Surrender
Surrendering an Exotic Pet
Wasatch Exotics Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit exotic animal rescue serving Utah and the Wasatch Front. We accept owner surrenders based on foster availability, species needs, and available resources. Because we are a foster-based organization, we do not operate a physical facility or offer immediate intake.
Submitting a surrender request begins our review process, but does not guarantee acceptance.
Intake Process & Timeline
All animals must be matched with an approved foster home before surrender arrangements can be made. We are unable to provide same-day or emergency intake.
Placement timelines vary depending on foster availability and may take up to two weeks or longer. Drop-off information will be provided only after a foster home has been secured.
If your pet requires urgent medical care or immediate placement, please contact an appropriate exotic veterinarian or alternative resource.
Owner Requirements
To surrender an animal to Wasatch Exotics Rescue, you must:
- Be the legal owner of the animal
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Provide accurate information about the animal’s health, history, and enclosure
- Be able to transport and drop off the animal at the approved foster or designated meeting location
We do not offer pickup or transport services for surrendered animals.
Animals We Are Unable to Accept
To ensure appropriate care for animals already in our program, we are unable to accept certain species.
At this time, we do not accept:
- Aquatic species (including fish and fully aquatic reptiles or amphibians)
- Slider turtles
- Large snakes (over 5 ft long)
- Large lizard species
Intake availability for all other species depends on foster space and resource availability.
Before Submitting a Surrender Request
Please note:
- Submission of a form does not guarantee intake.
- We do not have a public shelter or walk-in drop-off location.
- Animals may only be surrendered after approval and foster placement confirmation.
- Incomplete or inaccurate information may delay or prevent acceptance.
Our goal is to ensure safe, responsible placement while providing individualized care for every animal we accept.
Submit a Surrender Request
If you meet the above requirements, please review our terms and complete the surrender form below to begin the process.
Important: We are a foster-based rescue and cannot provide immediate intake. Submission of this form does not guarantee acceptance. Owners must be 18+ and able to transport the animal for drop-off after foster placement is secured.