Name: Exotic Pet Surrender Event - Wisconsin Dells
Start: 2026-08-22T12:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-08-22T15:00:00-05:00
Location: Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center

Exotic Pet Surrender Event - Wisconsin Dells

Do you have an exotic pet that you are no longer able to care for?
If so, bring your pet to the Exotic Pet Surrender Event on August 22nd between 12 PM and 3 PM at Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center located at N194 County Rd N, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965.
In some areas, there are no rehoming options for exotic animals such as fish, birds, and reptiles. Some pet owners that are unable to care for their pet may think that releasing the animal is the right thing to do, however, releasing a pet is harmful for the animal and the environment.
J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue (JRAAR) is hosting the event with help from several other area organizations including University of Wisconsin Sea Grant. Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center, and the Upper Sugar River Watershed Association.
Area organizations will be accepting fish, invertebrates, reptiles, pet birds, small mammals, and plants --no questions asked.
Domestic pets and farm animals including but not limited to dogs, cats, rats, mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, horses, pigs, and chickens are not accepted. Please contact your local Humane Society for options about these kinds of animals.
We also cannot accept Wisconsin native animals taken from the wild. Please refer to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website for more information on finding a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Birds, reptiles, and mammals originating from outside WI must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health paper)
There will be animal ambassadors you can meet and learn about, and a photobooth where you can take your picture with a rescued pet!
Surrendered pets will be available to adopt after a brief quarantine and observation period. There will be no same day adoptions.
This event was made possible with the support of Petco Love and the Petfinder Foundation
Questions regarding the Exotic Pet Surrender Event can be directed to Macy Wolke-Yohr of J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue. She can be reached at [email protected]