Exotic Pet Surrender in Kaukauna Gives Pet Owners Options

Over 14 Exotic Pets Surrendered, To Be Rehomed

Fourteen animals were turned in at an exotic pet surrender event in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, at the beginning of March. thirty-five people attended and there was a Facebook Reach of 19,000 people.  Included in the surrenders were clownfish, crescent geekos, ball pythons, a chameleon, and an axolotl!

The Exotic Pet Surrender Event was held March 1st, 2025 between 12 PM and 3 PM at the 1000 Islands Nature Center.  J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue was accepting fish, invertebrates, reptiles, pet birds, small mammals, and plants — no questions asked. J&R is able to now provide a safe, responsible rehoming option for 14 surrendered animals, including clownfish, lizards, snakes, and an axolotl.

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the 18 participants who made the responsible choice to surrender their pets rather than release them into the wild. 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. The decision of these responsible pet owners ensures these animals will receive the care they need and find loving new homes.

This event brought together a collection of rehoming partners that provide responsible alternatives to release for exotic pet owners who are no longer able to care for their pets. J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue (JRAAR) hosted the event with help from the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

Questions regarding the Exotic Pet Surrender Event or about future surrenders or events can be directed to John Moyles of J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue. He can be reached at adoptions@jraar.org.

For information on future pet surrender events happening across the state of Wisconsin, visit https://www.jraar.org/