Reptile rescues

95 Reptile Rescues Near You with Adoptable Reptiles (2023)

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Around the world, lizards, snakes, turtles and more fill the homes of millions of people. Reptiles are extremely popular pets, with new enthusiasts looking to join the hobby every single day.

While many people’s first instinct is to turn to a pet store or breeder to purchase a reptile, reptile rescues are a less considered, but ethically superior, source of these creatures.

If you are looking to add a pet reptile to your home, we strongly recommend that you consider adopting one from a rescue before purchasing one from a pet store or a reptile breeder.

American Reptile Rescues

Below we’ve highlighted some very passionate and credible reptile rescues and sanctuaries. Research each one individually to learn about their services and what reptiles they work with.

We strive to keep this directory current and accurate. Please note that we do not know all of these rescues and cannot personally endorse them.

 

Alabama

Troy Animal Rescue Project

 

Alaska

Jonathan’s Reptiles

 

Valley Aquatics and Reptile Rescue

  • Location: Wasilla, AK
  • Social: Facebook
  • Contact: (907) 854-0339

 

Arizona

Ec•lec•teri Tortoise & Reptile Rescue/Sanctuary

 

Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary

 

Sarah’s Bearded Dragon Rescue

 

Southern Arizona Reptile Rescue

 

The Haus of Voodoo

 

Vvo Reptile Ranch & Rescue

 

Arkansas

Reptile Rescue Center

 

California

Creepy Critters Rescue

 

JnW Reptile Rescue

 

Northern California Herpetological Society

 

Reptile Rescue Mission Viejo

 

The Wise Frog Reptile Rescue

  • Location: Farmersville, CA
  • Social: Facebook
  • Contact: (559) 403-6031

 

Sonoma County Reptile Rescue

 

Colorado

Colorado Reptile Humane Society

 

Northern Colorado Herpetological Society

 

Connecticut

None!

 

Delaware

None!

 

Florida

Central Florida Reptile and Rescue

  • Location: Melbourne, FL
  • Social: Facebook
  • Contact: (321) 405-8081

 

Crazy Critters Inc.

 

Hernando Reptile and Exotics Rescue, Inc.

 

Santucci Small Animal and Reptile Rescue

 

South Florida Reptile Rescue

  • Location: South Florida
  • Social: Facebook

 

Southern Reptile Haven

 

Suncoast Animal Rescue

 

Georgia

Georgia Herpetological Association and Rescue

 

Georgia Reptile Society

 

Southeastern Reptile Rescue

 

Hawaii

Aloha Animal Sanctuary

 

Idaho

Idaho Reptile Zoo

 

Southern Idaho Reptile Rescue

 

Illinois

Chicago Herpetological Society

 

Copper’s Friends Bearded Dragon Rescue

 

Indiana

Arrowhead Reptile Rescue

 

Iowa

Iowa Family Exotics and Rescue

 

Kansas

GG’s KC Reptile Rescue

 

Kansas City Herpetological Society

 

Kentucky

Arrowhead Reptile Rescue

 

Louisiana

Louisiana Exotic Animal Resource Network

 

Steve’s Snaketuary

 

Maine

Herp Haven

 

Mr. Drew and His Animals Too

 

Maryland

Medusa’s Misfit Rescue

 

Massachusetts

Redfoot Reptile Rescue Programs

 

Michigan

Saving Scales Reptile Rescue

 

Wild Whiskers

 

Minnesota

Minnesota Herpetological Society

 

Mississippi

Central Mississippi Turtle Rescue

 

Missouri

St. Louis Reptile Rescue

 

The Three Sisters Exotic Rescue & Sanctuary

 

Veteran’s Vertebrates

 

Montana

Montana Reptile Rescue

  • Location: Great Falls, MT
  • Social: Facebook
  • Contact: (406) 750-8663

 

Nebraska

Draco’s Reptile Rescue

 

The Lizard Lighthouse

 

Nevada

Reptile Rescue Las Vegas

 

Nevada Reptile Sanctuary

 

New Hampshire

Fresh Start Reptile Rescue

 

New Jersey

South Jersey Turtle, Tortoise and Reptile Rescue

 

New Mexico

Wildlife Rescue of New Mexico

 

New York

Hudson Valley Reptile and Rescue

 

Second Chance Bird & Reptile Rescue

 

North Carolina

BeWild Reptile Rescue

 

CCSB Reptile Rescue

 

Fresh Start Rescue

 

Piedmont Reptile Rescue

 

North Dakota

Kritter Krazy

 

Ohio

Arrowhead Reptile Rescue

 

Cool Critters Outreach

 

Herps Alive

 

Oklahoma

Snakes Alive Reptile and Exotics Rescue

 

Oregon

Beautiful Dragons Reptile Rescue

 

Pennsylvania

Atypical Animals Rescue

 

Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary 

 

Heart Reptile Rescue and Sanctuary

 

Marie Exotics Reptile Rescue

 

Moonlit Jungle Rescue

 

Nate’s Reptile Rescue

 

Reptile Cove

 

Reptile Invasion

 

Rhode Island

None!

 

South Carolina

None!

 

South Dakota

Beloved Beardies Reptile Rescue

 

Tennessee

K.C. Reptile Rescue of East TN

 

Tri-Cities Reptile Rescue

 

Texas

Alamo City Reptile Rescue

 

Gina’s Heart of Gold Reptile Rescue

  • Location: Houston, TX
  • Social: Facebook

 

Lumpy Lizard

 

Texas Reptile and Small Animal Rescue

 

Utah

Wasatch Exotics Rescue

 

Vermont

Safe Haven Critter Rescue

 

Virginia

Blue Ridge Reptile Rescue

 

Reptile Education of Virginia

 

Washington

Center Valley Animal Rescue

 

West Virginia

Mountain State Reptile Rescue

 

Wisconsin

Badgerland Reptile Rescue

 

Lakeshore Avian and Reptile Rescue and Sanctuary

 

Reptile Rescue of Wisconsin

 

Wyoming

None!

 

Why Adopt Reptiles From Rescues?

If you’re looking to bring home a pet reptile, you should turn to a local reptile rescue/shelter first and foremost. These are hands-down the best places to get a reptile from.

Most reptile rescues are owned and run by people that truly care about every single reptile that comes through their doors.

These shelters are extremely personal, with owners and volunteers alike taking the time to assess each creature and properly rehabilitate and care for them.

They’ll also have veterinarians examine reptiles, if needed, to help identify and treat any medical conditions that may be present.

Another benefit of reptile rescues is that workers are extremely knowledgeable about reptiles. They’ll be able to answer any and all questions about reptile care that you may have.

The primary goal of reptile rescues is to provide or find a loving home for every single reptile that they come to own.

Benefits Of Reptile Rescues

  • Reptiles are examined by experts
  • Adoption fees don’t run high
  • Reptiles are properly housed/fed
  • You’re giving a reptile a second chance at life
  • You aren’t contributing to reptile overpopulation

Downsides Of Reptile Rescues

  • Reptile rescues aren’t very common