Exotic Pet Amnesty Program FAQs

Florida residents in possession of a nonnative species kept as a pet can request to rehome their pet through this program.

We accept requests to rehome nonnative species kept as pets including reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish and mammals. Pets are accepted for rehoming year-round via our online Rehoming Form.

Native species kept as pets are not accepted as part of this program. Owners of native pets should visit the Captive Wildlife page to find more information about regulations and options for their native animals. Report sick or injured wildlife by contacting a local wildlife rehabilitator or calling FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline. Requests to rehome domestic pets, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and livestock (e.g. pigs and chickens) are not accepted. Owners of domestic animals should inquire with local pet shelters or rescues for options on rehoming their pets. 

The program will attempt to match your nonnative pet with a qualified adopter from our network. Contact information of interested adopters will be forwarded to the pet owner. Pet owners will coordinate the details and arrange the transfer of their pet directly with the adopter of their choice. Pet owners will continue to provide housing and care until their pet is successfully adopted.

No. The Exotic Pet Amnesty Program does not euthanize nonnative pets.

Yes. The program recommends owners have the animal examined by a veterinarian and submit any treatment plans or records of the condition (including pictures of body condition) to PetAmnesty@MyFWC.com. This information will help inform an adopter of the current condition of the pet and the future care required. Adoption of sick or injured pets is not guaranteed.

The program does not accept dying pets and does not provide euthanasia services. The Exotic Pet Amnesty Program does not euthanize nonnative pets. 

We strive to place nonnative pets into new homes that provide them the best chance at living a long and happy life. If the pets you want to rehome are bonded, every effort will be made to place the animals together.

When you request to rehome your pet, you may discuss this with the adopter. The program cannot guarantee that the person who adopts your pet will be open to contacting you with updates.

Every effort will be made to place nonnative pets in new homes with adopters in Florida and across the United States. If a pet is not adopted, we will work with pet owners to determine additional options.

PLEASE NOTE: Finding homes for red-eared sliders can take longer than most rehoming cases. These turtles are the most common pet requested to be rehomed in the program, with limited options for placement.

Complete the online adopter application. All information must be completed and submitted before the application is processed.

Applicants may apply to adopt from multiple pet categories. Additional pet categories may be added to your adopter profile at any time if you are accepted as an adopter in the program. 

Adopters receive email notifications from the program whenever their preferred pet species are available for rehoming. It is important to keep your pet adoption preferences and contact information up to date to receive these email notifications.

If you are interested in adopting that pet, reply back to the email notification stating why you would make a good home for their pet. We will then forward your contact information and emailed response to the pet owner. It is the pet owner's responsibility to reach out to their chosen adopter directly and coordinate the details of the adoption. Please keep in mind that there are oftentimes multiple adopters interested in any given pet that is up for adoption.

It is free to become an adopter! There are no application fees and there is no fee to adopt a pet through the program. However, the cost of supporting a pet for the remainder of its life should be considered before applying.

Yes! Each request is evaluated based on the experience documented in the application. Adopters may only adopt pets from categories for which they are approved and possess the valid permit or license, if required. Adopters can also request to add categories to their profile after their initial application has been approved.

Some species do not require a permit for personal pet possession. If the pet does require a permit for possession, you must be approved for that permit before you may adopt that species.

More information on:

Rule Change for Invasive Reptiles

Permits for Nonnative Species

Regulations for Captive Wildlife

Yes. The applications demonstrate your knowledge of the species and their care requirements. All information must be provided to be approved to adopt through the program.