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Nationwide Herp Adoption Program

A new, safe, and healthy home for every herp

There are many reasons someone can no longer care for a pet amphibian or reptile. Our program is live and actively accepting animals from across the country, in collaboration with the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.

Vet health check on every animal No surrender fee 65% overnight shipping discount
Adoption Form Surrender Form Brochure Program flyer

Already approved? Browse available animals.

A healthy reptile in the HTI adoption program HTI Certified Animal plaque
Watch

See how the program works

A 10 minute walkthrough of the HTI Nationwide Adoption Program: how animals come in, how they are health checked, and how they find new homes.

10 min HTI Nationwide Adoption Program
Before You Surrender

What we can and cannot accept

Pets are housed in clean, secure environments with appropriate lighting, heat, and enrichment while they await their forever families.

Currently accepting

  • Pet amphibians (frogs, toads, and salamanders)
  • Most lizard species
  • Snakes 4 feet or shorter, nonvenomous

Unable to accept

  • Wild-caught species native to the United States
  • Species prohibited in Tennessee, including venomous snakes, crocodiles, and alligators
  • CITES-listed species, unless captive bred in the US
  • Turtles, tortoises, and iguanas

Fellow pet rescues: If your rescue is over capacity or does not accept pet reptiles or amphibians, we would love to help. Pass our information along to pet owners, or email us at info@healthytrade.org to discuss how we can take surrendered animals at your center.

Adoption Journey

Adopting from HTI is a simple four-step process

Every animal is pathogen tested and health checked by UTCVM veterinarians before adoption, receiving on average more than $200 in veterinary care. Here is how to bring one home.

  1. Apply

    Fill out the HTI adoption application. One application covers all future adoptions.

    See example
    Screenshot of the HTI adoption application form

  2. Get approved

    Applications are usually processed within 1 to 2 weeks. Approved adopters may adopt more than one animal.

  3. Browse and inquire

    View animals in the HTI adoption storefront and click "Inquire about this Animal." HTI matches each animal to your experience level.

    See example
    Husbandry Pro reptile tracking software logo Inquire about this animal button

  4. Welcome your herp home

    Once your adoption is approved, complete payment and choose overnight shipping or free pickup in Knoxville, TN.

  • Payment: Square and PayPal are accepted once your adoption is approved.
  • Shipping: Priority overnight on Monday through Wednesday when weather is favorable. Prices do not include shipping and handling.
  • Local pickup: Onsite pickup in Knoxville, TN is always free.
Care levels

Know your experience level

HTI animals are classified by the level of experience their daily care requires. Your care level is determined during adoption approval so you can choose an animal you are qualified to adopt.

  • Novice

    Your first amphibian or reptile, or less than one year of care experience.

  • Intermediate

    At least 1.5 years of experience with 1 to 2 species of amphibians or reptiles.

  • Expert

    Over 5 years of experience with more than 3 species of amphibians or reptiles.

  • Diamond

    Demonstrated ability to care for animals with special health needs.

See example listings by care level
Example adoption listing showing a care level classification Second example adoption listing showing a care level classification

Ready to meet your new herp?

Browse the animals currently available for adoption. Every one has been health checked and is waiting for a qualified home.

Need to rehome a pet instead? Start a surrender.

Browse Available Animals
In Partnership With

Backed by science, moved with care

University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine Redline Shipping

Want to support the Herp Adoption Program?

Your contribution helps us provide safe, healthy transitions for surrendered reptiles and amphibians. Every dollar goes toward care, transport, and finding loving homes.

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