Free Milwaukee Exotic Pet Surrender Event Accepts Birds, Reptiles, Fish Feb. 7

Milwaukee pet owners who can no longer care for exotic animals will have a no-cost, no-questions option to surrender pets at a community event on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue (JRAAR), in partnership with the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant/Water Resources Institutes, will run the Exotic Pet Surrender Event from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Kosciuszko Community Center.

The event accepts a broad range of exotics: fish and invertebrates, reptiles, pet birds, exotic small mammals, and non-native plants. Owners must bring animals in secure containers. Animals surrendered from outside Wisconsin must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI). All surrendered animals will undergo mandatory quarantine and evaluation before JRAAR pursues rehoming or other appropriate placement.

For parrot owners and other psittacine caregivers, this offers a practical alternative to surrendering birds into unfamiliar homes or, worse, releasing them outdoors where cold winters and predators can be deadly. For reptile keepers, the event helps stop non-native species from becoming invasive after accidental or intentional release. JRAAR emphasizes that events like this reduce environmental risk and create safe options for animals and owners alike.

JRAAR reports it has rehomed more than 11,000 animals since 2020, demonstrating a track record of intake, quarantine, and placement programs. The partnership with the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant/Water Resources Institutes adds a conservation and aquatic-resource perspective, particularly important for fish, amphibians, and aquatic plants that can threaten local waterways if released.

Practical details matter: bring secure carriers or containers for birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish; ensure invertebrates are safely contained; and keep plants potted or boxed so they can be evaluated. Owners transporting animals from out of state should secure a CVI in advance from a licensed veterinarian to avoid delays. Expect quarantine protocols to protect surrendered animals and local wildlife from disease or parasites.

Community members who care for talkers, shyers, shed-prone reptiles, or delicate aquarium setups can use this event to responsibly transfer animals without judgement. More broadly, the event is a reminder that surrendering a pet to a qualified rescue is a responsible step that protects both animals and the environment. For owners weighing options, the Feb. 7 event provides a clear, free pathway to hand off care to experienced rescuers and move forward without risking escapes or releases.