Exotic Pet Surrender Event - Waupun

Struggling to Care for Your Exotic Pet? We Can Help
J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue is proud to host an Exotic Pet Surrender Event on June 6th from Noon to 3 PM at the Marsh Haven Nature Center located at W10145 WI-49, Waupun, WI 53963.
This event provides a safe, judgment-free opportunity for individuals to surrender exotic pets they can no longer care for.
In many regions, rehoming options for exotic pets such as fish, birds, and reptiles are limited. Unfortunately, some pet owners, feeling they have no alternative, may consider releasing their animals into the wild. However, doing so poses serious risks to both the animal and the environment. This event offers a responsible and ethical solution.
Local organizations will be on-site to accept fish, invertebrates, reptiles, pet birds, small mammals, and plants—no questions asked. In addition to surrender services, attendees will have the opportunity to meet animal ambassadors and learn about responsible pet ownership and invasive species.
J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue (JRAAR) is hosting this event with support from Marsh Haven Nature Center and the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant/Water Resources Institutes.
This event has been generously supported by the Wisconsin DNR
Important Information:
- Adoption Availability: Surrendered animals will be placed for adoption following a mandatory quarantine and observation period. Same-day adoptions will not be available.
- Accepted Species: We welcome exotic pets, including fish, invertebrates, reptiles, pet birds, small mammals, and plants.
- Non-Accepted Animals: Domestic pets and farm animals—including but not limited to dogs, cats, rats, mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, horses, pigs, and chickens—will not be accepted. Please contact your local Humane Society for rehoming assistance for these species.
- Native Wildlife: We cannot accept Wisconsin native animals taken from the wild. For assistance with wildlife, please refer to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website to locate a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
- Out-of-State Animals: Birds, reptiles, and mammals originating from outside Wisconsin must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate).

For more information, please contact Macy Wolke-Yohr at Macy.Y@jraar.org.