Exotic Pet Rescue

Unfortunately there continues to be a great need for exotic pet rescue and shelters. Of course, this phenomenon is not unique to the exotic pet trade. However, the problem is compounded for exotic pets due to the unique nature and demands of some exotic pets. The pets that looked so "cool" at the pet store sometimes turn out to be messy, bigger than expected, difficult to tame, and generally more work than expected. Some pets are not meant to be handled and don't really do much, so owners sometimes lose interest for these reasons. In any case, many people do not research their acquisitions and end up disappointed or disillusioned with their new pets. Do lots of research before you go to the pet store because sometimes the employees won't know any more than you about a pet you are considering.

It can be hard to find homes for exotic pets if you change your mind about being able to care for one. However, when they get large, aggressive or ill, it becomes a real challenge. Sometimes the pets that end up at rescues are the lucky ones - many pets that were obtained by impulse end up neglected out of ignorance or disinterest and many die or are just set free (which should never be an option).

Finding a Rescue

I don't have the resources or time to properly maintain a directory of rescues for all the types of exotic pets I cover on this site. Other directories do exist online and you can check some of these:

• Animal Rescues and Shelters - Open Directory Project
• UK Animal Rescuers
• National Alternative Pet Association Shelter Rescue Links (a bit disorganized but lots of rescues are listed here)
• Humanne and Rescue Societies - Yahoo
• Petfinder.com - search a database of shelters and rescues with adoptable pets by type of pet and location in North America
• Kyler Laird's Animal Rescue Resources

These Dirctories are still just a starting point. If you can use a search engine such as Google or Metacrawler you can search on "rescue" or "shelter" along with the name of your city or town and you might find a rescue that way. Or, do a search for the kind of pet you want along with "rescue" or "shelter" to find directories that are specific to the pet you are interested in. In any case, the search might not be easy, but you might find your perfect companion and give an animal a second chance at the same time.