Exotic pet surrender event Oct. 15 in Rhinelander

Do you have an exotic pet that you are no longer able to care for? If so, do not release it into the wild! Instead, safely surrender your pet, no questions asked, to a rescue group that will be in Rhinelander on Sunday, Oct. 15.

The exotic pet surrender event, coordinated by the Neenah based J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue, will be held from noon to 3 p.m., on Sunday, Oct. 15, at the Oneida County Humane Society, 1852 N. Stevens Street, Rhinelander.

“The rescue group will be accepting fish, invertebrates, reptiles, pet birds, small mammals, and plants — no questions asked!” organizers said in a press release. “They will then care for the animal until the animal is ready to be adopted or released to a wildlife sanctuary. Domestic pets, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs, and chickens will not be accepted. Owners of domestic animals should inquire with local pet shelters or rescues for options on rehoming their pets. 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 into the wild is the right thing to do. However, releasing a pet into its non-native habitat is harmful for the animal and the environment. Some animals cannot survive in the wild. However, some do and they may become nuisance or invasive, causing harm to the environment, economy and human health.”

J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue (JRAAR) is hosting the event with help from several other area organizations including Oneida County Land & Water Conservation Department’s Aquatic Invasive Species Program, Oneida County Humane Society, and University of Wisconsin Sea Grant/Water Resources Institutes.

Questions regarding the Exotic Pet Surrender event can be directed to John Moyles of J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue. He can be reached at [email protected].