Everyone knows that life situations change unexpectedly. One day you’re living your best life with your scaly buddy, and the next – plot twist! – you’re facing the tough choice to rehome your beloved reptile or amphibian.
This might happen because of a move to a new home (turns out that dream apartment has a strict “no reptiles” policy… rude!). Or perhaps due to sudden allergies, financial struggles, or changes in living arrangements.
Regardless of the reason, finding a good new home is important and should be done the right way. Doing so protects your pet’s health and well-being while helping safeguard wild environments from released pets. Keep reading for the HTI team’s top tips for herp rehoming.
Understanding Your Options for Pet Rehoming
When someone can’t keep their reptile or amphibian anymore, there are a few solid options. Sadly, some people think releasing pets into nature is the smartest avenue to take. But that’s simply not the case! Allow us to explain…
Released pets usually don’t survive in the wild (no heat lamps in the forest, unfortunately). And those that do can spread diseases to native animals. In fact, some even become invasive species!
Instead, consider these responsible alternatives for pet rehoming:
1. Friends and Family
Finding a friend or family member who loves reptiles makes a great first option. This way, you might still get visitation rights with your former pet!
Just make sure they understand proper care requirements. They should definitely commit to providing good housing, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary check-ups.
2. HTI’s Herp Adoption Program
Essentially, our Herp Adoption Program provides a nationwide solution for rehoming reptiles and amphibians. And unlike many local rescues that only accept animals within their state, we work across state lines to find suitable new homes!
“Our program ensures every animal receives professional health verification before rehoming,” says Dr. Matt Gray, President of HTI. “This protects both the animal and its potential new owners.”
Once we launch, we’ll be accepting all pet amphibian species, bearded dragons, and ball pythons. And more reptile species will join our program in 2026!
3. Reptile-Specific Rescues
Many cities have reptile-specific rescue organizations that accept surrendered pets! These specialists understand the unique needs of different species and work to find appropriate forever homes.
However, keep in mind that many have limited capacity and may charge surrender fees.
The Pet Adoption Process: What to Expect
When surrendering a herp to our program, the process typically involves:
- Submitting a surrender request online
- Shipping the animal to our organization (or arranging drop-off)
- Professional health assessment and pathogen testing
- Certification as a “Pathogen-free Rescue Pet”
- Placement with qualified businesses or individuals
“The health verification step is critical,” notes our veterinary team. “Many herps carry pathogens without showing symptoms, which can spread to other animals or even wild populations.”
What NOT to Do When Rehoming Your Herp
Please avoid these common mistakes when finding a new home for your pet:
- Never release pets into the wild, even if the species appears to be native to the area.
- Don’t give away pets to unprepared or uncommitted owners.
- Avoid giving pets to people who cannot verify they have an appropriate setup.
- Don’t rush the rehoming process; proper placement takes time.
Planning Ahead for Responsible Pet Ownership
Before acquiring any reptile or amphibian, research its lifespan, adult size, and care needs. Many herps live decades—that baby beardie could stay with you through college, marriage, and beyond! Responsible ownership means committing to their entire life or having a backup plan.
And for those who must rehome, remember that responsible options exist. HTI provides health-focused solutions that benefit both pets and ecosystems. At HTI, we believe every herp deserves a second chance at a healthy, happy home!
Support Our Herp Adoption Program
Our nationwide adoption network launches in the summer of 2025, but we need your help to make it a success! Your tax-deductible donation directly supports health testing, appropriate housing, and rehoming efforts for surrendered reptiles and amphibians.
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us create better outcomes for these fantastic animals. Visit healthytrade.org/donate to support our mission today!