Many areas are holding exotic animal amnesty events or programs where owners can surrender illegal animals without penalty.  Below are some known ones.  Contact them for the latest information. 



 
FLORIDA

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has an exotic pet amnesty program where owners can surrender their illegal animals before an investigation without penalty or rehome an animal.  The animals are then given to pre-registered adopters. 

Species accepted: Non-native species only excluding domestic species

Non-native pets can be surrendered by:



HAWAII


Hawaii Department of Agriculture offers an amnesty program where owners can surrender illegal animals before an investigation without criminal charges or fines.  Surrendered animals are NOT euthanized.

Species: All except domestic species

Pets can be dropped off anytime at:

  • Any local humane society
  • Municipal zoos or aquariums
  • Any Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s Plant Quarantine Office


 


NEW YORK

The Suffolk County SPCA and Department of Environmental Conservation hold annual amnesty events where owners can surrender illegal animals without penalty if they do so before an investigation. 

Species: Exotic species

Pets can be dropped off by making an appointment with the Suffolk County SPCA during an event. 

 


VIRGIN ISLANDS


The Department of Planning and Natural Resources has an Exotic Pet Amnesty program where owners can get a free permit without penalty.  

Species Accepted: All native and exotic species excluding domestics, livestock and farm animals

Obtain a permit by:

  • Calling STT: 340-775-6762 or STX: 340-773-1082
  • Bringing the animal (or photo) to the annual event


EXOTIC ANIMAL AMNESTY PROGRAMS