Surrendering With Herp Habitat
Committed to giving animals get the care and attention they deserve
We are currently accepting ball pythons and a limited number of leopard geckos.
Surrender Process:
- Fill out a surrender form
- We will reach out to let you know if we are able to take them in
- We will then set up a time and place to meet up with you so that you can drop them off with us
Fill out a form
Please read surrender policies prior to submitting a surrender form. Surrenders that do not fall within the scope of what we do (outlined below) will be disregarded.
We understand that life can throw you unexpected challenges and you may find that relinquishment is the best option for you and your scaly friend. We understand that it is not an easy decision, but we appreciate you taking the step to make sure your animal gets the care and attention that they deserve.
Surrender Policies
Species That We Accept
We accept primarily ball pythons and leopard geckos. We also accept a limited number of colubrids and boas. Snakes are typically accepted first come, first serve, though for geckos we limit our total number due to low adoption rates.
Species We NOT Accept
We do not accept most other species, including bearded dragons, crested geckos, tortoises, aquatic turtles, and amphibians. If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out and ask. Under no circumstance will we accept any native species.
Waitlist
Typically our waitlist works first come, first served, though it varies based on species. New surrenders are accepted as adoptions go out. However, other factors like urgency, health risks, or limited resources may play a factor.
Sick Animals
Surrendering is not a replacement for immediate, emergency medical care. We are not a rehabilitation center.
If you are surrendering due to the health concerns for the animal, we strongly encourage you to send lots of photos and share as much info as you can. We do not shame and we promise judgement free surrenders. Sharing this information helps us to determine the urgency of the surrender and provides information to our veterinarian.
We also will need to determine whether or not we have the resources to provide them the care we need, and we may deny the animal if we feel we are unable to provide what they need.
Surrender Fee
We charge a $40 fee for surrendering. This fee goes to assure that each animal receives the care they need. It goes directly to electricity, food, enclosures, supplies, vet bills, and upkeep costs (additional donations are appreciated!).
(If you are unable to pay this fee and it is preventing you from surrendering, we will waive it. This fee is meant to help save animals, not to prevent surrenders.)
Home Visits
We will not, for any reason, come into your home to retrieve an animal, or come to your home to pick up an animal. If you are unable to lift, handle, or move the animal, please contact family or friends that can help. We are an organization of fosters and volunteers, and we prioritize safety above all else.
The Area That We Serve
We primarily serve Milwaukee and the southeastern Wisconsin area. We do not accept surrenders being shipped to us, and we cannot complete surrenders that are unable to meet us within within a 30 minute drive of Milwaukee.
Friends & Family
Unless absolutely necesarry, we do not take in surrenders from friends or family of the rescue. If it does happen, then all ties between the owner and the animal will be cut and we will not communicate with you about them any further.
Post Surrender
Once you transfer the animal into our care you relinquish ownership and we assume full ownership. If interested, each surrenderee can reach out for 1 or 2 updates that we will provide at our discretion. We will not contact you after surrender, unless we have important questions about their history or health.
Euthanasia Policy
We are a no kill shelter. What this means is that we do not euthanize based on age, time spent in our care, or adoptability. Euthanasia is only considered when quality of life is brought into question and the decision is always made in conjunction with a qualified exotic veterinarian.
Why Choose Us?
Choosing us means that you’re choosing a rescue that treats every reptile with the compassion and respect they deserve. We believe in individualized care, taking the time to understand each animal’s unique needs and providing them with the space and rehabilitation necessary to thrive.
We hope you understand that we take in each and every surrender with lots of care and consideration. If we do not have the space and/or resources available at the moment and we place you on a temporary waitlist, this is because we refuse to take in animals that we are unprepared for. We also refuse to take away needed time and resources from the animals already in our care. Because of this, you can trust that once a surrender comes through our doors, they get our full care and attention.
We also go beyond rehoming by educating adopters on species-specific care and offering ongoing support. At our rescue, your reptile is not just rehomed, they are they are set up in their forever homes with the tools they need to thrive.