bellied sliders, cooters, chicken turtles, and redbelly turtles can take longer than a year. These turtles will not be accepted during any Pet Amnesty event. Owners of these turtles should contact the FWC’s Exotic Species Hotline to make arrangements for rehoming.

Adopting an Animal at Pet Amnesty Day

Some surrendered animals will be made available for adoption to pre-registered individuals after the event is over (at 2 PM) the same day. Exotic pet adopters are required to be experienced approved by the FWC prior to the event.

There are no adoption fees, but potential adopters must register a minimum of one week before the event to adopt an animal. Approved adopters must bring their acceptance letters with them to the event as well as appropriate travel carriers or housing for the animal type.

We cannot guarantee what types of animals will be surrendered and available for adoption. Adoptions will not begin until after 2 PM when all animals have been surrendered—a complete list will be available at that time.

For more information and adoption applications, please visit www.myfwc.com/nonnatives or call the FWC’s Exotic Species Hotline at 888-IVE-GOT1 (888-483-4681). Exotic pet owners who cannot attend the event can call this number year-round for assistance in finding a new home for their animal.