Exotic Pet Surrender Event - Stevens Point
Schedule
Fri Apr 17 2026 at 12:00 pm to 03:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
Holiday Inn Stevens Point - Convention Ctr | Stevens Point, WI
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Have an Exotic Pet You Can No Longer Care For?
As part of Wisconsin Water Week and the Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention, J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue is hosting a special Exotic Pet Surrender Event on Friday, April 17 from 12 PM to 3 PM at the Holiday Inn Stevens Point Convention Center, 1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 54482.
This event provides a safe and responsible option for people who can no longer care for their exotic pets. In some areas, rehoming options for animals such as fish, birds, and reptiles are limited. When owners feel they have no other choice, they may consider releasing their pets into the wild. However, releasing exotic animals can harm both the animal and Wisconsin’s ecosystems, especially our lakes and rivers.
By offering safe surrender options during Wisconsin Water Week, this event helps prevent the introduction of invasive species into local waterways while giving these animals a second chance at life in a proper home.
Area organizations will be accepting fish, invertebrates, reptiles, pet birds, small mammals, and plants — no questions asked.
Not accepted: Domestic pets and farm animals including dogs, cats, rats, mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, horses, pigs, and chickens. Please contact your local Humane Society for rehoming assistance for these animals.
We also cannot accept Wisconsin native wildlife taken from the wild. Please refer to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website to find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Birds, reptiles, and mammals originating from outside Wisconsin must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate).
Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet animal ambassadors and take photos at a rescued pet photobooth while learning about responsible pet ownership and invasive species prevention.
J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue (JRAAR) is hosting the event with help from several partner organizations including:
• Ichthyology and Aquarium Sciences Society of Stevens Point
• UW–Stevens Point Herpetology Society
• Golden Sands Resource Conservation & Development
• Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Partnership
• University of Wisconsin Sea Grant / Water Resources Institutes
Surrendered pets will be made available for adoption after a brief quarantine and observation period. Same-day adoptions will not be available.
This event was made possible with support from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Questions regarding the Exotic Pet Surrender Event can be directed to Macy Wolke-Yohr of J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue at [email protected]
.
#ExoticPetSurrenderEvent #WisconsinWaterWeek #InvasiveSpecies #DontReleasePets
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Where is it happening?
Holiday Inn Stevens Point - Convention Ctr, 1001 Amber Ave, Stevens Point, WI 54482-8473, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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