Exotic Pet Surrender Event - Madison

Sat Jun 20 2026 at 12:00 pm to 03:00 pm UTC-05:00

Dane County Land & Water Resources Department 318 Robertson Rd, Madison, WI 53714 | Madison

J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue
Publisher/HostJ&R Aquatic Animal Rescue
Exotic Pet Surrender Event - Madison
Advertisement
Struggling to Care for Your Exotic Pet? We Can Help
June is Invasive Species Awareness Month, a time dedicated to protecting Wisconsin’s lakes, rivers, forests, and wildlife from harmful non-native species. Releasing unwanted pets into the wild can cause serious environmental damage — which is why J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue is proud to host an Exotic Pet Surrender Event on June 20th from Noon to 3 PM at the Dane County Land & Water Resources Department, located at 4318 Robertson Rd, Madison, WI 53714.
In many regions, rehoming options for exotic pets such as fish, birds, and reptiles are limited. Unfortunately, some pet owners, feeling they have no alternative, may consider releasing their animals outdoors. However, doing so poses serious risks to both the animal and the environment. During Invasive Species Awareness Month, we are reminding the public that surrendering is always the responsible choice.
This event offers a safe, judgment-free opportunity for individuals to surrender exotic pets they can no longer care for.
Local organizations will be on-site to accept fish, invertebrates, reptiles, pet birds, small mammals, and plants — no questions asked. In addition to surrender services, attendees will have the opportunity to meet animal ambassadors and learn about responsible pet ownership and invasive species prevention.
J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue (JRAAR) is hosting this event with support from Dane County Land & Water Resources Department, Upper Sugar River Watershed Association, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant/Water Resources Institutes.
This event has been generously supported by the Wisconsin DNR.
Important Information:
Adoption Availability: Surrendered animals will be placed for adoption following a mandatory quarantine and observation period. Same-day adoptions will not be available.
Accepted Species: We welcome exotic pets, including fish, invertebrates, reptiles, pet birds, small mammals, and plants.
Non-Accepted Animals: Domestic pets and farm animals—including but not limited to dogs, cats, rats, mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, horses, pigs, and chickens—will not be accepted. Please contact your local Humane Society for assistance.
Native Wildlife: We cannot accept Wisconsin native animals taken from the wild. For wildlife assistance, please visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website to locate a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Out-of-State Animals: Birds, reptiles, and mammals originating from outside Wisconsin must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate).
For more information, please contact Macy Wolke-Yohr at [email protected]
.
To see upcoming Exotic Pet Surrender Events, please visit:
👉 https://www.jraar.org/exoticpetsurrenderevents
Advertisement

Event Venue

Dane County Land & Water Resources Department 318 Robertson Rd, Madison, WI 53714, United States

Tickets

Icon
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Ask AI if this event suits you:

More Events in Madison

Home Match: Rally Madison FC vs Rockford Raptors FC
Fri, 19 Jun at 07:00 pm Home Match: Rally Madison FC vs Rockford Raptors FC

917 East Mifflin Street, Madison, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53703

Matt Mathews at Orpheum Theatre - Madison
Fri, 19 Jun at 07:00 pm Matt Mathews at Orpheum Theatre - Madison

Orpheum Theatre - Madison

Heavy Looks, Yas & the Jewelers, Jules and the Jems
Fri, 19 Jun at 08:00 pm Heavy Looks, Yas & the Jewelers, Jules and the Jems

The Bur Oak

Wine & Cheese Party
Fri, 19 Jun at 08:20 pm Wine & Cheese Party

2727 West Beltline Hwy, Madison, WI 53713

Matt Mathews
Sat, 20 Jun at 12:00 am Matt Mathews

Orpheum Theatre - Madison

New York Cosmos at Forward Madison FC
Sat, 20 Jun at 08:30 am New York Cosmos at Forward Madison FC

Breese Stevens Field

Madison Pride Bar Crawl
Sat, 20 Jun at 04:00 pm Madison Pride Bar Crawl

The Rigby Pub, Grill, and Event Venue

Section 8 at Club LaMark
Sat, 20 Jun at 05:00 pm Section 8 at Club LaMark

Club Lamark

Tall Paul and the Naughty Cats at Rusty Bee Lounge in Fitchburg
Sat, 20 Jun at 05:00 pm Tall Paul and the Naughty Cats at Rusty Bee Lounge in Fitchburg

The Rusty Bee Lounge

Taking Back Sunday & Bayside
Sat, 20 Jun at 06:00 pm Taking Back Sunday & Bayside

The Sylvee - WI

Home Match: Forward Madison FC vs New York Cosmos
Sat, 20 Jun at 07:00 pm Home Match: Forward Madison FC vs New York Cosmos

917 E. Mifflin Street, Gate 6, Madison, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53703

Madison is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Madison Events