Need to Surrender a Pet Reptile?
Sometimes circumstances change. Finding a safe, appropriate place for a reptile you can no longer care for is a responsible choice.
The Gentle Wild may be able to accept surrendered pet reptiles depending on the species, the animal's needs, available space, and current resources.
Please do not release pet reptiles outdoors.
No judgment. Just a safe next step.
Reptiles are a big commitment, and sometimes life changes in ways we don't expect. Whether you're dealing with a move, financial changes, an animal whose care has become more than you anticipated, or simply realizing you're no longer the right home, reaching out for help is better than letting an animal go without appropriate care.
My goal is to help find the safest next step for the animal, not to judge how you got here.
Can The Gentle Wild take my reptile?
Surrender requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Acceptance depends on the species, the animal’s health and care needs, available space, and my ability to provide appropriate long-term care or placement.
Submitting a surrender request does not guarantee that I can accept your animal. If I’m unable to help directly, I may be able to point you toward another appropriate resource.
Before You Reach Out
To help me determine whether I can accept your reptile, please be ready to provide:
• Species (or your best guess)
• Approximate age and sex, if known
• How long you’ve had the animal
• Any known health concerns or medications
• Temperament and handling information
• What the animal is currently eating
• A photo of the animal and its current enclosure
• Your reason for needing to surrender
Please be as transparent as possible, as accurate information helps me make the safest decision for both your reptile and the animals already in my care.
Request a Surrender
If you think The Gentle Wild may be a good fit for your reptile, please complete the surrender request below. Providing as much information as possible will help me determine the safest next step.
Please do not bring or leave an animal without arranging the surrender with me first.
After submitting this form, I may ask you to text photos of your reptile and their current enclosure to help me determine whether I can safely accept them.
What Happens Next?
I’ll review the information you provide and determine whether I have the space and resources to safely accept your reptile. I may contact you for additional information or photos before making a decision.
If I’m able to accept the animal, we’ll arrange the next steps together. Please wait for confirmation before making any plans to bring the animal to me.
Please never release a pet reptile outdoors.
Even if a reptile seems like it could survive outside, releasing a pet or exotic reptile into the wild is not a safe solution. It can put the animal at risk and may also harm native wildlife and ecosystems.