Everything you want to know about rehoming or surrendering

No — and we’re upfront about that. We’re a small Toronto household that loves reptiles, not a pet store, registered rescue, or charity. We don’t take donations or issue receipts. Surrendering an animal to us is always free; the rehoming fees — paid only by adopters — simply help cover food, enclosures, substrate, and any vet care an animal needs while it’s with us. They’re not donations and aren’t tax-deductible.

Browse our available animals at /adopt/ and fill out a rehoming application. We review every application personally — we’re looking for a good match for the animal, not trying to trip you up. Once approved, we’ll arrange a local pickup (GTA only) so you can meet your new reptile before committing. Rehoming is always fit-based; we want every placement to be the right one.

Surrendering a reptile to us is always free — there’s never a cost to give up an animal. The rehoming fee is paid only by adopters when they take an animal home. Fees differ depending on the animal and go directly toward cost recovery for veterinary care, food, housing, and substrate for each animal while it’s with us. They vary by species and the level of care the animal required — they’re not profit, and they’re not donations. Exact fees are listed on each animal’s profile at /adopt/.

Absolutely — some of our animals are ideal first reptiles. We’ll be upfront in every animal’s profile about experience level, and we’re happy to walk you through what ownership really looks like. We’d rather take the time to educate than place an animal in a setup that isn’t right for it.

We’ll tell you why and, wherever possible, suggest an animal that’s a better fit for your current experience level or setup. Our goal is to find every animal a great home — including yours.

Every animal in our care is assessed on intake. Where needed, we work with exotic-animal veterinarians to address health issues before an animal is listed for rehoming. Each listing notes the animal’s current condition and any ongoing care requirements so you know exactly what you’re getting into.

Start at /surrender/ and fill out our intake form. Tell us about the animal — species, age, health history, what equipment you have. We’ll get back to you within 24 hours to talk through next steps. We do not take walk-in surrenders; please reach out first so we can be prepared.

Never. Life changes — moves, allergies, a new baby, financial pressure, or simply realising a reptile isn’t the right fit. Every one of those is a valid reason. Reaching out to us is the responsible thing to do, and we treat it that way. No lectures, no guilt.

We accept a wide range of species common in the GTA reptile-keeping hobby: bearded dragons, leopard geckos, ball pythons, corn snakes, blue-tongue skinks, crested geckos, and many others. Reach out even if you’re unsure — we’ll let you know if we can help or point you toward someone who can.

We do accept some tarantulas and invertebrates on a case-by-case basis. Space and expertise determine what we can take in at any given time. Fill out the surrender form and we’ll be honest about our current capacity.

If your animal needs to leave immediately — illness, your own emergency, housing crisis — tell us in the intake form and mark it urgent. We’ll prioritise your inquiry and do our best to arrange something quickly. We can’t guarantee same-day intake but we will respond fast and help you find a safe option.

If you’re surrendering with enclosures, lighting, or other gear, bring it along — it goes directly toward the animal’s care. If you’d prefer to keep the equipment or sell it separately, that’s fine too; just let us know in the intake form.

Our available animals are listed at /adopt/ and updated as new animals come in or rehomings are completed. Each profile includes photos, species info, temperament notes, experience-level guidance, and rehoming fee.

Some of the animals we take in are not suitable for rehoming — either due to long-term health needs, advanced age, or temperament — and stay with us permanently as ambassador animals. You can meet them at /our-animals/. They play an important role in education and in showing what a well-cared-for reptile looks like.

Our capacity fluctuates based on intakes and rehomings. We maintain a manageable number so every animal gets proper individual attention rather than running a high-volume warehouse operation.

All rehomings and surrenders are local — GTA and surrounding area only. We do not ship reptiles. Pickup is arranged in-person so you can meet the animal and we can ensure the transport setup is safe and appropriate.

We’re based in Toronto (near Kennedy & Lawrence). Exact address is shared with approved adopters and confirmed surrender appointments. We do not operate a public storefront.

We don’t have open visiting hours, but approved adopters are always welcome to meet their potential new animal before finalising. Start with the application at /adopt/ and we’ll arrange a meet once you’re approved.