• Adoption Resources:

    Are you considering getting an exotic animal as a pet?

    Please remember that exotic animals need adoption from rescues too! Not only do local animal services agencies regularly adopt animals such as parakeets, guinea pigs, and rabbits, there are rescues looking to rehome chinchillas, hedgehogs, rats, ferrets, and ball pythons as well.

    Some options include: 

    • Texas Rustlers Small Animal and Guinea Pig Rescue
    • Plano Animal Services (or other local city and county shelters)
    • The Humane Society of North Texas
    • Petfinder.com (search for Small & Furry!)

    If you are interested in re-homeing an exotic animal with the Holifield Science Learning Center...

    Please email our Animal Curator at elisa.caywoodbest@pisd.edu. Also, please include a picture of the animal, its current habitat, its approximate age, if it is male or female, where you got it, and other relevant information. Acceptance to the Holifield Science Learning Center's Living Materials Center is space and resource dependent.

    Keep in mind that you may have to contact multiple organizations if you are looking to re-home a turtle, pet rabbit, or guinea pig, as these are the most frequently given up exotic pets.

    Finally, please do your research!

    Did you know that goldfish need large aquariums (20 gallons per fish at least!) and water filters? That rabbits need lots of room to roam around and should only eat carrots as a rare treat? How about that chinchillas can live 20 years or more, Sugar gliders are nocturnal, Axolotls need cold water and low light, and many turtles can live upwards of 50 years?

    Always remember to look up what to expect when thinking about getting a new species of animal as a pet. You don't want to be surprised later when you find out that cute little tegu lizard is going to grow up to be 5 feet long!

    Two Softshell Turtles swimming in a large water tank, with sand and plants.    A woman plays with Blossom the cockatoo since birds need lots of time with friends

  • Picture of a hedge hog

  • The Animal Care Team at the Center frequently gets calls from individuals looking to rehome their exotic pet. Species of animals that are frequently looking for homes include Ring Neck (white) doves, Parakeets, Ball Pythons, Aquatic Turtles, Box Turtles, Rabbits, Fish, Guinea pigs, and some Amphibians.

    If you are interested in permanently adopting an exotic rescue animal, please fill out this interest form.
Last Modified on September 25, 2024