The moment is finally here! We’re thrilled to announce that our nationwide Herp Adoption Program is officially up and running. And to kick things off, we’d love to introduce y’all to Rudy,* a gorgeous bearded dragon who happens to be our very first surrender. (Yes, you heard that right!)
*You might have seen our social media post announcing our first semester, Ruby. However, we’ve recently discovered that Ruby is a Rudy! But all is well, we still love him all the same.
Meet Rudy, our Very First Surrender in the Herp Adoption Program!
Rudy is a charismatic male bearded dragon who has quickly become a member of the HTI family. As the very first animal to come through our nationwide herp adoption program, he’s [1] [2] slowly but surely settling into his new, cozy digs at our lab. (And we’re not going to lie, he’s quickly become a staff favorite.) His days have consisted of a full vet workup, lots of delicious snacks, play dates, artwork creation, and all the rest and relaxation he deserves.
Our Herp Adoption Program is Now Live!
Rudy has made things official! So, if you or a friend needs to rehome a reptile or amphibian, our doors are officially open. Our lab is fully prepped with accommodations for up to 50 animals – so don’t hesitate to send them our way.
It was important to us to remove any barriers to getting your herps rehomed. That’s why there isn’t a fee to surrender your animal – you just need to cover shipping. But to make matters ultra easy for you, we’ve partnered with Redline Shipping to offer a 65% discount on overnight shipping. (Plus, Redline will provide step-by-step instructions on how to send your pet on their safe and merry way.)
What We’re Currently Accepting
Right now, we’re accepting any pet amphibian species, as well as bearded dragons and ball pythons. In October, we plan to expand to all snake species (including captive-bred native species, like corn or hognose snakes) – the only exception will be Burmese and reticulated pythons. In 2026, we plan to expand to other lizard species, such as geckos.
Unfortunately, we’re currently unable to accept:
- Wild-caught species native to the U.S.
- Species listed as “injurious” in the U.S. or “prohibited” in Tennessee.
- Any amphibian or reptile species listed under CITES.
How Long Does the Process Take?
For animals like Rudy, the journey from surrender to a new home takes just a week or two, pending a full veterinary approval. Essentially, this time allows us to complete a full professional health check – ensuring every animal is happy, disease-free, and ready to thrive with a new owner.
If you are interested in adopting, you can fill out the form on our website and keep an eye on the adoption page for new listings. (Our online adoption shop is coming soon!)
So, What’s Next?
This launch is a huge step for us, and we are excited to continue the process of rehoming your beloved herps. Our team is working hard to create an online storefront for adoptable animals, but in the meantime, please check our adoption page for updates.
If you or a loved one needs to surrender an animal or are interested in adopting, please visit the Herp Adoption program page on our website. Together, we can build a safer, healthier world for herps.
Donate now to help a reptile in need.
We’ve found out that Ruby is actually a “Rudy” — Ruby is a male despite what has told to the previous owners. Might be a good opportunity to discuss differences between male and female bearded dragons. Don’t know if we want to mention this post?
That is a great social media post idea, so we will add to our social calendars, plus add a blurb here talking about Ruby is now Rudy!